2009 Kia Sedona Minivan Features And Price

The 2009 Kia Sedona is again a serious contender in the family minivan segment. There's just a lot of value for the dollar in this feature-rich yet affordable vehicle that also boasts a long warranty, a comfortable ride and outstanding crash test scores.

After debuting in 2002, the Sedona has made steady progress up the ratings charts to the point where it's now giving its competitors fits with its solid value and performance. Now in its redesigned second-generation, the Sedona is a well-built and well-equipped minivan that still commands a very appealing price advantage.

And Kia keeps making it still better. New standard features added for the 2009 model year are satellite radio (with three months free service) and a USB/MP3 input jack. Also new is an optional navigation system for the EX model.

Standard Features And Options:

The 2009 Kia Sedona is offered in both long-wheelbase (LWB) and short-wheelbase (SWB) form. LWB Sedonas substitute a 60/40-split fold-flat third-row seat instead of the SWB's 50/50-split removable bench. The SWB Sedona is only available in the base trim. The LWB Sedona is available in both the LX and EX models.

Standard features on the already well-equipped base and LX Sedonas include 16 inch steel wheels, full power accessories, air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, dual sliding rear doors (manual), second-row captain's chairs, and an 8-speaker MP3/CD stereo with satellite radio and a USB/MP3 input jack.

The top-of-the-line Sedona EX adds 17 inch alloy wheels, heated power mirrors, foglights, a roof rack, dual power-sliding side doors and liftgate, power front seats, power rear-quarter windows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a trip computer.

Options available only on the EX include navigation, heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals and a DVD entertainment system with an 8-inch monitor and upgraded Infinity audio.

In addition, all LWB Sedonas can be outfitted with the optional rear parking sensors, while the LX model can be equipped with the DVD entertainment system without the Infinity audio system. An iPod cable is also an available option for all models.

Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:

Powering all Kia Sedona models is a 3.8 liter DOHC V6 engine that generates a robust 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The Sedona is a front-wheel drive vehicle that comes with a five-speed automatic transmission and has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. In performance tests, the Sedona has been timed going from a standstill to 60 mph in a respectable 9.0 seconds.

The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the Sedona comes in at 16 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway.

In addition, there's a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty on top of the Sedona's basic five-year/60,000-mile vehicle warranty.

Safety:

Standard safety features on all Sedona models include antilock disc brakes (ABS) with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front seat side-impact airbags, full-length head curtain airbags and active front headrests.

In government crash tests, the 2009 Sedona swept all categories with perfect five-star ratings for all driver and passenger protection tests in both frontal and side-impacts.

Interior:

While the Sedona's cabin was designed to emphasize comfort over pizzaz, it is nevertheless well thought out, attractive and user-friendly. There's plenty of storage space and seating is comfortable, particularly in the long-wheelbase model. The LWB model also has the advantage of the more convenient 60/40-split third-row seat that can be folded flat into the floor.

The second-row seats in all Sedonas can be either flipped forward or totally removed, providing a cavernous 142 cubic feet of cargo space in the LWB Sedona. Even the smaller SWB model does well in this regard, coming in with 121 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Drive:

The 2009 Sedona's V6 engine is plenty powerful, being able to move full loads or even do some light-duty trailering when needed. At the same time, the Sedona's drive is quiet and refined, even at highway speeds. Certainly, the Sedona, or any other minivan, isn't purchased as a performance vehicle. But when it comes to handling, the Sedona can clearly hold its own, better than just about all others in its segment except the more athletic (and expensive) Honda Odyssey.

(Update: Bad Economy Leads To Lower Kia Prices:

Kia sales were down again last month versus 2008 levels, evidence of a continuing weak economy and an especially weak car buying trend. There's some good deals to be had right now in this very soft car market. Here's some pointers on how:

How To Buy A New Kia Sedona At The Lowest Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Sedona, here's a technique that will show you the best way to buy one at or below invoice, especially given the current slow economic environment.)

Price:

2009 Kia Sedona Minivan:

Base: listed retail price: $21,245, invoice price: $20,430
LX: listed retail price: $24,245, invoice price: $22,825
EX: listed retail price: $27,745, invoice price: $25,710

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2009 Kia Sedona Features And Prices