Engine Performance: At 195-hp, the Sedona's 3.5-L V6 offers more power than the Dodge Caravan's 180-hp 3.3-L base V6. What's more, the Kia utilizes 24-valve, DOHC technology that is not available in the Dodge. The same is true for the Caravan's optional 3.8-L V6, but power eclipses the Sedona's by 20-hp for a total of 215. The Honda Odyssey's 240-hp displays a clear acceleration advantage over all competitors. When it comes to torque, all important when carrying heavy loads, the Kia once again edges out the Dodge in base trim, but this time only slightly at 218 lb-ft compared to 215. Dodge's optional engine puts out an impressive 245 lb-ft, matching the Honda's standard V6. Advantage: Honda

Transmission: Kia joins Honda and Mazda as the only manufacturers to offer 5-speed automatic transmissions in their minivans. This means that the Dodge puts up with a less efficient 4-speed unit. Advantage: Honda/Kia

Fuel Economy: Due to its hefty curb weight the multi-valve Kia doesn't have the best fuel economy of the group, despite its free breathing mechanicals - 15.5 / 10.8 L/100 km city/hwy compared to 13.3 / 9.0 L/100 km and 13.1 / 8.5 L/100 km for the Dodge and Honda respectively. Advantage: Honda

Agility: The Kia is quite impressive in the handling department, but so is the Dodge. The Odyssey, however, is awesome, feeling closer to a sport sedan when tackling tight corners than many cars. Advantage: Honda

Capacity: While the Sedona appears to be similar in size to most other minivans, it is significantly smaller on the inside. Cargo volume with all seats removed is 3,610 L (127.5 cu ft) compared with the standard Caravan's 4,155 L (146.7 cu ft). The Grand Caravan ups interior room even more with a whopping 4735 L (167.9 cu ft) and the Honda enters with a substantial 4,624 L (163.3 cu ft). Advantage: Dodge

Convenience: All competitors come with standard dual sliding doors, while the Caravan and Odyssey offer a power option, not available on the Sedona. What's more, the Caravan offers a power rear tailgate and a removable power centre console. While these items are convenient, top marks have to go to Honda's third row seat that folds neatly into the floor without having to remove it to free up space - incidentally a feature shared with the Mazda MPV and GM FWD vans. Advantage: Honda

Price: This category puts everything into perspective. First off, the Sedona's base price of $24,595 is only $835 less expensive than the Dodge Caravan, but includes more standard features. Add a 5-star crash rating and a 5-year/100,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty compared to the competitors 3-year/60,000 km comprehensive and 5-year/100,000 km powertrain warranties and the Kia starts to shine. Putting things even more into perspective, it's easy to see why the Honda scored highest in 4 categories when you factor in its lofty base price. This puts the Honda into a league that the Kia doesn't even venture into when fully loaded - optional leather included. Advantage: Kia

Conclusion: Looking back over each category, the Sedona only took one. While it would be hard to call the Sedona a clear winner when comparing it to its formidable competition, it's important to remember that we need to compare apples to apples. The Honda is the sports car of minivans. It's a premium product at a premium price. The Dodge is best when loaded with features that the Kia simply doesn/t offer. For the money the Kia is a clear winner. Advantage: Kia