2015 Kia Sedona is the Best Looking Minivan Youve Never Heard Of

Kiaclub Nieuwsrobot · 14 April, 2014

The minivan market has taken a downturn thanks to the rise of the crossover and SUV, but some automakers still persist in the family hauling market.

Kia has revealed the 2015 Sedona before the van’s official public unveiling at the upcoming 2014 New York Auto Show. A new engine, a fully redone interior and new styling on the outside make this Kia relevant in a market where if never really competed against the top players.

Power now comes from a 3.3-liter V6 that makes 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission.

On the outside, the Sedona adopts the ‘tiger-nose’ grille that has become a staple of Kia design up front, while the back end adopts some square haunches. The van’s wheelbase grows by 1.6 inches compared to the previous version, while a rear-spoiler and LED taillights are standard. Overall, the 2015 Sedona is 16.9-feet long, 6.5-feet wide and 5.7-feet tall.

SEE ALSO: 2014 New York Auto Show Preview

On the inside, Kia has done a full revamp of the van which now offers more room for all of its passengers, either 7 or 8 depending on how the van is configured. Second row leg room grows to 41.1 inches, while third row passengers are treated to 34.8 inches. Up front, 43.1 inches of legroom is available along with 39.8 inches of headroom.

A new system Kia calls ‘Slide-n-Stow’ has been designed for the second row of seating, allowing passengers to easily enter the third row, or to create more storage space. The seat bottom folds up and the entire seat slides forward to maximize space in the back, while the third row seats retract into the floor offering a flat space in the back.

First-class lounge seats are also an available option on the second row of Sedona seats, which include small folding footrests and the capability to spin around and face rearwards.

Power hookups are found throughout the Sedona, including a new 2.1-amp USB charging port and a 115-volt AC outlet. Other technology includes the latest generation of UVO infotainment, a surround view monitor that allows the driver to see all the way around the vehicle using cameras and an auto-opening tailgate that opens when the key fob is detected for more than three seconds.

When it comes to driving this people mover, Kia claims that the Sedona has 36-percent more torsional stiffness than its closest competitor. It also packs electronic stability control, a brake assist system, hill-start assist, electronic brake force distribution and ABS.

Check back for live coverage straight from the 2014 New York Auto Show floor when the 2015 Kia Sedona makes its first public appearance.