2008 Kia Sedona Trims and Specs

A 113-inch wheelbase and 189-inch overall length distinguish the 2008 Kia Sedona Base from the other, longer trims in the lineup. This front-wheel-drive minivan still features three rows, but it has a smaller cargo area, which starts at 12 cubic feet and expands to 121 when both second and third rows are removed. The third row split-folds 50/50 (not 60/40) and reclines, but does not fold flat. Engine power comes from a 24-valve, 250-hp, 3.8-liter DOHC V6 that puts out 253 ft-lbs of torque. It is matched to a five-speed Sportronic automatic with manual mode.

The 2008 Sedona Base rides on a four-wheel independent suspension and 16-inch wheels with all-season tires. Four-wheel disc and ABS brakes come with electronic brakeforce distribution. Combined with traction and stability control, a tire monitor, head restraints, and dual front-side and all-row side curtain airbags, the 2008 Sedona Base earns five stars in crash tests. Full power features include remote entry and cruise control. Intermittent front and rear wipers, a tachometer, tilt steering, and a CD player with new MP3 input are all standard. There are power outlets in the front and back and cupholders for all three rows. Tie-downs are standard in the cargo hold. A roof rack with crossbars can be added.

A new MP3 input jack is the biggest change to the 2008 Kia Sedona LX, a front-wheel-drive minivan powered by a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 that delivers 250 hp and 253 ft-lbs of torque. A five-speed shiftable Sportronic automatic is the only transmission. With a longer wheelbase (119 inches) and overall length (202 inches) than the Base trim, the 2008 Sedona LX holds 32 cubic feet with all three rows of seats up, but expands to 142 cubic feet when both rear rows are removed. Unlike the Base, the second row features captain's chairs, and the third-row bench split-folds 60/40 and can also fold flat into the floor. The cargo area comes with tie-downs and an intermittent wiper. A roof rack is available.

Access to the rear rows is through dual manual sliding doors, but you can pay extra for power doors. Cupholders in all three rows and power outlets in the front and back are family friendly. Standard features include a full power setup (windows, locks, and mirrors), remote entry, cruise control, a CD player, intermittent wipers, tilt steering, a security system, and tri-zone climate control. For those more concerned about family safety, the 2008 Sedona LX offers four-wheel disc and ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control with brake assist, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all rows, active head restraints, and a tire monitor. Limited options include a trailer hookup and a DVD player with remote control and wireless headphones.

Representing the top end of this affordable-yet-safe minivan lineup, the 2008 Kia Sedona EX offers more features and more options than the other trims. It receives a new MP3 input jack and new tires, but otherwise is a holdover from 2007. The 2008 Sedona EX uses the same 250-hp, 24-valve, 3.8-liter DOHC V6 and five-speed Sportronic transmission as the other trims, but rides on larger 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. It also adds more safety features, such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, and foglights. These join four-wheel ABS brakes, traction and stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, a tire monitor, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all three rows. The front-wheel-drive minivan earns five stars in all tests except rollover, in which it gets four.

Seating seven in three rows, the first and second rows feature captain's chairs. Both the second row and third-row bench can be removed, and the third row split-folds 60/40, reclines, and folds flat. The cargo area starts at 32 cubic feet and expands to 142. A roof rack is standard on the EX, and crossbars can be added. Intermittent front and rear wipers add extra convenience. Upgraded features in the 2008 Sedona EX include a trip computer, 8-way and 4-way power front seats, leather trim for the wheel and shifter, heated mirrors, and a compass and temperature display. Cruise control, a full power setup, remote entry, a CD player, and tri-zone climate control are also part of the package.

The 2008 Sedona EX offers more option packages that add power sliding doors and a power liftgate. Leather upholstery, heated seats, a sunroof, power-adjustable pedals, and memory settings are part of a Luxury package. For family entertainment, a 6-CD changer and rear DVD player are available.