The 2006 Kia Sedona had not been crash-tested as this story was written, but company executives are confident that it will receive top scores for frontal, side, rear, and rollover crash protection. After all, the previous Sedona received five-star ratings, so nothing less will do for the redesigned model.

In addition to structural engineering upgrades, every 2006 Kia Sedona receives dual-stage front airbags with weight and occupant sensing, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags for all three rows. Other standard goodies include front active headrests designed to help reduce whiplash in a rear collision, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Stability and traction control are also included in the base price, along with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Kia has also designed the sliding side doors to open just partway if the windows are down to keep children and pets from getting accidentally squished, and every rear seat receives an adjustable headrest.

If anything is missing from the Sedona in terms of safety equipment, it’s a run-flat tire option. Since the Sedona’s full-size spare tire is mounted underneath the vehicle just aft of the two front seats, it would be nice to know that once the five-year roadside assistance program expires a flat tire won’t result in destroyed clothing or unsafe tire-changing conditions. Honda Odysseys have a temporary spare tire mounted in the left rear cargo panel where it’s easy to reach. Also, on the technology front, we think Kia should seriously consider offering a navigation system option on the Sedona. We know plenty of soccer moms and dads that want navigation systems, and won’t even consider a vehicle without one.