KIA SEDONA NAMED “BEST MINIVAN FOR THE MONEY” FOR 2011
BY U.S. NEWS WORLD REPORT
Minivan Honored by Leading Consumer Resource
- Sedona commended for impressive value and long list of standard convenience and safety features
- U.S. News evaluates new vehicle rankings and cost of ownership data
IRVINE, Calif., January 27, 2011 – A four-time recipient of the “Top Safety Pick” award and proclaimed the “safest minivan ever tested”1 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)2, the Kia Sedona has been named the “Best Minivan for the Money” for 2011 by U.S. News World Report. Sedona took top honors within its class for offering consumers an outstanding value and garnering critical acclaim.
“As one of the longest-running nameplates in the Kia lineup we are thrilled that Sedona continues to be recognized for offering a complete package of standard technology, convenience and safety features at a tremendous value,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). “In the current economic climate total cost of ownership is very important to consumers. The unique formula employed by U.S. News World Report combines their own rankings with overall costs, and further solidifies Sedona’s position as a segment leader in value.”
Now in its third year, the “Best Car for the Money” awards combine U.S. News car rankings with five-year total cost of ownership data provided by TrueCar. With over 250 models evaluated, the “Best Car for the Money” award recognizes the single vehicle that earns the highest marks for overall value and appeal within its class.
The U.S. News car rankings provide an unbiased comparison of each vehicle to its competitors with the goal of helping shoppers identify the best cars in each category. Rankings are based primarily on the balanced, diverse opinions of hundreds of professional auto critics, which are blended together to create a consensus about each car.
TrueCar data is among the most timely and comprehensive in the industry, providing average transaction prices over the past 30 days and five-year total cost of ownership including depreciation, maintenance and insurance. Combining this data with U.S. News car rankings allows each model to be compared by its overall appeal for the money.
The 2011 Sedona is available in LX and EX trims, with pricing for the LX starting at $24,5953 and the EX trim starting at $29,1953. A segment leader in value and safety features, Sedona offers consumers invaluable protection provided by a wide range of standard safety features, including six standard airbags4 (dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side air bags, and full-length side curtain air bags for all three seating rows), active front headrests, and a four-channel, four-sensor, Antilock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which takes into account vehicle load and weight distribution and ensures the appropriate stopping force is used.
2011 Kia Motors America Product Line
Kia’s model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 730 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
1 2006 Sedona named “Safest Minivan Ever Tested” by IIHS.
2 Sedona recognized as an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
3 Starting MSRPs exclude $795 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
4 For maximum protection, always wear your seat belt.