2009 Kia Sedona in Winston Salem, NC - $8,490

It's back! The Kia Sedona minivan returns for the 2012 model year as a study in horsepower, passenger room and versatility. An extensive roster of standard and available equipment is designed to bolster Sedona's established position as a safety and value leader in the highly contested minivan market. Now just available in a long wheelbase configuration, the Sedona is available in LX and EX trim levels. Notable features found on the Sedona include a standard fold-in-the-floor, third-row seat and available power-sliding doors and liftgate.

For the 2012 model year, Sedona now offers an optional rear seat entertainment system on both LX and EX models (previously only available on EX), along with new exterior color choices. Amongst its long list of standard equipment, Sedona also features LED turn signal indicators on the outside side mirrors and Bluetooth® "wireless technology" to enable hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones. The 2012 Sedona also displays the signature tabbed Kia grille, seen on all new Kia vehicles.

Power for the Sedona is generated by a 3.5L V6 engine, with torque communicated to the street through a six-speed Sportronic automatic transmission.

Control hardware starts with a four-wheel independent suspension that features MacPherson struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the front; multi-link suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar for the rear.

With regard to interior amenities, Kia designed in a collection of the best of almost everything available in a minivan. The Kia minivan maintains the automaker's tradition of high-value by offering a generous list of standard features and amenities.

The LX model comes standard with tri-zone air conditioning, sliding door power windows, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, captain's chairs for the second row and remote keyless entry with alarm. The EX adds a chrome grille, fog lights, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar, heated power mirrors, AM/FM/ Cassette/MP3/ CD stereo system, auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink, leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift knob, power rear quarter glass, compass, roof rack and wood trim.

Inside the cabin, the driver enjoys an excellent view of the road. Interior appointments are tasteful and upscale -- not "import cheap" looking. Displays and controls are well laid out. They are very user-friendly for short drivers. The roomy interior has versatile seating configurations that allow any number of passenger/cargo hauling possibilities. Seating throughout the cabin is comfortable with armrests, nooks, crannies and plenty of cupholders and four power points for portable electrical appliances.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 118.9; overall length: 202.0; width: 78.1; height: 69.3

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.5L V6 - 271 hp at 6,300 rpm and 248 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.

Transmission: electronically controlled six-speed automatic with overdrive.

EPA Fuel Economy: 18 city/25 highway

Cargo capacity: 141.5 cu. ft.

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, electronic stability control, backup warning system, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, remote keyless entry, side-impact door beams, and tire pressure monitoring system. EX adds fog lights, rearview camera, HomeLink universal garage door opener, and automatic headlamps.

Optional safety features include: navigation system, engine immobilizer, and power adjustable pedals.

Warranty

Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile

Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile

Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Kia Sedona minivan starts from $24,900 for the LX and $29,190 for the EX. Destination charges add $800.