2015 Kia Sedona, an Urban Crossover
Presented at the New York Auto Show, the 2015 Kia Sedona has undergone a full transformation under the direction of Peter Schreyer. The past generations were minivans, no matter how hard they tried to tell you otherwise. This time around, the design team tried to hide those roots under an Urban Crossover look. Did they succeed? Not quite, but the latest Sedona, available in Canada next October, is very attractive. The forward cab, shark-nose grille and big headlights give it a sporty look.
The main reason for buying a minivan is for the interior room. Here is the list of improvements inside the latest Sedona: more head and leg room in the front, multiple interior configurations (up to 8 passengers can sit inside!), a new center console up front, new Slide-n-Stow second row, optional La-Z-Boy seats, and it is even possible to outfit those with a heated function! The third row can split 60/40 and it can also be folded into the floor.
All manufacturers have to put technology into their vehicles nowadays. Kia offers a ‘’virtual babysitter’’ in the Sedona: If the vehicle travels out of a predetermined zone, breaks the speed limit or is driven after dark, a text message will be sent to you. Useful if you let your kids borrow the van! There is also a driving score monitor, based on safe driving practices. The manufacturer also added the Kia App Store to allow you to download apps into the infotainment system. Pandora, iHeart and Yelp are available to allow people to stay connected at all times. A USB port and a 115-volt outlet are standard. Backup cameras and an automatic tailgate round up the useful gadgets list.
The 2015 Sedona is also 36% stiffer than its closest competitor. The added torsional rigidity is said to give the minivan better security against deformation in case of a crash.
The last-generation’s 3.5 liter V6 is gone, replaced by a 3.3L unit. It generates 276HP@6000 rpm, and is coupled with an efficient 6-speed automatic.
This minivan disguised as an urban crossover will certainly sell well in Canada. The last important point, however, is the price. Kia has yet to announce one…