Designed to look more like an SUV than a minivan, the Kia Sedona is a favorite among drivers looking for a reliable and stylish family car. The Sedona was first introduced in 2002, and it is now in its third generation in the Kia lineup. Fortunately for Sedona fans, the 2021 model features even more amenities, including a spacious cockpit, seating for eight, and the newest safety technology. Let’s take a closer look at everything the 2021 Kia Sedona has to offer.
Engine and Performance
The 2021 Kia Sedona comes standard with a 3.3-liter V6 engine that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. As for performance, the Sedona’s V6 produces 276 hp at 6,000 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. Thanks to the V6 engine, acceleration is easy in the Sedona and doesn’t sacrifice fuel efficiency, with an average of 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
While Kia does not offer Sedona drivers an upgrade over the V6 engine, there are other features available. The EX and SX models come standard with larger 18-inch wheels, and the SX offers three different selectable drive modes. Hydraulic power steering is only standard on the LX, while the EX and SX feature upgraded rack-mounted motor-driven power steering. This feature provides additional stability and quicker responses at various speeds.
2021 Sedona LX
Now that we’ve covered engine and performance let’s look at the Sedona’s three trim packages—the LX, EX, and SX. All three come standard with the V6 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and seating for eight. However, there are a few key differences between the trims that are worth noting.
The LX is the Sedona’s base model and has a starting MSRP of $30,400. The LX offers dual power sliding rear doors that make access to the backseat incredibly easy. It also includes fabric seating, front and rear passenger air conditioning, and privacy glass. The second row offers seating for three and features Slide-n-Stow technology. The third row folds flat, which increases the already spacious trunk.
The LX offers the basics of convenience and technology with its 7.0-in touchscreen display complete with a rear camera display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Its safety features include dual front advanced airbags and dual front seat-mounted side airbags as well as full-length side curtain airbags. It also comes standard with Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist Control, Traction Control, and a High-Line Tire-Pressure Monitoring System that alerts drivers of low tire pressure.
2021 Sedona EX
The next step up from the LX is the EX, which starts at $33,700. The EX offers more features beginning with 18-in alloy wheels compared to the LX’s 17-in wheels. The EX also features two-tone leather-trimmed and heated front seats as well as integrated second and third-row window sunshades for added comfort. The interior seating layout is the same as the LX with dual power sliding rear doors that give access to three-passenger second-row seating and a flat-folding third row.
The EX includes the same 7.0-in touchscreen display with a rear camera and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Its notable differences include the satellite radio option as well as a wireless phone charger and rapid-charge USB 2.1 charger ports that make the EX smartphone friendly. Climate control is also easier in the EX with available tri-zone front and rear automatic climate control.
Also featuring push-button start and immobilizer via the EX’s smart key, the EX features advanced safety technology. Like the LX, it offers Hill Start Assist Control, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and Tire Pressure Monitoring. However, it’s upgrades are notable and include Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, and Park Distance Warning-Forward and Reverse. These features provide additional peace of mind by helping drivers avoid potential collisions.
2021 Sedona SX
Offering the utmost in luxury is the SX, which starts at $41,500. The SX features upgraded LED headlights, taillights, and front fog lights as well as leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front-row seating. The liftgate automatically opens with smart power technology, which makes accessing the rear cargo space easy and hands-free.
The interior features a cooled glove box as well as an upgraded surround view monitoring system that gives drivers a live 360-degree view of the environment around the vehicle. While the LX and EX include a 7-in display, the SX comes standard with an 8-in color touchscreen display that offers navigation and SiriusXM traffic. Other amenities include Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go technology, Harman Kardon premium surround sound, a 110-volt power outlet in the center console, and a wireless phone charger.
The SX shares a few similar safety features with the EX, such as Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, and Park Distance Warning-Forward and Reverse. The SX, however, takes safety to the next level by offering several new features. SX drivers gain greater control and peace of mind behind the wheel with automatic Emergency Braking and Warning Technology, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Warning, and High Beam Assist.
Passenger and Cargo Room
With room for eight and a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs., the Sedona is ideal for hauling passengers and cargo. Its spacious cockpit offers the utmost in comfort for both the driver and front-row passenger, but the spaciousness and luxury don’t stop there. The cockpit features a central command station with additional storage as well as a standard rear-view conversation mirror that makes it easy to keep second and third-row passengers in the driver’s line of sight.
The second and third rows are easily accessible via the anti-pinch, power sliding doors, but what truly sets the Sedona apart is its standard Slide-N-Stow seating that provides even more options for hauling gear. This innovative design enables the second-row seats to fold upright so the third-row seats can fold flat under the floor. This maximizes the standard cargo space of 142.0 cu ft behind the first row, 78.4 cu ft behind the second row, and 33.9 cu ft behind the third row.
Choosing Your New Sedona
Since its debut in the early 2000s, the Kia Sedona has been a popular choice among drivers looking for a reliable family car with plenty of seating and cargo room. That hasn’t changed with the 2021 Kia Sedona, which features a powerful V6 engine, above-average fuel efficiency, a spacious cockpit, seating for eight, and the latest in safety and technology. This is what makes choosing the Kia Sedona as your new family car an easy decision.
While choosing the Sedona is easy, selecting the right trim package for your needs makes things a little more difficult. Fortunately, the LX, EX, and SX models are all moderately priced and offer a variety of upgrades and options that allow drivers to customize the minivan further. The Sedona LX is a great starter option and provides the basics of comfort, while the SX offers the utmost in luxury and convenience. This leads many to agree that the EX trim package offers the best value since it’s the middle ground between the base and high-end models. Whichever you choose, you won’t go wrong by putting your family in a 2021 Kia Sedona.
