2020 Kia Sedona

Although not much has been changed in the 2020 update, as the minivan was refresh completely in 2018. Powering the Sedona is a 3.3L V6 engine cranking out 276 horses and 248 lb/ft of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission in FWD configuration – it’s the only available powertrain option. So, if you need an AWD minivan, the Sienna is the only option and if you need a hybrid minivan, the Pacifica Hybrid is the only option. Also, the Sedona is thirstier than the competition with a combined rating of 21 mpg – 2 mpg shy of the competitors.

 

The L, LX, EX, and SX are the 4 trims available for the 2020 Kia Sedona. The base 2020 Kia Sedona L has a starting price of $27,400. The Sedona remains mechanically the same throughout the range and higher trims basically add more features and equipment. The Sedona LX ($30,200) most notably adds power sliding doors and gets the optional LX essentials premium package (+$2,400) adding leather upholstery and other luxury amenities.

 As you move up the trim ladder the standard list of features gets more and more additions. 

Trims	L	LX	EX	SX
MSRP	$27,600	$30,400	$33,700	$41,500
Engine	3.3L V6	3.3L V6	3.3L V6	3.3L V6
Features	Tricot Fabric Seats w/ YES EssentialsFabric Treatment	Features of L plus	Features of LX plus	Features of EX plus
	Front and Rear Passenger Air Conditioning	Dual Power Sliding Rear Doors, Privacy Glass	18-inch Alloy Wheels	Two-Tone Leather Trim with Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
	Bluetooth Wireless Technology	8-Passenger Seating w/ 3-Passenger, 2nd-row seating	Two-Tone Leather Trim with Heated Front Seats	Cooling Glove Box
	7-inch Color Touch-Screen Display, AM/FM/MP3 Audio System	8-Way Power-Adjustable Driver's Seat	Dual Power Sliding Rear Doors, Roof Rails	Surround View Monitor (SVM)
	Rear-Camera Display		Integrated 2nd and 3rd Row Window Sunshades	Smart Cruise Control (SCC) w/ Stop & Go
	Slide-n-Stow 2nd-Row Seats		UVO eServices w/ 7-inch Color Touch-Screen Display, AM/FM/MP3 Audio System	UVO eServices w/ Navigation, 8-inch Color Touch-Screen Display, SiriusXM Traffic and HD Radio, AM/FM/MP3/SiriusXM Audio System
	Apple CarPlay and Android Auto		Wireless Phone Charger, Rapid-Charge USB 2.1 Charger Ports	Harman Kardon Premium Surround Sound w/ Clari-Fi, External Amplifier & Subwoofer
	Conversation Mirror		Tri-Zone Front and Rear Automatic Climate Control	110V Power Outlet, Center Console

We Recommend

Although the Sedona LX ($30,200) delivers plenty of equipment, the Sedona EX at $33,500 delivers goodies like standard leather upholstery and the power lift-gate at a reasonable price. We also recommend adding EX Advanced Premium Package ($2,800) for the advanced active safety features and driver assistance systems.

There is only one powertrain available in Kia Sedona – a 276 hp 3.3L V6 engine mated to an 8-Speed automatic delivering power exclusively to the front wheels. Although the engine delivers power smoothly, the 8-speed automatic ease out the engine to rev low on freeway resulting in higher efficiency and less stresses. 

The cabin is also incredibly silent even on the freeway. That said, the 8-speed Automatic doesn't compromise its cruising ability. Sedona beats the competition in braking performance though.

 

Models	Kia Sedona L	Honda Odyssey LX	Chrysler Pacifica Touring	Toyota Sienna L
MSRP	$27600	$30690	$33495	$31415
Engine	3.3L V6	3.5L V6	3.6L V6	3.5L V6
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	10-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	276 hp @6000 rpm	280 hp @6000 rpm	287 hp @6400 rpm	296 hp @6600 rpm
Torque	248 lb-ft @5200 rpm	262 lb-ft @4700 rpm	262 lb-ft @4000 rpm	263 lb-ft @4700 rpm

Toyota Sienna leads the pack when talked about raw power, with 296 hp of power. it is followed by the Chrysler Pacifica with the power of 287 horses. The Sedona comes out to be the least powerful minivans. 

Acceleration

The Kia accelerates smoothly and effortlessly for everyday tasks like merging with freeway traffic. Also, its 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds is quite good for a minivan as the Pacifica and Odyssey showcase similar timings too. The Sienna is the fastest minivan taking 6.9 seconds for 0-60 mph run.

 

Models	Kia Sedona L	Honda Odyssey LX	Chrysler Pacifica Touring	Toyota Sienna L
0-60 MPH	7.6 s	7.6 s	7.4 s	6.9 s
Quarter mile	15.8 s	15.9 s	15.6 s	15.3 s
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15k mi/yr)	8.4	8.0	8.0	N/A

The 2020 Kia Sedona hits the quarter-mile light at 15.8 seconds. This is the second slowest among the class rivals. Toyota Sienna, once again, is the fastest 7-seater in the league to cover a quarter-mile. It requires 15.3 seconds for accomplishing the same.

Braking

The Kia Sedona gets 12.6-inch brake disks up front and 11.9-inch brake disk at the back. Even though this minivan weighs 4411 pounds, it can stop from 60 mph in 122 feet – properly impressive. For comparison, the Pacifica takes 131 feet to stop from 60.

Models	Kia Sedona L	Honda Odyssey LX	Chrysler Pacifica Touring	Toyota Sienna L
Brake Front (in.)	12.6	12.6	13	12.9
Brake Rear (in.)	11.9	13	13	12.2
Curb weight (lbs)	4411	4354	4330	4430
60-0 MPH (ft)	122	127	131	115

During the emergency brake test, Sedona requires a distance of 122 feet for coming to a complete halt when decelerated frantically from 60 MPH. This is the second-best halting distance among its class rivals. Toyota Sienna again comes out on top with the shortest braking distance of 115ft.

Ride and Handling

The Sedona has a pliant suspension that filters the most type of road undulations with ease, and with that soft suspension and boxy, heavy body, it’s commendable that the Sedona handles turns at high speed confidently. The hearty V6 engine produces enough power for the 2020 Kia Sedona to comfortably trip around towns. Though the ride starts feeling exhausted as soon as you hit the highways or start going up the hill. The Sedona promises to offer a comfortable ride even on long tours. Handling is poor and Kia Sedona starts feeling heavier around turns. The ride employs a standard strut suspension that, frankly, doesn't make the performance any better.

 

Kia Sedona gets 18 mpg in city and 24 mpg on the highway for a combined rating of 20 mpg. While the in-city number is okay, the highway efficiency is downright disappointing and the blame goes squarely on the 8-speed automatic transmission.

Models	Kia Sedona L	Honda Odyssey LX	Chrysler Pacifica Touring	Toyota Sienna L
MPG (city)	18	19	19	19
MPG (highway)	24	28	28	26
MPG (combined)	21	22	22	21

Other minivans shift to higher ratios when cruising on the highway but the Sedona’s 8-speed automatic still doesn't manage to chunk out a better economy than the rivals. Both the Chrysler Pacifica Minivan and the Honda Odyssey features a better-combined economy of 22 mpg.

The Sedona can seat up to 8-passengers in comfort with its liberal 165.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. While the first row has class average legroom, the second-row seats offer class-leading 41.1 inches of legroom to stretch out. However, the third-row seats with 34.8 inches of legroom fall behind the competitors and are a bit tight for adults.

The design is typical Kia – simple, usable and high quality. The plastics have great fit and finish levels with consistent panel gaps. The buttons are clearly labeled and intuitively arranged with clean horizontal lines and surfaces dominating the dashboard design. In fact, it’s quite German. That fixed center console with an upscale-looking gear lever heightens the appeal.

 

The Second-row headroom and legroom available on the Kia Sedona are 39.4 and 41.4 inches, respectively. Once again, the headroom, despite being ample, is least amongst the competition. Legroom, however, is better than any other car in the league. The 2020 Kia Sedona flaunts a headroom and legroom of 38.9 and 34.8 inches, respectively in the 3^rd-row. This time, the headroom is on the higher side but the legroom is the tightest.

Models	Kia Sedona L	Honda Odyssey LX	Chrysler Pacifica Touring	Toyota Sienna L
Seating Capacity	7	7	7	7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.8/63.9/40.9	40.7/63.1/40.9	40.1/63.8/41.1	41.0/65.0/40.5
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.4/63.1/41.1	39.5/61.6/40.9	39.6/63.0/39.0	39.7/64.6/37.6
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.9/59.4/38.4	38.4/59.2/38.1	38.7/59.2/36.5	38.3/61.1/36.3

The traditional sliding doors offer great accessibility to the spacious cabin and the power sliding door is available from Sedona LX onwards. The Sedona EX gets the tri-zone air-conditioning to keep the cabin heat in check. The leather-trimmed interior is available in Sedona EX and higher.

Infotainment System

While the base L and LX trims get a 5-inch touchscreen, the EX gets 7-inch UVO infotainment. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available from Sedona LX onwards and the Sedona SX gets larger 8-inch infotainment. However, there are no rear-seat entertainment screens. For the audiophiles, an 8-speaker Infinity audio system is available on Sedona SX.

 

Cargo Capacity

The 2020 Kia Sedona has 33.9 cubic feet of luggage capacity with all seats up – that’s higher than the Chrysler Pacifica and the Honda Odyssey. However, with the third row folded, the Sedona has least in class luggage capacity of 78.4 cubic feet. Moreover, unlike the removable second-row seats in Sienna and Odyssey, the seats in Sedona cannot be removed entirely out of way.

Models	Kia Sedona L	Honda Odyssey LX	Chrysler Pacifica Touring	Toyota Sienna L
Cargo Volume (cu.-ft)	33.9	38.6	32.3	39.1

However, the cargo volume to seats 2 and seats 3 for 2020 Kia Sedona is 78.4 and 33.9 cubic feet, respectively. While the Honda Odyssey offers the most 93.1 cubic feet of cargo volume to seats 2, cargo volume to seats 3 charts is topped by Sienna with 39.1 cubic feet.

Interior Features

The Sedona has no dearth of interior features. Some of them are

• 12 Cup Holders
• 12V Power Outlets
• 60/40 Split, Flat Folding 3rd-Row Seats
• Active Eco System
• Center Console w/ Armrest
• Conversation Mirror

If the looks of the traditional minivans give you nightmares, the 2020 Sedona will impress you. While it’s big, the narrow glass area behind the C-pillar lends it a far sleeker look. There are plenty of horizontal lines running parallel to each other that gives an impression of lightness and hides the visual bulk. 

The Kia Sedona spans 201.4 inches in length – longer than Sienna but shorter than the Pacifica and the Odyssey. Hence, the Sedona will be less tricky than others to maneuver in town. Its wheelbase is equal to the Sienna at 78.1 inches. The Sedona has best-in-class ground clearance at 6.7 inches.

Models	Kia Sedona L	Honda Odyssey LX	Chrysler Pacifica Touring	Toyota Sienna L
Length (in)	201.4	203.2	203.8	200.6
Width (in)	78.1	78.5	79.6	78.1
Height (in)	68.5	68.3	69.9	68.9
Ground clearance (in)	6.7	N/A	5.1	6.5
Wheelbase (in)	120.5	118.1	121.6	119.3
Track width (in) F/R	68.7/69.0	67.3/67.2	68.3/68.3	67.7/67.7
Curb weight (lbs)	4411	4354	4330	4430

The 2020 Kia Sedona features an impressive ground clearance of 6.7 inches. In fact, it is the most amongst the class rivals. Honda Odyssey has the least ground clearance of 4.5 inches. Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, gives a close competition to Sedona with 6.5 inches of the same. Wheelbase for the 2020 Kia Sedona is 120.5 inches, more than that offered by the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. The Chrysler Pacifica Minivan supports the most wheelbase of 121.6 inches.

Exterior Features

The profile supported by the Sedona undoubtedly belongs to that of a minivan. Though there isn't anything great about it, the profile is simply good. Major exterior feats supported by the Kia include:

• Auto Light Control
• Black Mesh Grille
• Body-Colored Door Handles
• Projector Beam Headlamps
• Rear Spoiler
• Solar Control Glass
• 17/18 inch Alloy Wheels

The 2020 avatar of the Kia Sedona flaunts a strong safety and reliability scorecard. The ride gets a 4-star rating for rollover and 5-star rating for rest NHTSA parameters. The 2020 Kia Sedona is awarded a "Good" rating for roof strength and side strength. The excellent Surround View Monitor gives you a bird’s eye view of your car making navigation on tight spaces and parking a breeze. It’s only available on top-level SX trim.

2020 Kia Sedona flaunts a "Superior" front crash prevention. The ride comes with ESC, TCS, HAC, and EBD as standard safety and reliability features.

Some of the safety features of the 2020 Sedona are

• Dual Front Advanced Airbags
• Dual Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags
• Rollover Mitigation (ROM)
• 3-Point Seat Belts for All Seating Positions
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Front and Rear Crumple Zones

Kia Sedona vs Honda Odyssey

The 2020 Honda Odyssey is an all-new generation. Its newer and lighter platform means it’s larger and more spacious than Sedona but still delivers better fuel economy and stronger acceleration. It is also loaded with plenty of modern features including a child-friendly in-car vacuum cleaner. However, the Sedona has a classier interior, quieter cabin, and a lower starting price.

 

The Odyssey proudly wears the Honda name and is one of the pricy vans in the segment. It manages to give a tough time to the 2020 Kia Sedona. The ride is backed a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine. It is capable of delivering 248 hp of power along with 250 lb.-ft. of torque. Honda Odyssey has the best 0-60 MPH acceleration among its class rivals. The ride does so in 6.6 seconds. Moreover, Odyssey covers a quarter-mile in 15 seconds. The 7-seater has 4.5 and 118.1 inches of ground clearance and wheelbase, respectively, giving it a shorter turning radius.  

Kia Sedona Vs Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica is spacious and versatile – just what you expect from a minivan. However, it’s also very upscale with high-quality materials and plenty of equipment. The performance is similar to that of the Sedona but Chrysler delivers better fuel economy. And if you need a hybrid minivan, Pacifica Hybrid is the only minivan currently on sale delivering impeccable fuel efficiency.

 

The Pacifica has a slower 0-60 acceleration than the Sedona. Nonetheless, the ride covers a quarter-mile 0.8 seconds faster than that of the Sedona. Pacifica also offers a better-combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. Pricing options for the ride start from $33,495, on the other hand, the Sedona is a cheaper option. 

Kia Sedona vs Toyota Sienna. 

The Toyota Sienna is the most dated minivan here. However, it is also the most spacious with class-leading luggage capacity in any cabin configuration. Plus, the Sienna is the only AWD minivan on offer – seal the deal if you live in snowy areas. That said, the Toyota Sienna does not offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Although the Sedona is less versatile, it’s definitely more upscale.

Toyota Sienna accelerates to 60 MPH in 7 seconds, making it slower only to the Honda Odyssey. The ride requires 115 feet for coming to a complete halt while decelerating constantly from 60 MPH. The Sienna offers the best-in-league headroom in the front and second-row.

The 2020 Kia Sedona offers a great value for money with all its trims unlike some of its well-entrenched rivals. While the rivals offer all-out practicality and flexibility, the Kia adopts a car-like approach for its minivan. Moreover, with a total of 4 trims at its disposal, there are plenty of options that a buyer can mull over.

It has a fixed center console instead of a removable center console and the middle row is non-removable. Despite showing a pitiful performance and a sluggish acceleration, the Sedona prioritizes comfort. May it is a trivial ride or a long cruise, the ride allows passengers to stay in their comfort zone. Unlike its class rivals, 2020 Kia Sedona isn't a strict 7-seater. In fact, you can opt for the optional 2^nd-row upgrade to let it accommodate 8 persons. 

Also, there is no hybrid or AWD on offer if you are looking for more efficiency or bad weather capability. However, if you want a minivan but with a more car-like character, the Sedona is a great package at an affordable price.