GLADSTONE, Michigan - Redesigned and enlarged as a 2006 model, Kia's minivan competes against the familiar names: Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey. What Kia promotes is value, promising comparable features and operation at a significantly lower price. For 2007, Hyundai - Kia's parent company - introduced its own Entourage minivan, closely related to the Sedona. Both models use essentially the same powertrain, and differ mainly in details and styling.

Unlike most minivans, which comes in a single size, the Sedona is offered with either a long or short wheelbase. LX and step-up EX trim levels are offered in the long-wheelbase layout, but the shorter-length comes only in base trim. Kia's Sedona has earned five-star NHTSA crash-testing scores in both frontal and side impacts. In 2007, it was also named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Six airbags are standard, including full-length curtain-type airbags for all three seating rows, and front seat-mounted side-impact airbags. All-disc antilock braking also is standard, incorporating electronic brake-force distribution and Brake Assist for more effective stopping in emergencies. Sedonas also have a tire-pressure monitor, active front headrests, and an electronic stability program.

Under the hood, Kia's 3.8-liter V-6 engine develops 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, driving a five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic for manually-selected gear changes. Standard steel wheels on short-wheelbase Sedonas and the LX long-wheelbaxe model hold 16-inch tires, but the long-wheelbase EX minivan rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels.

Seating seven, the Sedona has flip/fold second-row seats that ease access to the back row. In long-wheelbase models, the 60/40 split third-row seat folds into the floor. Short-wheelbase Sedonas have a 50/50 split folding back seat that's removable.

Tri-zone air conditioning is standard. Sliding side doors contain power windows - an uncommon but handy minivan feature. The extended-size Sedona EX adds fog lamps, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated power mirrors, a roof rack, power rear-quarter windows, and an eight-speaker CD/MP3 audio system. Like all Kias, the Sedona comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, plus 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage.

In nearly every respect, Kia's minivan delivered yeoman service throughout our 1,200-mile journey from Illinois to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Sedona's ride is pleasant on nearly all surfaces, though tire thump develops on some pavement separators and odd pavements. Some wind rush is evident, but not bothersome. The V-6 engine is very quiet, but this Sedona exhibited an occasional squeak or rattle, thus not quite providing an impression of sheer solidity.

Acceleration is more than adequate: sufficiently strong from a standstill, and modestly enthusiastic for passing/merging. In other words, it's wholly suitable for minivan enjoyment. A little extra caution might be wise if the need for quick passing or merging arises, but otherwise performance is not a problem. Premium fuel is recommended for improved performance, but not required.

Handling, as expected, is not a Sedona strong point. Easy to drive, this minivan maneuvers quite well; but you start to feel body lean fairly in turns, and feel compelled to slow down to keep it in check.

Up front, both occupants enjoy plenty of head, leg, and elbow room. The driver gets an excellent, in-command driving position. Seats are comfortable for the long haul, and reasonably supportive, though devoid of side bolstering. Second-row space also is bountiful, though if leaving forward, a tall person's head could touch the grab handle in the roof. Superior controls and instruments include a huge center speedometer, which is especially well-marked. Over-the-shoulder views are hindered by headrests and thick pillars, though the left view is passable. Thick windshield pillars, too, could hide a slim pedestrian, at least for a moment.

A large, handy console tray includes four cupholders. The huge pull-out glovebox has two compartments. At the rear, luggage is stowed in a deep cargo well. Even with the third-row seats up, it holds quite a bit. Third-row seats can fold into the well, or their seatbacks fold down for flat (but somewhat high) storage space that isn't all that useful.

Pricing starts at $21,420 (including destination charge) for a regular-length Sedona, escalating for $24,320 for the extended-length LX and $26,920 for the long-wheelbase EX edition. Fuel economy isn't the best for a minivan. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives Sedona an estimate of 16 mpg in city driving and 23 mpg on the highway. Our test Sedona came just a little short of that highway estimate.

Attention Editors: This 2008 Kia Sedona review is available for your publication. Please contact us at JF@tirekick.com for details.