Our Kia Sedona accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds and completes the standing start quarter mile 16.8 seconds at 84 mph. In the van's intro we mistakenly judged that performance as average for a van powered by a 3.8-liter 242-horsepower V6 backed by a five-speed automatic transmission. It's not average. We just took the Sedona, a Honda Odyssey, a Toyota Sienna, a Nissan Quest and a Chrysler Town and Country to the test track as part of an upcoming comparison test and the Kia was the quickest...
I drove the Kia home last night and was really surprised by its oomph off the line. Leadfoot moms can pin the kids juice box to the back window through three gears. Sadly that response doesn't continue once the van is up to speed. Even in slow city traffic the engine's power is muted by the transmission's unwillingness to downshift and its premature engagement of top gear. To correct the 5-speed's poor tuning, I make judicious use of the shifters manual gate, but wish I didn't have to.
Inside Line Executive Editor Scott Oldham, 8256 miles
hondacura4 says:
08:50 AM, 09/ 3/06
We have a 2005 Odyssey Touring and for its size and weight (4400+ for the Touring), its very peppy. Id like to see the Sedona and the Ody go from a 60mph rolling start. That VTEC top end should take care of the Sedona. Its funny to see the minivans in a power war and Honda started it with the 240hp Odyssey a few years ago, then Nissan, Chrylser, and Im sure Toyota will be installing their WONDERFUL 3.5 the Sienna. But in my eyes as good as the other minivans are the Odyssey is still the king.
eric_l says:
09:55 PM, 09/ 3/06
Sure enough, the mags are reporting the 2007 Sienna will get the 3.5L V6 (268hp, just like the Camry).
trjnflip says:
02:19 PM, 09/14/06
i wonder if the odyssey will get a version of the new MDX 3.7L 300 hp V6 engine? I'm assuming it will during an upcoming MMC or FMC.