Unmatched in value and warranty protection, the 2012 Kia Sedona EX, as the flagship of this minivan lineup, offers 3 rows of seating for 7, 141.5 cubic feet of total cargo area, a roof rack, 17-inch alloy wheels, sliding rear passenger doors and heated power-adjustable outside mirrors. But that’s just for starters. Inside, look for premium cloth upholstery and simulated wood cabin accents to go along with full power accessories, floor mats in front and rear, and power-adjustable front captain’s chairs. Reclining second-row captain’s chairs, meantime, are complemented by dual-zone front and single-zone rear climate control, with such additional convenience features as cruise control, tilt-wheel steering, rear parking sensors, a universal remote garage door opener and a rear-view camera.
Finally, Bluetooth hands-free calling is standard, as is an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers, satellite radio, an auxiliary iPod interface and a USB connection.
Packaged options for the 2012 Sedona EX include a Premium Entertainment Package with 10 Infinity speakers, a 6-CD changer and rear-seat DVD entertainment, while the available Luxury Package includes heated leather-trimmed front seats, power-adjustable pedals, memory for driver's settings, a power sunroof and an engine immobilizer. Should the Premium entertainment system not be desired, a Navigation Package can be selected instead.
Nearly all the above items can be selected as standalone options, with a trailer hitch and auto climate control also available individually.
Powering the 2012 Sedona EX is the ubiquitous variable-valve-timed (VVT) 3.5-liter V6 engine. Hitched to the standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the six-banger pounds out 271 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, good enough for up to 3,500 pounds of towing, when properly equipped. Finally, mileage for this front-wheel-drive-only minivan is estimated at 18 mpg city/25 highway.
Standard safety features in Kia’s retro-styled mini include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front head restraint whiplash protection and front side-mounted airbags. Further standard safety equipment includes turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a remote antitheft alarm, as well as front fog/driving lights and dusk-sensing headlights. An engine immobilizer is also available with the optional Luxury Package.