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The Kia Sedona is the most neglected car model currently on sale

Today is a rainy day. What does a car nut do on a rainy day? After my spouse said I could have some free time, I started to wonder things. Bizarre things. Like, what happened to minivans? In addition to Ford, Chevy, and Dodge, other manufacturers jumped into the minivan pool. Remember the Mercury, Nissan, and Mazda's minivans? They stormed on the scene en masse in the 1980's and 1990's and then seemed to peter out as the crossover craze began taking full effect at the turn of the millennium. Now there are fewer minivan offerings and one in particular seems neglected. Well, it's still raining. So, I thought I would write down some of my thoughts in that vein. Today, Honda and Toyota are often seen as the minivan rivals, picking at each other in commercials and one-upping the other with little things, like an internal vacuum cleaner. But, don't forget Chrysler who has always been around in the category (they invented it if you believe their advertisements). So, they are always respected in the field, even though the Grand Caravan and Pacifica arguably aren't up to the Honda and Toyota standards. That's not to say they aren't worthy of serious consideration if you're looking for a minivan, because they are. All the products in this category have become relatively good and are far better in quality than anything from 30 years ago. There's another manufacturer out there however, making a minivan that is hardly ever heard from in automotive advertising circles. That is Kia. Their Sedona model is one of the most neglected models currently on sale. The Kia Sedona is a good product, a worthy competitor in the minivan category. It even has lots of conveniences at a price point that should appeal to minivan buyers (thousands less than Honda or Toyota). But, the parent company's limited advertising has not brought the attention to the model that it deserves. Toyota at least makes an effort to put some swagger into it's marketing campaign for their Sienna. The Swagger Wagon videos are still popular. Toyota has even made an off-road version of the Sienna to keep the Sienna top of mind, even if it is a ridiculous concept that will never go into production. So, what?! It's a fun exercise to keep their product somewhat viral. Kia, well... does anybody remember anything cool about the Sedona? Hold on... Yes! There was that Photo Safari Sedona back in 2015.

2017 Kia Niro hybrid's $23,786 price undercuts the Toyota Prius

We're close to the commercial launch of Kia's hybrid crossover, the pointless-record-breaking but decidedly "solid" Niro. The ad campaign has begun with Melissa McCarthy voicing the TV spots, and with the Super Bowl tease already in full swing, curious customers are going to want to know what they'll have to shell out for the fuel-sipping family car. Kia has announced that the Niro will start at a base MSRP of $23,785. The 50 mpg (combined) Niro FE's sub-$24k price includes 16-inch wheels, keyless entry, a seven-inch touchscreen display with rearview camera, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The $24,095 LX adds push-button start, roof rails, and LED rear lighting. The LX also offers the $1,450 Advanced Technology Package, adding forward collision and lane departure warnings, and autonomous emergency braking. At $26,595, the EX provides heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and heated power folding mirrors. It also includes a few driver assistance features, such as blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist. A $2,300 Advanced Technology Package includes a power sunroof, smart cruise control, the collision and lane departure warnings, and autonomous emergency braking. Just below the Touring trim is the Launch Edition at $28,895. It comes in either Snow White Pearl or Aurora Black Pearl paint with a unique metallic grille and Hyper Gray 18-inch alloy wheels. It includes an eight-inch touchscreen navigation system and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Topping the line is the $30,545 Niro Touring, which includes a power sunroof, park assist, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system. This level also offers the Advanced Technology Package, and $1,900 adds HID headlights, wireless phone charging, smart cruise control and the warning and braking systems offered at the other trim levels. Unfortunately, both the Touring and the Launch Edition suffer in fuel economy, at 43 mpg combined. For comparison, the base Kia Niro comes in $1,765 cheaper than the just slightly more efficient Toyota Prius's $25,550. The Ford C-Max Hybrid starts at $24,995, and falls short by about 10 mpg. The Niro is about the same price as the slightly larger, but much less efficient Hyundai Tucson.

CES 2018 brings a buffet of automotive tech — here's a taste

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