2019 Kia Sedona

Apr 14, 2024, 2:36pm ET

Though it's not as hip as a crossover, the Kia Sedona remains a practical, sensible choice for motorists with kids, gear, and dogs to haul around.

Recent changes

Kia updated the Sedona for the latest model year with a series of small visual tweaks inside and out.

Overview

It's a tough time for companies in the market of selling minivans. Once the chariot of choice across America, the good ol' van is losing turf to the crossover and the SUV. Kia went to great lengths to make the Sedona as attractive as possible in a bid to keep buyers from venturing out of the segment.

The brand started with the styling, which goes in a bolder direction by adopting Kia's latest design language. Up front, the Sedona wears the brand's corporate Tiger Nose grille and sharp lights that stretch well into the fender. Out back, the look is more utilitarian with horizontal lights and a large hatch. All told, the Sedona's design reminds us of the Sorento.

Exploring the upper echelons of the trim hierarchy adds chrome accents on the bumper and around the window line, plus machine-finished alloy wheels. Available dark chrome trim creates a subtler look.

Life aboard

The Sedona seats seven or eight, depending on the configuration of the second row. Kia designed the interior with families in mind so you'll find numerous cup holders, storage bins, and USB charging ports. The list of options include second-row seats with extendable footrests and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes a DVD player and two tablet-like screens mounted on the back of the front seats.

Even base models come with a seven-inch screen in the dashboard. it runs Kia's UVO infotainment system, and it's compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The two top trims receive an eight-inch screen with navigation.

Here's why the minivan remains the practical choice: the Sedona offers 33.9 cubic feet of trunk space behind the third row, 78.4 behind the second row, and 142 behind the first row. With two passengers on board, it's more spacious than a Chevrolet Suburban.

Technical specifications

The only engine offered is a 3.3-liter, direct-injected V6 that makes 276 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 248 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission spins the front wheels.

Fuel economy checks in at 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg in a combined cycle. Properly equipped, the Sedona can tow 3,500 pounds.

Standard and optional features

Kia offers the Sedona in five trim levels named L, LX, EX, EX Premium, SX, and SXL, respectively.

The list of standard features includes 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colored door handles, power mirrors, tinted windows, a black grille, a manual tailgate, a tilt and telescopic steering column, six coat hooks, three 12-volt power outlets, 12 (!) cup holders, seating for seven, cloth upholstery, a polyurethane multi-function steering wheel, A/C, a four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, power locks,

Standalone options include the aforementioned rear-seat entertainment system. Note many features that come standard on the top trims are offered at an extra cost on lower trim levels, like parking sensors, a power-operated tailgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats.

Occupant Safety

All Sedonas come standard with dual front airbags, dual front seat airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, rollover mitigation, 3-point seat belts for all positions, electronic stability control, traction control, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, cornering brake control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, hill start assist, tire pressure monitoring, LATCH points and rear child-safety door locks.

The top three trim levels add a lane departure warning system, forward collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control.

Key Competitors

The Kia Sedona competes in the same segment as the Honda Odyssey, the Chrysler Pacifica, and the Toyota Sienna.