2002 Kia Sedona - Shaking Up the Status Quo
Something entirely new is rare in this world. Then again, something new that everyone actually wants and needs is even more amazing. Yet, excepting the 1960's VW microbus, such was the case in 1984 when the minivan hit the market. It seemed that all of a sudden, from out of nowhere, new minivans from Chrysler, Ford and Toyota were transforming Canadian transportation.
With that in mind the new Sedona is really nothing new at all. Its strength lies in how well it emulates the two-box, front engine, FWD design that has made Chrysler's van so successful, while adding more standard features for a lower base price. But how does it measure up? To reflect some light on this question a point by point comparison between the Sedona and what most consider its best competitors is needed. America's Dodge Caravan and Japan's Honda Odyssey are the current top family haulers.
Engine Performance: At 195-hp, the Sedona's 3.5-L V6 offers more power than the Dodge Caravan's 180-hp 3.3-L base V6. What's more, the Kia utilizes 24-valve, DOHC technology that is not available in the Dodge. The same is true for the Caravan's optional 3.8-L V6, but power eclipses the Sedona's by 20-hp for a total of 215. The Honda Odyssey's 240-hp displays a clear acceleration advantage over all competitors. When it comes to torque, all important when carrying heavy loads, the Kia once again edges out the Dodge in base trim, but this time only slightly at 218 lb-ft compared to 215. Dodge's optional engine puts out an impressive 245 lb-ft, matching the Honda's standard V6. Advantage: Honda
Something entirely new is rare in this world. Then again, something new that everyone actually wants and needs is even more amazing. Yet, excepting the 1960's VW microbus, such was the case in 1984 when the minivan hit the market. It seemed that all of a sudden, from out of nowhere, new minivans from Chrysler, Ford and Toyota were transforming Canadian transportation. With that in mind the new Sedona is really nothing new at all. Its strength lies in how well it emulates the two-box, front engine, FWD design that has made Chrysler's van so successful, while adding more standard features for a lower base price. But how does it measure up? To reflect some light on this question a point by point comparison between the Sedona and what most consider its best competitors is needed. America's Dodge Caravan and Japan's Honda Odyssey are the current top family haulers.
Engine Performance: At 195-hp, the Sedona's 3.5-L V6 offers more power than the Dodge Caravan's 180-hp 3.3-L base V6. What's more, the Kia utilizes 24-valve, DOHC technology that is not available in the Dodge. The same is true for the Caravan's optional 3.8-L V6, but power eclipses the Sedona's by 20-hp for a total of 215. The Honda Odyssey's 240-hp displays a clear acceleration advantage over all competitors. When it comes to torque, all important when carrying heavy loads, the Kia once again edges out the Dodge in base trim, but this time only slightly at 218 lb-ft compared to 215. Dodge's optional engine puts out an impressive 245 lb-ft, matching the Honda's standard V6. Advantage: Honda