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.

In the kid-friendly, parents-rule world of family vans, The Toyota Sienna remains the only model available with all-wheel drive. But that’s just one of the many compelling qualities that make the Sienna a standout. For 2016, upgraded multimedia features augment the parents’ side of the equation.

Toyota has made across-the-board enhancements to the Entune multimedia head units in the 2016 Sienna. The new Connected Navigation Scout® GPS App Link for Entune® Audio Plus uses the customer’s smartphone to provide navigation functionality through the head unit. And iPhone® users will be pleased to know that all available head units now integrate Siri® Eyes Free mode.

The new Sienna Outdoor Package introduced for 2015 returns for 2016, bundling roof rack cross bars, all-weather floor mats, mud guards and door sill protectors.

The Sienna conquers that obstacle course called the everyday with a silky-smooth 266-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination gives the Sienna confident power for urban trekking or highway merging while using fuel efficiently. The standard Tow Prep Package allows the Sienna to pull a 3,500-pound trailer. Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and a wide stance help deliver a solid, direct on-road feel. Aerodynamic under-body elements may seem a bit naughty to mention for a family vehicle, but they do enhance Sienna’s dynamic performance.

The 2016 Sienna is available in five grades: L, LE, SE, XLE and Limited, with optional all-wheel-drive available on LE, XLE and Limited, the latter a family luxury vehicle that will spoil children and parents alike.

The Sienna offers a choice between seven- and eight-passenger configurations and comes chock full of versatile features for shuttling passengers comfortably or hauling lots of their stuff. With the third-row seat stowed and the second-row seat removed, the Sienna provides up to 150 cubic feet of available space, and it will carry 4x8-ft. sheets plywood should you be inclined to do so. Sienna is easy to load, thanks to a wide tailgate and wide side doors, low floor height and Tip-Up and Long Slide second-row seats. Numerous storage bins, spaces and cupholders are located throughout the cabin.