2014 Kia Sedona rises from the dead, same as it ever was

Fri, 03 May 2013

Don't throw away your car seats just yet, Korean minivan enthusiasts – the Kia Sedona is back on the market. If you recall, Kia killed its minivan offering at the end of 2012 (there was never a 2013 model). But here's what's making us scratch our heads: Despite the fact that Kia did confirm that the Sedona would eventually be back, we were under the impression that it would return with a proper replacement for the aging van. (Earlier reports suggested something along the lines of that cool KV7 concept.) Instead, the reincarnated Korean minivan you see here is, well, the same as it ever was. Consider our buzz killed.

That's not to say there haven't been a couple of delightfully refreshed bits thrown into the new package. For starters, the Sedona wears a slightly updated schnoz with a redesigned grille, LED positioning lamps and standard foglamps inside the reworked lower fascia. (If we're honest, the Kia looks a bit Ford Windstar-ish from the front three-quarter angle.) There's a new 17-inch wheel design for the 2014 model year, and aside from a couple enhancements to the interior in terms of storage, that short list rounds out the full extent of the new updates.

All Sedonas are powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 that debuted in the 2011 model, producing 269 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy ratings fall in at a rather mediocre 17/24 miles per gallon (city/highway).

Pricing starts at $25,900 for the base LX model with 16-inch wheels and a cloth interior, while upmarket EX vans with leather and 17-inch wheels command $30,900 – both prices exclude $850 for destination. That's sort of a bargain, considering that the segment-leading Honda Odyssey will run you something like $45,000 when fully decked out. But remember, you get what you pay for.

Have a look below for the official release.

By Steven J. Ewing