Friday, February 12, 2010

2010 Kia Sedona - Bottom Line

Click Video 2010 Kia Sedona @ NAIAS 2010 from Youtube

The 2010 Kia Sedona is one of the few minivans still on the market that's available both in short-and long-wheelbase (SWB and LWB) versions. Both models come with three rows of seating, though the arrangements themselves are quite different. The Sedona is related to the Entourgae, from Kia's international partner Hyundai, though the Entourage has only been a long-whellbase van(and isn't even offered for 2010.


Whether you're opting for the base SWB, or LX or LX versions of the LWB version, all 2010 Sedonas are powered by a 244-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6. Although a little coarser-sounding than some of the V-6 engines in rival vans, the engine is relatively smooth and has plenty of torque to move either version quickly with the five-speed automatic transmission-which is smooth but a bit slow to downshift at times. Thanks to revised engine tuning for 2010, the Sedona achieves a slight boost in city fuel economy; it's now rated at 17 mpg city, 23 highway, which is about the same as other minivans.

There's nothing quite like Chysler's trick Swivel n' Go seats on the 2010 Kia Sedona, but long-wheelbase versions have a seven-passanger setup that's quite convenient for those who have to regularly fold the third row down and expand cargo. In those LWB Sedonas, it neatly folds into the floor; however, in the SWB Sedona, it needs to be removed-like minivan models of the past-if you want a flat cargo floor.

Otherwise, the Sedona is simple and straightforward inside, with little detailing or glossy trim, though first-and second-row seats are quite comfortable. The added wheelbase of LWB models brings more cargo space: 33.2 cubic feet behind the third row versus just 12.9 cubic feet in SWB versions-however, the SWB version is a bit easier to maneuver and park.



By Bengt Halvorson, www.thecarconnection.com

No comments: