I was provided with a 2015 Kia Sedona to test drive to facilitate this review. The opinions in this post are 100% mine. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
I never really considered myself a minivan type Mom but I think the tides are turning here, folks. We recently had the opportunity to test drive the 2015 Kia Sedona SX-L and the entire family fell in love, myself included. I’ve got more details for you below on what we loved, but in a nutshell, this car has the roominess of a minivan (with tons of features), but it doesn’t drive like a giant van on the road. It feels more like a car which I feel really comfortable driving.
Functional and Intuitive
We’ve tested out a few other Kias (Sorento, Rio, Optima, and Soul) and the common thread in these cars is simplified sophistication. The controls are where we expect them to be and it doesn’t take much thought or training to figure out how to use them. Read: You don’t have to spend 20 minutes figuring out how to turn the AC on. It just feels right, and the Kia Sedona is no exception. It packs an incredible amount if functionality into a package that is easy to use.
This Sedona may have had more features and functions than any other vehicle we’ve driven. This car is perfect for busy families that need cargo space plus comfort. That’s us! From the sliding power doors that make entry and exit a breeze, to the auto-lift power tail gate that helps with loading and unloading, the Sedona has tools to make your life easier. The sliding doors are a great feature and you can open and close them with the push of a button on the key fob, above the rearview mirror, or right inside of the door.
If you have a lot of STUFF like we do, you’re going to love all of the smart storage spaces throughout the cabin. There’s so many places to keep things, including a lot of room in the console for all of your on the road necessities (phone, charger, etc), and an optional glove box that can keep drinks cool. Say what?! Yes!
If you’re hauling all the kids’ soccer equipment or a load from Costco, the back seats can fold down to provide enough room to furniture, items from the hardware store or luggage for a family trip.
On the road, we were impressed by the performance of the Sedona. The powerful 276 HP engine and 6 speed transmission has just a little shift between gears. Unlike continuously variable transmissions, there was no lag at any speed. Over bumps and around turns, this vehicle didn’t nearly feel the size that it is. It’s steady, balanced and tight. This is my #1 selling point. I am kind of a short person and I never felt like I was driving a bus (which I have with some other vans). This vehicle really handles more like a car.
With a family vehicle like this, you’re looking for safety. Standard for all models the Sedona has dual front and side airbags and side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats. To stay in control, all versions of the Sedona also come with traction control, stability control and four wheel anti-lock brakes. To help with parking, there is an audible tone when approaching other objects which is helpful in parking lots or tight situations.
I love this safety camera view of the vehicle from ABOVE, so you can see what’s on all sides of your car before you back out. How smart is that?
Two of the more advanced safety systems for the highway include blind spot detection and auto-cruise – a system that helps maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead. The safety technology on this car is like, whoa. A great feeling with precious cargo in the back.
Style
The Sedona is eye-catching with great style. It’s designed in a way that maximizes space while not being as big as a full size van. It’s sleek from all angles and in my opinion, is easily the best looking minivan on the road. We got lots of compliments on it! The exterior has smooth lines so it’s not so boxy. As a person who has never owned a minivan, I was kind of expecting that more boxy vehicle, but this van is very attractive, not only compared to other vans, but compared to most other cars on the road.
Comfortable – Rides like a smaller vehicle but has lots of room
The Kia Sedona is one of the most comfortable vehicles we’ve ever driven and there are amenities for the entire family. The interior is very roomy and it can easily accommodate 7 passengers with 3 rows of seating. Each second row bucket seat includes an adjustable footrest for prime relaxation. Go ahead, read that again. A footrest. And my kids chose to sit in the ‘way back’ seats every time. No, I still haven’t figured out what’s wrong with them. 😉
Tri-zone auto climate control was put to the test during hot August days and the family loved it. My kids were loving being able to control the temp in the back seat. One of my favorite features were the ventilated front seats, fans installed in the seat that circulate cool air, that are very refreshing during the summer months. Cooled seats in August heat = happy mama.
As I mentioned earlier, I’m on the short side (why does this keep coming up?!) so I loved being able to adjust the front seat with the touch of a button. Those controls in the pic above not only let you move front and back, but actually allow you to move the seat UP, so I was sitting up higher.
We loved our time with this car and it truly changed our perspective on minivans. I’m now a fan! It really is possible to have a great looking minivan that is functional, fun, and stylish. Who knew?! The Kia Sedona starts at 26,100 and goes up from there with added options. When you’re in the market for a great family-friendly vehicle definitely get to your Kia dealership and give the Sedona a test drive!
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