The mystery is gone regarding the 2015 Kia Sedona minivan, er, multipurpose vehicle. After dropping a few hints and dark pictures of the new version, the maker unveiled the details about new Sedona it plans to show in New York this week.
One of the questions floating around was would it be a minivan at all. Given the fact that the minivan segment is shrinking and dominated by a couple of makers, wondering if Kia would stay there was a valid question. Now the answer is, uh, well…maybe.
Touting its “European-inspired” styling and other features, it seems Kia’s plans to differentiate the Sedona from other minivans is to simply suggest that it’s not a minivan at all, but a crossover.
“Transcending mundane functionality, the Sedona’s wide stance exudes a modern, CUV-like exterior appearance highlighted by a front fascia and cab-forward design that project confidence and strength,” the company said.
A look at the pictures suggests Kia’s stretching the truth, at the very least, but the styling of the new Sedona is a departure from its staid predecessor. The front fascia is distinctive and almost masculine, as the maker suggests, giving the vehicle a confident look that does separate it from other vehicles it will compete against, such as the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, Honda Odyssey and other minivans.
To keep all the people the Sedona can carry happy, it uses Kia’s next-generation UVO Infotainment & Telematics system. It will be the first Kia vehicle to offer four new eServices features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score.
Using the Kia App store, select apps can be downloaded for free from iTunes or Google Play. The Kia app connector is now available for partnership with the content community, including Pandora, iHeart Radio and Yelp.
The UVO system also uses Siri “Eyes Free” and Local Search – powered by Google – to find locations, addresses and points of interest. Additionally, Sirius XM Travel Link offering access to traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores, stock information and movie times.
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The new iteration gets a new 3.3-liter V6 engine to replaces the 3.5-liter V6 in the previous Sedona. It delivers more power than its predecessor, boasting 276 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and it has been tuned for enhanced mid-range torque, offering 248 lb.-ft. at 5,200 rpm.
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Getting there more quickly is good, but getting where the driver is going safely is paramount. All Sedona models come standard with active safety features such as Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Brake Assist System, Hill-start Assist Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Antilock Braking System, the company notes.
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Additional technologies such as Roll Over Mitigation and Cornering Brake Control also were added as standard equipment for improved dynamic control and safety.
New optional driver technology, including Vehicle Stability Management, Forward Collision Warning System, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, help provide Sedona drivers with a more convenient and secure daily driving experience.
