2008 Kia Sedona

NEW FOR 2008:

- Second-row coat hooks deleted

- EX deletes one 12-volt outlet from cargo area

- Antennae changes to mast type

- Roof rails added to LX

- EX trim line adds stability and traction control, deletes leather-wrapped wheel and scuff plates

- EX Power trim line adds stability and traction control, deletes leather-wrapped wheel, scuff plates, auto-dimming mirror and garage door opener

- Exterior colours: Pearl White deleted

For 2008, the Kia Sedona minivan is virtually unchanged but for trim items, and the addition of electronic stability and traction control to the EX; previously, it was only added to the EX Luxury.

All Sedona models use a 3.8-litre V6, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Seating is seven-passenger, with second-row captain's chairs that flip and fold at the touch of a lever, or that can be removed entirely; the 60/40 third-row seat folds completely into the floor.

Features on the LX include 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, CD stereo, power locks with keyless entry, power front, middle and third-row quarter windows, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers, rear washer/wiper, privacy glass, heated mirrors, roof rails, cruise control, floor mats, and conversation mirror.

The EX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, trip computer, fog lamps, illuminated vanity mirrors, premium cloth seats, eight-way power driver's seat, and electronic stability control with traction control.

The EX Power Package adds power sliding doors, power liftgate, power-adjustable pedals, and rain-sensing wipers,

The EX Luxury adds heated leather seats with driver's side memory, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, power sunroof, leather-wrapped wheel, and woodgrain accents.

A sister car to the Hyundai Entourage, the Sedona is considered a long-wheelbase minivan, and offers a great deal of content for the price. Both it and the Hyundai have been giving top ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS in crash tests. There are less-expensive minivans available, but be sure that you're comparing features, as the Sedona includes a number of items for which other manufacturers ask extra.