Minivans are supposed to be dead, but Kia didn't get that memo. Despite a clear focus from customers on crossovers, the Korean automaker is currently working on an all-new 2021 Sedona. This should arrive within the year and competes with titans like the new 2020 Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey.
The Sedona has been a favorite with some parents and families. With a starting price of $27,000 and a spacious, well-equipped interior, this minivan simply makes sense.
But the segment has become quite competitive, and Kia is looking to inject a little bit of style into the hauler. We've got fresh spyshots of the 2021 model, and although the camo is pretty thick, everything lines up with what we've seen in renderings so far this year.
The new model features narrower headlights and a taller "Tiger Nose" grille. Thanks to clever design, the Sedona will be posh without being overstated. We've also heard that some trim levels will have lower body plastic cladding for an off-road look, a bit like the Kia Soul.
The rear is characterized by full-width LED tail lamps, large tailgate opening, and a scalloped lower bumper area. But the interior will perhaps be the most interesting. We've seen photos where the 2021 Sedona has a wrap-around infotainment screen, like a Mercedes, but perhaps even larger. That will get people talking and hopefully take away some of the sales from the supreme school-run models.
The new minivan is based on a modular Kia platform, and we believe it will also have fresh engine choices. The current 3.3-liter V6 is likely to be replaced by the fresh 3.5-liter. We'd deeply appreciate that move, as Japanese brands have forgotten why we need six-cylinder engines in big, heavy family cars.
Also, the Sedona will still be sold in other markets under the Carnival name. There, it's possible that Kia will offer it with a 2.5-liter, a 2.2-liter diesel with about 200 hp or a hybrid drive centered around the 1.6-liter turbo.
But the segment has become quite competitive, and Kia is looking to inject a little bit of style into the hauler. We've got fresh spyshots of the 2021 model, and although the camo is pretty thick, everything lines up with what we've seen in renderings so far this year.
The new model features narrower headlights and a taller "Tiger Nose" grille. Thanks to clever design, the Sedona will be posh without being overstated. We've also heard that some trim levels will have lower body plastic cladding for an off-road look, a bit like the Kia Soul.
The rear is characterized by full-width LED tail lamps, large tailgate opening, and a scalloped lower bumper area. But the interior will perhaps be the most interesting. We've seen photos where the 2021 Sedona has a wrap-around infotainment screen, like a Mercedes, but perhaps even larger. That will get people talking and hopefully take away some of the sales from the supreme school-run models.
The new minivan is based on a modular Kia platform, and we believe it will also have fresh engine choices. The current 3.3-liter V6 is likely to be replaced by the fresh 3.5-liter. We'd deeply appreciate that move, as Japanese brands have forgotten why we need six-cylinder engines in big, heavy family cars.
Also, the Sedona will still be sold in other markets under the Carnival name. There, it's possible that Kia will offer it with a 2.5-liter, a 2.2-liter diesel with about 200 hp or a hybrid drive centered around the 1.6-liter turbo.