Introduction

The 2020 Kia Sedona minivan is stylish if sedate on the outside, spacious and serene on the inside, with good infotainment. It boasts a comfortable ride and strong warranty, as with all Kias. It's unchanged for 2020. 

It's powered by a competent V-6 making 276 horsepower, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, a combination that's somewhat thirsty at just 21 mpg. The handling is capable. 

Thanks to its minivan weight and its older V-6, the Sedona returns low fuel economy, EPA-rated at 18 mpg city, 24 highway, 21 combined. And, especially for a family vehicle, it's unfortunately lacking in standard safety equipment. The active safety tech is available (as in optional) only on the EX and SX models, the two most expensive trims. It includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, lane-departure warnings, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control. 

The Sedona earns good crash test scores, with five stars overall from the NHTSA. The IIHS is more reserved, giving it an 'Acceptable'? score in the passenger-side front overlap test and a 'Poor'? rating for headlights. 

Lineup

At $28,445 to start (including $1,045 destination charge) the Sedona L is reasonably well-equipped, offering a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 17-inch alloy wheels, seating for 7 passengers, and USB charging ports. 

The LX model adds an additional seat, as well as a power-adjustable driver seat, power sliding doors, tinted windows, and two additional speakers for $31,245. 

The EX starts at $34,545, and is the best value, with leather upholstery, heated front seats, additional fast-charge USB ports, bigger wheels and more. Unfortunately, the active safety equipment is bundled with tri-zone climate control, a power liftgate, and power moonroof for an additional $4,800, raising the price to nearly $40,000 for the EX you really want. 

Top-tier SX models include Harman/Kardon audio, cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with navigation as well as a rear-seat entertainment system. Active safety tech is still optional on this loaded model. 

Every Sedona has an excellent warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles. 

Walkaround

The Sedona is styled as its owners expect-without a lot of flash. The Sedona hasn't changed since its introduction in 2015. Its simple two-box shape and sleek lines are still easy enough to live with. 

Interior

The interior is high quality, contributing to an upscale feel. The dashboard is plain and the controls high where they should be. A standard 7.0-inch touchscreen sits front and center, above three rows of buttons and knobs. 

The cabin is roomy and quiet inside. There are plenty of bins, USB ports, cupholders and more. 

All three rows of seats are comfortable, however the base cloth upholstery in the L and LX models feels thrifty. The leather in the EX and SX is not only more comfortable, it's easier to clean. The second row folds flat, but not into the floor. We miss the second-row lounge seating, which has been discontinued. 

The interior is cavernous. There's 33.9 cubic feet behind the third row (nearly three times as much as in the Sorento); 78.4 cubic feet with that third row folded; and an astounding 142 cubic feet of cargo space with both rows folded flat. That's big enough for a stack of plywood. 

Driving Impression

The Sedona's V-6 powertrain is tried and true. The ride is comfortable, but handling is what you'd expect from a long, heavy, and tall vehicle. Add those things up and you have performance that's just fine for its intended use. 

The 3.3-liter V-6 with 276 horsepower sends the power to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission that was new last year. The highway acceleration is decent. The Sedona won't get in the way of others on the freeway. 

The smooth ride is Sedona's best dynamic feature, especially on the base 17-inch alloy wheels. The handling is competent enough, although unexciting. 

Summary

Families that need a new minivan with a long warranty can find what they need in a 2020 Kia Sedona. It has an excellent ride, and good entertainment features-and enough cargo and people space to carry up to eight people and their luggage. 

 

-by Sam Moses, with driving impressions by The Car Connection.