2015 Kia Sedona Preview: 2014 New York Auto Show

Kia has been methodically redesigning each car in its lineup with the help of design chief, past Audi designer, Peter Schreyer, but saved its Sedona minivan for last. The resulting product launch at the 2014 New York Auto Show is a standout, in both appearance and content, and should be able to take its share of the limited minivan market when it arrives in dealerships later this year.

Kia has used many of the materials found in its newer luxury sedan, the Kia K900, to outfit a new top-level SXL trim. Although specs have not yet been released, Kia promises a feature-rich coach with two-toned Napa leather seats, second row captain’s chairs with footrests, piano black dash accents, surround view monitor and a high level of infotainment options via Kia’s UVO technology.

What’s New for the 2015 Kia Sedona:

The 2015 Kia Sedona is all-new from the ground up.

With its new "cab-forward" body design and interior, Sedona takes its cue from the new Sorento in stance and interior materials, fit and finish. Like all competitive minivans, the extras matter and Kia Sorento has available slide and stow tracked seating that folds the second up to the front of the cargo space to maximize floorspace. The second row can be fitted with seat heat and adjustable foot rests. 

As for infotainment, Kia is first to offer multiple apps including Geo-fencing, Speed Alter, Curfew Alert and Driving Score in UVO Infotainment and Telematics system. 

A new 3.3-liter V6 also found in the Kia Sorento and Cadenza sedan, gets 276 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. As for safety, standard and optional systems include vehicle stability management, forward collision warning system, smart cruise control, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert. 

2015 Kia Sedona: What Autobytel Thinks

Whether minivans will survive the popularity of SUVs and CUVs in the American market is still to be determined, but the utility, convenience and comfort of these powerful, and usually safe, machines, keep families coming back enough to justify their existence and we say bravo to Kia for making a valiant effort at what’s hopefully a great price point, to compete against the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna in this limited-choice category.