MOTOR RIVALS

Unlike any other vehicle in its segment, the all-new Sedona offers a fresh take on the midsize multi-purpose vehicle, building on the MPV’s traditional strength of flexible utility and transcending its conventional design limitations. With European-inspired styling similar to that of a CUV, the Sedona maintains functional convenience with ample passenger space and cargo room, while also fulfilling the promise of technology, amenities and safety.

“The all-new Sedona is the final model to undergo Kia’s design-led transformation under the direction of chief design officer Peter Schreyer,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America. “Beneath the strong lines is a vehicle designed for today’s active lifestyles with more power than the previous Sedona, a longer wheelbase for improved leg room and unique seating configurations, including available ‘First Class’ second-row seats. Combined with intuitive technology and safety, the Sedona brings new levels of sophistication to a segment that’s been filled with bland and predictable practicality.”

The Sedona has something for everyone with the addition of three new trim levels: L, SX and the premium SX Limited, which join the LX and EX trims previously offered. Customers will have the option of seven- and eight- passenger seating, offering flexibility to meet various needs. With a base MSRP1 of just $25,900 for the L, $28,100 for the LX, $32,100 for the EX $36,100 for the SX and $39,700 for the SX Limited, the completely transformed Sedona pushes the limits beyond any other vehicle in the segment in terms of design, amenities and value.

Building on the next-generation UVO Infotainment & Telematics system, the all-new Sedona will be the first Kia vehicle to offer four new eServices features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score4. Additionally, with the introduction of the Kia App store, select apps can be downloaded for free from iTunes®5 or Google Play6. The Kia app connector is now available for partnership with the content community, including Pandora®7, iHeart Radio and Yelp®8. Many more new technologies for comfort and convenience are featured in the new UVO system, including Siri “Eyes Free9” and Local Search – powered by Google – for finding locations, addresses and points of interest. Sirius XM Travel Link10, offering access to traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores, stock information and movie times, makes the Sedona the perfect companion for those who live their lives on the road with family and friends.

The Sedona is built on an all-new chassis with static torsional stiffness that is 36-percent greater than its closest segment competitor. The body is 76 percent Advanced High Strength Steel or Press Hardened Steel, which provides exceptional rigidity, durability and collision protection in a lightweight design. For enhanced roof strength, the Sedona has been engineered with reinforced pillars that distribute impact loads with ultra-high-strength steel tubes installed inside the A-pillars. Extensive use of bonding adhesives and larger diameter welds also add to Sedona’s overall structural integrity and strength. Together with Kia’s patented technology, the Sedona is targeted to earn the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 5-Star overall vehicle safety rating.

The rigid and durable chassis provides a solid base for road-trip readiness. The Sedona utilizes Amplitude Selected Dampers (ASD) along with independent rear suspension to strike an optimal balance of ride comfort and handling. The platform also has revised rear cross-member bushings, an isolated rear sub-frame with longer trailing arms and added rear strut reinforcement, all of which combine for improved dynamic ride characteristics. Additionally, the Sedona is expected to be among the quietest in the segment thanks to wheel-house padding, double seal sliding doors and expanded use of sound-deadening foam in the engine compartment, reducing noise and perceived harshness over rough pavement.

Under the hood, a new Lambda Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 3.3-liter V6 engine replaces the 3.5-liter V6 found in the previous generation Sedona. The 3.3-liter engine, which also appears in the Sorento CUV and Cadenza premium sedan, delivers more power than its predecessor, boasting 276 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and it has been tuned for enhanced mid-range torque, offering 248 lb.-ft. at 5,200 rpm. Finally, the new 3.3-liter V6 engine is mated to a six-speed Sport-Matic transmission tuned for balanced control, power and efficiency.

Throughout the design and development process a high priority was placed on active and passive safety features as well as technology, resulting in one of the most technologically advanced vehicles in the segment. All Sedona models come standard with active safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC)11, Traction Control System (TCS)11, Brake Assist System (BAS)11, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)11, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)11 and Antilock Braking System (ABS)11. Additional technologies such as Roll Over Mitigation (ROM)11 and Cornering Brake Control (CBC)11 also were added as standard equipment for improved dynamic control and safety.

New optional driver aid technology, including Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)11, Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS)12, Smart Cruise Control (SCC)12, Blind Spot Detection (BSD)12 and Rear Cross Traffic Alert12, help provide Sedona owners with a more convenient and secure daily driving experience.

From front to back the Sedona offers numerous convenience features, including Kia’s first application of the newest high-power (2.1 Amp) USB charging ports and 115-volt AC outlets to charge small electronics, as well as a dual glove box that offers a cooled lower storage area. For easier parking and vehicle maneuvering, the available Surround View Monitor9 provides real-time images from cameras placed around the vehicle. Smart Welcome automatically illuminates the door handles and unfolds the power retractable side mirrors when the vehicle key fob is detected. A hands-free “Smart Power Liftgate” opens the rear lift gate automatically when the key fob is sensed for three seconds, and its programmable function can be tailored to the user’s height preference.

For the first time all Odyssey models will include standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity, a 4-way power passenger seat, Expanded View Driver's Mirror, Pandora® interface and an SMS text messaging function. New available features include the Honda exclusive LaneWatch™ blind spot display, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Additionally, Odyssey Touring Elite models will now come standard with the much-anticipated HondaVAC™, the world's first in-vehicle vacuum cleaner, which allows customers the ability to quickly and easily clean-up dirt and debris from every corner of the minivan.

The Honda Odyssey will have a starting MSRP1 of $28,825. This represents only a $150 increase in base price for a thoroughly revised Odyssey equipped with additional standard features for increased convenience.

With the addition of a standard 6-speed automatic transmission paired to the 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), the Odyssey further solidifies its place as the fuel economy leader in the minivan segment with all models offering EPA fuel economy ratings of 19/28 mpg1 city/highway (model-year 2013 EPA ratings were 18/27 mpg on all models except Touring and Touring Elite).

Further enhancing occupant safety, the Odyssey receives the next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineeringâ„¢ (ACEâ„¢) body structure. The reinforced frontal structure improves frontal crash energy management through a wider range of offset and oblique collision modes. With the revised structure, the Odyssey is anticipated to earn the highest rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in the stringent new IIHS small overlap frontal collision test. The Odyssey is expected to be the first minivan to earn a TSP+ from IIHS.