You always hear about minivans being the best option for the cargo area dimensions crates require, but I had never really looked into the category further until now. I do have to give the minivan proponents their due: so far the Sedona provides faaaaar more interior space than any of the vehicles I’ve reviewed for this blog to date.
Sure, it’s not the most visually attractive vehicle:
But look at these dimensions!
Width between wheel wells (narrowest part of the vehicle): 47.75″
Width at widest point: 66″ at second row, seats removed
Tallest point: 45.75″ in the middle of the cargo area
Lowest point: 40.25″ for 11″ from the hatch
Cargo depth with all rows up: Not useable due to depression designed for storing rear seats when folded.
Cargo depth with the third row down: 54″ on floor, but a slope in the hatch starts at 25″ above the floor. At the narrowest point, it is still 44″ deep.
Cargo depth with all rows down: With second row seats folded forward, the cargo area is 66″ deep. With the second row seats fully removed, the space is 95″ deep at the floor and 85″ at seat back where the depth is shortest (24″ from the floor).
Hatch measurements: 40-49.5″ wide with the narrowest point at the top, 40.5″ tall
MPG city: 20 mpg
MPG highway: 26 mpg
The minivan layout is especially helpful for fitting a number of large dogs crated for sure. Additional lighting over the cargo area/hatch, extra vents for AC/heat at each row of seating, and additional power outlets in the cargo area means that the Sedona is well suited to traveling with multiple, crated pets. The seat anchors are flush with the floor and appear to be positioned in a way that might lend them to use as tiedown spots. On top of all of those perks, the Sedona also carries the spare tire under the vehicle instead of in the floor, so removing crates and other items isn’t required if a tire change is needed!
As with any vehicle, there are disadvantages to take into account. One potential issue I saw was that the second row of seating is made up of two captain’s chairs, which means that there is an aisle between the seats up to the front of the vehicle. This may not seem like a big deal, but you will need to block this aisle to prevent items from rolling forward during stops. Another flaw: the minivan-standard lack of fully opening windows in the rear of the vehicle. While moving, the rear air vents take care of this, but at a stop air is much harder to circulate behind the driver’s seat.
Overall the Kia Sedona is certainly up to the challenge of a multi-dog household that prefers having their pets ride secured in crates during travel. The expansive interior and convenient vents and lights make trips more comfortable for all.
Note: The Kia Sedona’s design hasn’t changed much over the years from what the salesperson at the dealership said, but I would still suggest doing your own measuring of any vehicles Four Paw Drive reviews, before committing to one, just in case!
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