(September 28, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — Unlike any other vehicle in its segment, the all-new 2015 Sedona offers a fresh take on the midsize multi-purpose vehicle (traditionally known as a minivan), building on the vehicle's traditional strength of flexible utility and transcending its conventional design limitations. 

Kia says that with European-inspired styling similar to that of a CUV, the Sedona maintains functional convenience with ample passenger space and cargo room, while also fulfilling the promise of technology, amenities and safety.

“The all-new Sedona is the final model to undergo Kia’s design-led transformation under the direction of chief design officer Peter Schreyer,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America.

“Beneath the strong lines is a vehicle designed for today’s active lifestyles with more power than the previous Sedona, a longer wheelbase for improved leg room and unique seating configurations, including available ‘First Class’ second-row seats.  Combined with intuitive technology and safety, the Sedona brings new levels of sophistication to a segment that’s been filled with bland and predictable practicality.”

The 2015 Sedona has something for everyone with the addition of three new trim levels: L, SX and the premium SX Limited, which join the LX and EX trims previously offered. Customers will have the option of seven- and eight- passenger seating, offering flexibility to meet various needs. With a base price of $25,900 for the L, $28,100 for the LX, $32,100 for the EX $36,100 for the SX and $39,700 for the SX Limited, the completely transformed 2015 Sedona pushes the limits beyond any other vehicle in the segment in terms of design, amenities and value.

Kia says, "Transcending mundane functionality, the Sedona’s wide stance exudes a modern, CUV-like appearance highlighted by a front fascia and cab-forward design that project confidence and strength. The Sedona’s muscular face and clean, smooth look feature a fully integrated version of Kia’s signature grille as well as headlamps with LED positioning lights. 

"The wheelbase is 1.6-inches longer than its predecessor, and the side profile, with its reduced front and rear overhangs, combines with the deeply swept windshield and available 19-inch alloy wheels to create a distinctively purposeful personality.  Meanwhile, the rear design layout, with LED taillights, integrated bumper guard and standard roof spoiler, presents a broad, stable bearing."

The horizontal design cues across the instrument panel create a greater sense of width, and the generous use of soft-touch materials adds to the all-new Sedona’s premium ambiance.  The Sedona’s proportions provide flexible seating in both seven- and eight-passenger configurations and a multitude of storage options.  The front center console is unique to the segment and allows for generous and cleverly convenient storage space between the front seats. 

Second row Slide-N-Stow tracked seating slides and folds upright to allow for “on-the-go” cargo hauling, eliminating the hassle of removing heavy and cumbersome seats.  The all-new Sedona also offers the choice of second row “First Class” lounge seating that can be positioned rearward for astonishing legroom and provides retractable lower-leg rests and airplane-style winged headrests.  And while some configurations feature segment-unique second-row seat cushion heaters for added comfort, all 2015 Sedona models offer a third-row that provides the convenience of a split folding 60/40, in-floor-retractable design.

Under the hood, a new Lambda Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 3.3-liter V6 engine replaces the 3.5-liter V6 found in the previous generation Sedona.  The 3.3-liter engine, which also appears in the Sorento CUV and Cadenza premium sedan, 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. 

A three-step Variable Induction System (VIS) improves engine "breathing" by automatically adjusting the intake runner lengths to optimize engine torque under different load conditions.  Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) combined with a piston-cooling oil jet improves engine efficiency, while engine components, including piston rings, piston skirts, valve tappets, timing chain guide and valve springs are all of a low-friction design.

The new engine is mated to a six-speed Sport-Matic transmission.