2015 Kia Sedona: First Look

Competes with: Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna

Looks like: A minivan doing its hardest to look like a crossover

Drivetrain: 276-hp, 3.3-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Fall 2014

More 2014 New York Auto Show Coverage

Kia’s redesigned Sedona minivan features bolder styling that takes after crossover SUVs, new seats that offer greater passenger- and cargo-hauling flexibility, a new V-6 engine and a new high-end SXL trim level with Nappa leather upholstery. Kia says pricing will be announced closer to the Sedona’s on-sale date this fall.

Exterior

An upright grille gives the new Sedona a more assertive look than its predecessor. LEDs are used as accent lights up front and in the taillights. An integrated liftgate spoiler is standard, and 19-inch alloy wheels are available.

The Sedona also offers a Smart Welcome system that illuminates the door handles and unfolds the side mirrors when a key fob is nearby, while the Smart Tailgate feature opens the power liftgate when the key fob has been sensed for three seconds.

Interior

The three-row Sedona is available in seven- and eight-seat configurations, and the minivan offers Slide-n-Stow second-row seats that stack vertically against the back of the front seats, similar to the second-row bucket seats in the Chevrolet Traverse crossover. Kia says this seat design makes it easier to go from people- to cargo-hauling duty without having to remove a heavy second-row seat, which you have to do in other minivans. There are also available second-row seat heaters and seats with retractable leg rests. All models have a 60/40-split third-row bench seat that folds into the floor, which is the norm in the minivan segment.

The Sedona also debuts new services available with Kia’s UVO entertainment system including geo-fencing as well as speed and curfew alerts. The system also works with select apps available from iTunes or Google Play. UVO also incorporates Siri Eyes Free technology and Google-powered search. Additional available features include a cooled storage area and a surround-view camera system.

Under the Hood

The Sedona’s all-new platform uses high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel for stiffness and lightness. It’s powered by a 276-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6 engine with direct-injection technology that teams with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety Features

Antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and traction control are standard. Available features include forward collision warning, a blind spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert.

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