2008 Kia Sedona

There are no innovations in the Kia Sedona. It is simply a well-executed, cut-price version of the modern minivan, and as such, it hits most of the high points for mainstream minivan buyers. Like Chrysler did for years, Kia offers both short- and long-wheelbase models, and although our long-wheelbase, top-spec EX test vehicle has a base price of $27,290, a base-model, short-wheelbase Sedona starts at less than $22K. All Sedonas are equipped with the same powertrain: a 244-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic. By contrast, Chrysler and Dodge offer three V-6s in their respective minivans, and only the top-spec unit, a 4.0-liter V-6, offers as much power as the Hyundai-sourced V-6.

Already having earned a five-star crash safety rating from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2008 Sedona was selected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as one of only 34 vehicles to earn the "Top Safety Pick" award for its impressive performance with top ratings in frontal, side and rear impact crash tests and for having electronic stability control.

The Sedona builds upon a commitment to safety that was established with the first generation minivan, which earned the company's first five-star crash rating when it debuted in 2002. Since then Kia has earned an impressive list of safety accolades, including NHTSA five-star crash ratings all around for Optima and Sedona and five-star side impact crash ratings for Sorento, as well as the highest possible safety ratings from IIHS for Sedona and top ratings for front and rear impact crash tests for Optima and front and side impact crash tests for Amanti.

The Kia Sedona has just about everything the Honda Odyssey has, except the reputation, for a lot less money. Toyota and Honda have an edge on quality, ride and handling, but the Sedona is a compelling value in this class, offering convenience, comfort, style and performance.

Kia says it designed the Sedona by studying other minivans, choosing the best features, and improving them. Sedona's engine, for example, is a modern V6 tuned to 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. That's more than a match for Honda Odyssey's 244 hp and 240 pound-feet. And just like Odyssey, Sedona backs up that power with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated suspension.