2015 Kia Sedona Preview

Fast Facts:

• Completely redesigned

• 7- or 8-passenger seating

• New top-of-the-line SXL trim level

• 276-horsepower V-6 engine

• Updated infotainment system

• Slide-n-stow second-row seats

• Available 360-degree exterior camera system

• Goes on sale in the United States in late 2014

Introduction

While Kia refers to the redesigned 2015 Sedona as a "midsize multi-purpose vehicle," it is what the rest of us consider a minivan, dual rear sliding doors and all. To better compete with class heavyweights including the Honda Odyssey and Dodge Grand Caravan, the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Sedona features new styling, more flexible seating, extra safety and convenience features, and added power under the hood. A premium SXL trim level joins the lineup, which previously consisted of only LX and EX variants.

Exterior Features

Compared with its predecessor, the 2015 Kia Sedona is 1.6 in. longer, and significantly more contemporary. Like the Optima sedan and Sorento crossover, the Sedona greets the public with a prominent grille, as well as creased sheet metal that gives the body more shape than before, LED taillights and front accent lights, color-keyed rear spoiler, and a height-adjustable power liftgate. The whole package rolls on 17-in. steel wheels; 17-, 18-, and 19-in. alloy wheels are available.

Interior Features

According to Kia, the interior of the 2015 Sedona has been upgraded with soft-touch materials, extra leg room for all three rows of passengers, and a spacious front center console. Replacing the 2014 model's stationary second-row seats are what the automaker calls slide-n-stow buckets, which collapse and move forward, providing easy access to the 60/40-split third-row seat or a quick transition from passenger to cargo van. Lower trim levels feature stain-resistant cloth upholstery; the new Sedona SXL pampers passengers with Nappa leather. Other enhancements include a 2.1-amp USB port, 115-volt power outlet, and a cooled glovebox.