2015 KIA SEDONA QUICK TAKES

2015 KIA SEDONA SXL QUICK TAKES

• All-new 2015 Sedona sports CUV-like design and offers new premium SX Limited trim
• Captivating technology complements advanced safety features and available enhanced driving-aid systems
• 2015 Sedona offers seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations for maximum flexibility

Unlike any other vehicle in its segment, the all-new 2015 Sedona offers a fresh take on the midsize multi-purpose vehicle, building on the MPV’s traditional strength of flexible utility and transcending its conventional design limitations.  With European-inspired styling similar to that of a CUV, the Sedona maintains functional convenience with ample passenger space and cargo room, while also fulfilling the promise of technology, amenities and safety.

“The all-new Sedona is the final model to undergo Kia’s design-led transformation under the direction of chief design officer Peter Schreyer,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America. “Beneath the strong lines is a vehicle designed for today’s active lifestyles with more power than the previous Sedona, a longer wheelbase for improved leg room and unique seating configurations, including available ‘First Class’ second-row seats.  Combined with intuitive technology and safety, the Sedona brings new levels of sophistication to a segment that’s been filled with bland and predictable practicality.”

The 2015 Sedona has something for everyone with the addition of three new trim levels: L, SX and the premium SX Limited, which join the LX and EX trims previously offered. Customers will have the option of seven- and eight- passenger seating, offering flexibility to meet various needs. With a base MSRP1 of just $25,900 for the L, $28,100 for the LX, $32,100 for the EX $36,100 for the SX and $39,700 for the SX Limited, the completely transformed 2015 Sedona pushes the limits beyond any other vehicle in the segment in terms of design, amenities and value.

Modern, Confident Exterior
Transcending mundane functionality, the Sedona’s wide stance exudes a modern, CUV-like appearance highlighted by a front fascia and cab-forward design that project confidence and strength.

The Sedona’s muscular face and clean, smooth look feature a fully integrated version of Kia’s signature grille as well as headlamps with LED positioning lights.

The wheelbase is 1.6-inches longer than its predecessor, and the side profile, with its reduced front and rear overhangs, combines with the deeply swept windshield and available 19-inch alloy wheels to create a distinctively purposeful personality.

Meanwhile, the rear design layout, with LED taillights, integrated bumper guard and standard roof spoiler, presents a broad, stable bearing.

Open, Relaxed, Configurable Interior
Despite its overall width and height remaining virtually unchanged, the all-new Sedona provides more front shoulder room, greater leg room in the front, second and third rows, as well as a slightly higher hip-point, improving outward visibility for the driver.

The horizontal design cues across the instrument panel create a greater sense of width, and the generous use of soft-touch materials adds to the all-new Sedona’s premium ambiance.  The Sedona’s proportions provide flexible seating in both seven- and eight-passenger configurations and a multitude of storage options.

The front center console is unique to the segment and allows for generous and cleverly convenient storage space between the front seats.  Second row Slide-N-Stow tracked seating slides and folds upright to allow for “on-the-go” cargo hauling, eliminating the hassle of removing heavy and cumbersome seats.

The all-new Sedona also offers the choice of second row “First Class” lounge seating that can be positioned rearward for astonishing legroom and provides retractable lower-leg rests2 and airplane-style winged headrests.

And while some configurations feature second-row seat cushion heaters for added comfort, all 2015 Sedona models offer a third-row that provides the convenience of a split folding 60/40, in-floor-retractable design.

The Sedona also is the only vehicle in the segment outfitted with standard YES Essentials™ fabric technology to provide anti-microbial protection from spills, anti-static protection from irritating electrical shocks as well as stain-repelling and stain-releasing fabric characteristics appreciated by anyone who leads an active lifestyle.

The Sedona’s sophisticated interior design theme is brought to life with a modern color palette featuring solid or two-tone color options in beige, gray and burgundy for a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The top-line SX Limited trim features standard ultra-soft Nappa leather trim seating surfaces throughout the cabin, the same Chromium-free leather found in Kia’s flagship luxury sedan, the K900.

Next-Generation UVO3
Building on the next-generation UVO Infotainment & Telematics system, the all-new Sedona will be the first Kia vehicle to offer four new eServices features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score4.  Additionally, with the introduction of the Kia App store, select apps can be downloaded for free from iTunes®5 or Google Play6.  The Kia app connector is now available for partnership with the content community, including Pandora®7, iHeart Radio and Yelp®8.  Many more new technologies for comfort and convenience are featured in the new UVO system, including Siri “Eyes Free9” and Local Search – powered by Google – for finding locations, addresses and points of interest.  Sirius XM Travel Link10, offering access to traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores, stock information and movie times, makes the Sedona the perfect companion for those who live their lives on the road with family and friends.

Driving Dynamics and Safety
The 2015 Sedona is built on an all-new chassis with static torsional stiffness that is 36-percent greater than its closest segment competitor.  The body is 76 percent Advanced High Strength Steel or Press Hardened Steel, which provides exceptional rigidity, durability and collision protection in a lightweight design.

For enhanced roof strength, the Sedona has been engineered with reinforced pillars that distribute impact loads with ultra-high-strength steel tubes installed inside the A-pillars. Extensive use of bonding adhesives and larger diameter welds also add to Sedona’s overall structural integrity and strength.  Together with Kia’s patented technology, the 2015 Sedona is targeted to earn the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 5-Star overall vehicle safety rating.

The rigid and durable chassis provides a solid base for road-trip readiness.  The 2015 Sedona utilizes Amplitude Selected Dampers (ASD) along with independent rear suspension to strike an optimal balance of ride comfort and handling.  The platform also has revised rear cross-member bushings, an isolated rear sub-frame with longer trailing arms and added rear strut reinforcement, all of which combine for improved dynamic ride characteristics.

Additionally, the 2015 Sedona is expected to be among the quietest in the segment thanks to wheel-house padding, double seal sliding doors and expanded use of sound-deadening foam in the engine compartment, reducing noise and perceived harshness over rough pavement.

Under the hood, a new Lambda Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 3.3-liter V6 engine replaces the 3.5-liter V6 found in the previous generation Sedona.  The 3.3-liter engine, which also appears in the Sorento CUV and Cadenza premium sedan, delivers more power than its predecessor, boasting 276 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and it has been tuned for enhanced mid-range torque, offering 248 lb.-ft. at 5,200 rpm.

A three-step Variable Induction System (VIS) improves engine “breathing” by automatically adjusting the intake runner lengths to optimize engine torque under different load conditions.  Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) combined with a piston-cooling oil jet improves engine efficiency, while engine components, including piston rings, piston skirts, valve tappets, timing chain guide and valve springs are all of a low-friction design.

Finally, the new 3.3-liter V6 engine is mated to a six-speed Sport-Matic transmission tuned for balanced control, power and efficiency.

Abundant Safety Features and Driver Technology
Throughout the design and development process a high priority was placed on active and passive safety features as well as technology, resulting in one of the most technologically advanced vehicles in the segment.  All Sedona models come standard with active safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC)11, Traction Control System (TCS)11, Brake Assist System (BAS)11, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)11, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)11and Antilock Braking System (ABS)11.  Additional technologies such as Roll Over Mitigation (ROM)11 and Cornering Brake Control (CBC)11 also were added as standard equipment for improved dynamic control and safety.

New optional driver aid technology, including Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)11, Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS)12, Smart Cruise Control (SCC)12, Blind Spot Detection (BSD)12 and Rear Cross Traffic Alert12, help provide Sedona owners with a more convenient and secure daily driving experience.

 Comfort & Convenience Features
From front to back the Sedona offers numerous convenience features, including Kia’s first application of the newest high-power (2.1 Amp) USB charging ports and 115-volt AC outlets to charge small electronics, as well as a dual glove box that offers a cooled lower storage area.

For easier parking and vehicle maneuvering, the available Surround View Monitor9 provides real-time images from cameras placed around the vehicle.  Smart Welcome automatically illuminates the door handles and unfolds the power retractable side mirrors when the vehicle key fob is detected.  A hands-free “Smart Power Liftgate” opens the rear lift gate automatically when the key fob is sensed for three seconds, and its programmable function can be tailored to the user’s height preference.

2015 KIA SEDONA MSRP $39,700

AS SHOWN WITH SXL TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE $42,400

CLICK HERE TO WATCH AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES REVIEW OF THE 2015 KIA SEDONA. 

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