Distinctive styling; generous features; unique second-row seats with flip-forward cargo mode; strong value
Unimpressive fuel economy; narrow rear-quarter windows limit side vision
For 2019, the Sedona gets a mild makeover, sporting a new front end and revised headlights that include LED units on the SX trim. New features include wireless charging, a one touch open button on the sliding side doors, larger 10.1-in viewscreens for the rear seat entertainment system and a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The SX Limited trim is no longer offered.
We see the most value in the Sedona's reasonably priced LX trim level. You'll have cloth upholstery instead of leather, so it'll be one less thing to worry about. You also have a power driver's seat, alloy wheels and power-sliding doors. However, if you want autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and heated side mirrors, you'll need to move up the EX or the SX trims to get them.
The 2019 Kia Sedona is offered in L, LX, EX and SX trim levels, with 7- or 8-passenger seating.
The L ($28,245) comes standard with features such as 17-in alloy wheels, manual sliding doors, rear parking sensors, a rear backup camera, a height-adjustable driver's seat, second-row seats that flip forward against the first-row seat backs to increase cargo space, air conditioning with a rear-passenger control panel, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio, a 7-in color touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a USB port and a 4-speaker audio system with satellite radio.
The LX ($31,045) also receives alloy wheels plus roof rails, LED running lights, power-folding mirrors, rear privacy glass, power-sliding doors, 8-passenger seating, a power driver's seat and a 6-speaker audio system.
The EX ($34,345) throws in larger 18-in wheels, fancier LED running lights, fog lights, heated mirrors, a power lift gate (with programmable height adjustment), heated front seats, keyless ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 3-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a cooled glove compartment, rear sunshades and UVO3 eServices with wireless charging. Also standard are blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors.
The SX ($42,145) boasts LED headlights, fog lights and taillights, driver memory settings, second-row captain's-chair seating, a power passenger seat, heated seats (first and second rows), cooled front seats, driver-selectable steering and transmission calibrations, an upgraded color trip computer, an 8-in touchscreen with navigation, an Infinity audio system with eight speakers and HD Radio, a voice-command system, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, driver attention alert and an electric parking brake.
The EX premium package adds a power sunroof, a power lift gate, forward-collision warning and emergency braking, lane-departure warning, driver attention warning, adaptive cruise control, 110-volt outlet, power folding outside mirrors, heated outside mirrors, one touch up/down front and rear power windows, tri-zone climate control, an 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar, a 4-way power passenger seat and more.
| Van | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedona EX FWD | $33,300 / $31,969 | 6 Cylinder | 276 | 18 / 24 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Sedona L FWD | $27,200 / $26,248 | 6 Cylinder | 276 | 18 / 24 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Sedona LX FWD | $30,000 / $28,950 | 6 Cylinder | 276 | 18 / 24 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Sedona SX FWD | $41,100 / $39,457 | 6 Cylinder | 276 | 18 / 24 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Sedona a 5-star overall crash-test rating, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Sedona its highest rating of Good in all crash-test categories and names it a Top Safety Pick.
The 2019 Sedona comes with anti-lock disc brakes, stability control and six airbags (front, front-side and full-length side-curtain). Options include a surround-view monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and a forward-collision warning system, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
| Basic | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 10 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 5 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
2019 Chrysler Pacifica -- The Pacifica is much sleeker-looking, offers a more powerful engine, is more stylish interior and the option of plug-in hybrid model. However, a loaded Pacifica costs thousands more than a similarly equipped Sedona.
2019 Honda Odyssey -- The Honda Odyssey has more power, a larger and more versatile interior and better fuel economy than the Sedona. Its driving dynamics and advanced safety features are highly refined.
2019 Toyota Sienna -- The Sienna's 3.5-liter V6 is the strongest and most satisfying engine in this segment, and the 2019 Sienna is the only minivan to offer AWD. Emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and automatic high beams all come standard on every Sienna.
Used Toyota Highlander Hybrid -- While not a minivian, a used 2015-2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will give you room for seven passengers, an exceptional reliability rating and great fuel economy, plus no soccer-mom minivan stigma.
Get a really nice modern minivan at a nice discount compared to a new one.
