Introduction

The Kia Sedona is a minivan that offers comfortable transportation for two or more kids, up to eight passengers in all. 

Unchanged for 2021, it has a boxy body, a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, a great warranty, and it's practical and convenient. It's 201 inches long, with a wheelbase of more than 120 inches. It's front-wheel drive, with no available all-wheel drive. 

It's powered by a 3.3-liter V-6 that makes 276 horsepower and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. 

The EPA rates its fuel economy at 18 mpg city, 24 highway, 21 combined. 

The NHTSA gives it five stars for safety, while the IIHS gives it the top 'Good'? scores in most of its crash tests, though it noted that passenger-side small overlap protection is only 'Acceptable,'? and the headlights were 'Poor.'?

The Sedona's automatic emergency braking system isn't available on the L and LX models. It's an option on the EX, and comes standard on the SX. 

Lineup

The Sedona comes as L, LX, EX, and SX. 

The Sedona L costs about $29,000 and comes with cloth seats, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, USB charging ports, and 17-inch wheels. 

The LX adds power doors and seats. 

The EX costs about $35,000 and adds bigger wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and more USB ports. Options automatic emergency braking, a power liftgate, moonroof, and three-zone climate control. That's the van we'd pick and it's close to $40,000. 

The Sedona SX, at more than $42,000, adds premium audio, cooled seats, a heated steering wheel and a 8.0-inch touchscreen. 

Kia's industry-best 5-year/60,000-mile warranty is standard. 

Walkaround

The 2021 Sedona offers no intrigue in its shape, but neither is it exactly frumpy. It hasn't changed much in the last few years, but its clean lines and big grille give it some visual interest. 

Interior

The 2021 Sedona excels at hauling people comfortably, despite lacking the features of some rivals. The cloth upholstery in the L and LX could be upgraded; we'd choose the leather of the EX and SX. 

The second row offers a generous 40 inches of leg room, and even the third row has nearly 35 inches. Every position is comfortable, and three adults can fit across the benches. 

Behind the third row there is 33.9 cubic feet for cargo, and with that row folded it grows to 78.4 cubic feet. With both rows down, the Sedona holds a massive 142 cubic feet of cargo. 

Driving Impression

The powertrain, a 3.3-liter V-6 mated to an automatic 8-speed transmission with front-wheel drive, is predictable. With 276 horsepower, it can easily accelerate up to highway speeds. With the tow package, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is sufficient for a small trailer or toys. 

Handling isn't the Sedona's best quality–after all it's a minivan–but it's good enough. The ride is better, which is what's important in a vehicle like this. 

Summary

The 2021 Kia Sedona gives new minivan buyers the longest warranty in its niche, and good versatility, though only more expensive models come with automatic emergency braking. That lifts the price to around $40,000. 

 

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