A new short-wheelbase (SWB) model joins the 2007 Kia Sedona lineup, starting at a base price of $20,495. The SWB model is more than a foot shorter overall than the LWB model, with a wheelbase that's five inches shorter, yet it has the same powertrain and many of the same features as the longer, more expensive model.
An aluminum-block 3.8L V6 making 250 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque is standard on all Sedonas. It's matched with a five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic, which allows the driver to manually select the gears when desired. When properly equipped the Sedona can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The Sedona has three rows of extremely versatile seating, including flip-and-fold second-row captain's chairs and a cleverly designed, split-folding third row that folds neatly into the floor for a completely flat cargo floor. Instead of a stowable third row, the SWB model has a split-folding, removable seat.
LWB Sedonas are available in two trim levels, LX and EX. The LX includes tri-zone air conditioning, a CD player, keyless entry, and power windows, mirrors, and locks. The EX adds on more luxury equipment, including fog lamps, power front seats, wood-grain trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a trip computer, larger alloy wheels, a chrome grille, and a roof rack. There is only one SWB model, which comes with much of the LX's equipment, albeit with the different seating arrangement.
Top options on the LWB model include power sliding side doors and a power liftgate. Power adjustable pedals, memory power accessories, and a 660-watt entertainment system with DVD player and 13-speaker Infinity surround sound audio are also available.
All Sedona models have six standard air bags, including front seat-mounted side air bags, full-length side curtain bags that cover all three seating rows, and active front head restraints. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), which helps optimize braking for various loads and road conditions, are standard on all Sedonas. So are stability control and traction control systems.
As with the rest of the Kia line, the Sedona has impressive warranty coverage including 10 years or 100,000 miles on powertrain and five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance and basic coverage.
An all-new version of Kia's Sedona minivan was introduced as a late 2006 model. Despite being substantially larger than the former Sedona, the new model was lighter, more powerful, and more fuel efficient, and had a new four-wheel independent suspension for much-improved ride and handling.
For 2007, a short-wheelbase (SWB) model joins the long-wheelbase (LWB) versions already in the Sedona lineup. There are no other significant changes, except Sedona's engine is now rated at 250 horsepower, 6 horsepower higher than last year.
Kia has established the new Sedona as a safety leader, with a wide range of standard safety features, and the model received several important safety accolades, including the National Highway Traffic Administration's Five Star rating for all seating positions, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick for 2006. As the model remains largely unchanged, these accomplishments should continue for 2007.
