2015 Kia Sedona tries to escape the minivan stigma

Kia took the wraps off the Sedona 7- and 8-seat passenger vehicle at the New York auto show, but it avoided calling it a minivan. Instead, the automaker insisted on referring to it as an MPV or multi-purpose vehicle. The company is still targeting their chief competitors, the popular Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, and it is hoping the name omission will help them avoid the minivan stigma.

But if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…

A company spokesperson explains, “there’s really nothing mini about it,” and the Sedona will be a global car—minivan is not a term used overseas. He also said the company is trying to be a little provocative and looking to change the image of the category.

While there is a soccer mom stigma to minivans, they really are the best choice for families with children. Minivans are just about the only vehicle type to offer a 3^rd row seat roomy enough for humans with enough cargo room behind, or beside, depending on how seats are configured. In addition, there are plenty of pockets, bins, and cup holders to keep everyone’s stuff within reach.

Minivans are now offering a host of safety features, which is increasingly important for the families riding in these vehicles, but some have more than others and new models like the Sedona are raising the bar.