As the resident cyclist on staff I probably use our long-term Sedona's flexible cargo area more than anyone else. I appreciate the way its third-row seats flop into the floor with almost no effort and I often fold its second-row seats forward to make room for bikes. But this weekend I found its cargo area isn't optimal when it comes to carrying a ton of people, bikes and gear.
Renting a minivan to haul three people, three bikes and luggage over the weekend in Tennessee forced me to choose between a Dodge Caravan or the Kia...
Without anyplace to leave one of the second-row seats, this is the best the Sedona could offer:
If it weren't for the seating arrangement, however, the Dodge has no advantage over the Kia. Its engine and transmission aren't as capable or as flexible. Its ventilation and audio controls lack the Kia's intuitiveness and ease of use and its handling leaves much to be desired. But in the end, its primary function -- carrying a ton of cargo and doing it efficiently -- is better.
Josh Jacquot, Senior road test editor @ 22,234 miles
boxermike says:
08:39 AM, 04/25/07
Josh, dont' be a tease. If you're going to mention the bikes you'd better show some bikes!
skierx420 says:
08:55 AM, 04/25/07
At fist I was going to give a bad time about saying the HVAC controls were not as intuitive as the Kia. But then I studied the picture to see if you had a Grand Caravan SXT with the traditional nobs and slider setup. Since it is not that setup and it is the luxury group setup with automatic controls, I will give a small pass on that. Stow and Go is the best invention for minivans since the minivan period.
SubyTrojan says:
09:18 AM, 04/25/07
Good entry, Josh! LOL @ boxermike's comment!
roar02ram says:
09:34 AM, 04/25/07
Wow, a power tailgate on a rent-a-bus. Impressive.
mirth says:
12:26 PM, 04/25/07
I gotta disagree with you about the intuitiveness (a word?) of the Kia HVAC controls. The Dodge slider is way more intuitive then the Kia mess (IMHO, of course).
jerrywimer says:
08:49 AM, 04/26/07
This is where that Silverado Crew Cab that the minivan was compared against in the other blog entry shows its superiority. While two or less and that piece of bowling alley fit well out of the weather and all, you could have five in the truck and the bikes and gear would fit fine in the 5'5" bed out back. In fact, that crew cab pickup is probably just about the most ideal vehicle for this purpose, unless you want to use the roof rack and back mounts on a smaller vehicle, and use the trunk or rear cargo area (could even use a compact SUV in that case).
jjacquot says:
09:55 AM, 04/27/07
"In fact, that crew cab pickup is probably just about the most ideal vehicle for this purpose, unless you want to use the roof rack and back mounts on a smaller vehicle, and use the trunk or rear cargo area (could even use a compact SUV in that case)."
Not true. Bikes are much better in a minivan. They're protected from the weather, the thieves and most prying eyes. Plus, it's impossible to lock them in a truck bed if they're boxed.
Josh