2008 Kia Sedona

Now on its second generation, the Sedona has grown from a mid- to a full-size minivan, if you pardon the oxymoron. It also marks the first Kia product we can think of which spawned a near-twin at parent company Hyundai with its Entourage minivan, as we're used to seeing the opposite happen.

Anyhow, the 7-passenger Sedona is a stout van offering just one powertrain combination: Kia's biggest engine, a 3.8 liter all-aluminum V6, mated to a five-speed electronically controlled automatic with Sportmatic feature. The pair is rated to return 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg in the highway cycle, as determined by the EPA. The engine produces 250 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 253 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm.

There are three trim levels: Base, LX and EX. The Base has a shorter wheelbase and is consequently, shorter overall. Towing capacity on the two higher trims is rated at 3,500 lbs, which is not too shabby for a front-wheel drive minivan.

Standard equipment on the Base Sedona includes an AM/FM/CD audio system, removable second-row captain's chairs, 50/50 split-fold 3rd-row seats, dual front advanced airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, tri-zone air conditioning, electronic stability system, 4-wheel ABS and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The LX adds a 60/40 split fold-in-the-floor third row seats, in-glass antenna, roof rails and double raschel cloth seats. A Convenience package only available on the Base van adds the roof rails and floor mats. The only options on the LX are standalone and include: rear-seat entertainment system and cross bars, both of which require the roof rails first, and power sliding doors.

The EX substitutes the lesser models' 16 inch steel wheels and covers with 17 inch alloy wheels shod in Michelin rubber, provides MP3 capability to the audio system, and adds an auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink, fog lamps, heated power outside mirrors, 8-way power driver's seat, 4-way power front passenger's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power rear quarter windows, trip computer with compass, moquette cloth seats and solar glass.

Three packages can be added to the EX only. They include the Power package (power sliding rear doors and power-opening liftgate), Premium Entertainment Package (rear-seat 8-inch DVD entertainment system with two wireless headsets and remote control, 660W, 7.1-channel Infinity AM/FM/MP3/Cassette audio system with in-dash 6-disc changer, 13 speakers) and a Luxury package (leather seat trim, heated front seats, power adjustable pedals, memory for driver's seat, outside mirrors, adjustable pedals, front automatic temperature control, steering-wheel audio remote, reverse warning system, power tilt/sliding sunroof and an engine immobilizer.)

All of Kia's offerings include a 10-year / 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year / 60,000 mile limited basic warranty, 5-year / 100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty and a 5-year / 60,000 mile 24-hour roadside assistance.