2016 Kia Sedona: Perfect For Extended Family Travel
Karen Heffren
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Testing the 2016 Kia Sedona on a multi-generational vacation.
Last month my husband, sons and I took a multigenerational vacation to Orlando with my dad, brother and sister-in-law. We’ve always relied on Disney’s Magical Express service for airport transportation when visiting Walt Disney World, but this time we planned a day outside of Disney at Universal Orlando. We would need transportation to the other theme park in addition to airport transportation and grocery trips to pick up essentials. With all seven of us on this big family adventure, a regular taxi or Uber wouldn’t work well and I really dislike using shuttle services. Luckily for us, a 2016 Kia Sedona proved to be a great solution for all our transportation needs.
My boys loved the novelty of sliding side doors. Credit: Karen Heffren for AGirlsGuidetoCars.
Plenty of cargo space makes family travel easier
I’ve always been an SUV type of girl, but I do know that minivans can be appealing when you have lots of passengers. What I wasn’t sure about was the amount of cargo space the minivan would provide. I assumed there would be plenty of space for grocery trips, errands and school carpools but I wasn’t sure about a vehicle full of people and luggage for a week long trip.
We tested the cargo limits! Credit: Karen Heffren for AGirlsGuidetoCars.
With a little creative packing, we were able to fit everything and everyone in the Sedona! In addition to seven people, the vehicle accommodated two large checked suitcases, five carry-on suitcases, seven personal bags, and a large jogging stroller. The only real concern my husband had while fitting all luggage in the back was finding a spot for the stroller. He found an easy solution – since the Sedona was an eight-passenger model, we were able to store the stroller in the remaining empty seat.
Extra large cargo area in the 2016 Kia Sedona. Credit: Karen Heffren for AGirlsGuidetoCars.
Both my husband and I were surprised by the amount of cargo space the Sedona offered. The cargo area was much deeper than we expected, which means you can really stack and pack a lot in the back. The Kia Sedona also features a “hands-free” power liftgate, making it that much easier when loading luggage or a large stroller.
The Sedona is loaded with safety features
Impressive rear camera display. Credit: Karen Heffren for AGirlsGuidetoCars.
Beyond cargo space, most families want plenty of safety features. I really appreciated the premium navigation and back-up camera – it was hard to adjust back to the tiny screen I have on my own vehicle. While in reverse, the rear camera display shows a live image behind you. It also shows a vehicle footprint with the vehicle width superimposed on the display.
I also loved the idea of complete airbag protection with dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Thankfully we didn’t have to test out that safety feature on our trip.
Plenty of comfort
Slide-N-Stow 2nd row seats made it easy to use the 3rd row of seating. Credit: Karen Heffren for AGirlsGuidetoCars.
With a full passenger load, the tri-zone automatic climate control is essential and amazing. It gets hot in Florida, so the adults in the back really appreciated having control over their own air conditioning. The slide-n-stow second row seats made it easier for everyone seated in the third row to get in and out of the vehicle. It took us a few minutes to figure it out but all that’s required is a lever pull and then a firm push. The seat then folds up and slides forward with ease.
Cup holders and USB chargers make me happy. Credit: Karen Heffren for AGirlsGuidetoCars.
The 2016 Kia Sedona is the perfect vehicle when traveling with extended family around town, even with lots of luggage. I bet it would make an awesome road trip vehicle across the country as well.
Four suitcases barely put a dent in the cargo space. Credit: Karen Heffren for AGirlsGuidetoCars.
WHAT WE LOVED:
- Comfortable seating for each passenger
- Tri-Zone automatic climate control
- USB/Auxiliary Input Jack, USB 2.1 charger ports, and 12-Volt power outlets
- Full length side curtain airbags
- UVO eServices with premium navigation & back-up camera
- Hands-free power liftgate
Detailed navigation was really helpful on unfamiliar toll roads. Credit: Karen Heffren for AGirlsGuidetoCars.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Seating for 8
- Base price $39,900; $43,690 for the model I drove, with technology package and rear entertainment system
- Gas mileage 17 miles per gallon in the city, 22 on the highway, 19 combined
- 10 year/ 100,000 mile Limited Powertrain Warranty
- 5 year/60,000 Mile Limited Basic Warranty
- 5 year/60,000 Mile Roadside Assistance
THE MONRONEY FOR THE 2016 KIA Sedona
Note: Kia loaned me the Sedona for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.