The Kia Sedona is a decent minivan – there’s no doubt about that. But, Kia’s idea of updating the Sedona is nothing short of laughable. First, Kia did update the front fascia to be more in line with its current lineup, but outside of that, the only good thing that comes outside aside from new wheels are redesigned exterior lights. If you want LED headlamps you need to pony up for the higher trim levels while you have to jump up to the EX if you want the new power sliding door button. Outside of a new instrument cluster inside, the interior only sees updates on the options list while under the metal there’s a new transmission that’s supposed to be more efficient.

2019 Kia Sedona Exterior Enhancements

The extent of exterior updates come to an end at the addition of revised exterior lights and a new front fascia. The latter of which is a bit sportier and features revised fog lights. But, if you want the LED taillights and headlights, you need to go with the range-topping SX and SXL trim levels. Even the new sliding door button requires you to climb three trim levels from base to the EX. Kia’s tigernose grille did get a new mesh design, and there are new wheels for most trim levels that come in 17-, 18-, and 19-inches depending on your trim level. Oh, and there’s some new chrome trim in the back…. Yay!

2019 Kia Sedona Interior Enhancements

Inside Kia would have you believe that there’s a lot of nice updates here, but they are only updates to the options you can choose to pay for. Of the entire update list, only one thing comes standard across the range, and that’s a revised instrument cluster with new graphics. Nothing else in the design department has changed despite the fact that Kia says the center fascia is “more modern.” I’ll give you $10 if you can figure out what changed there because I can’t. Moving on, the center console now has a wireless charger and a holder for your sunglasses. SX and SXL trim levels get an electronic parking brake.

As for the other “updates,” well the rear luggage area can be optioned with a new USB port, or you can go with the new optional rear seat entertainment system with 2 10.1-inch screens instead of the original over-head unit. If you want to opt for the Infinity6 sound system, you’ll find that option is gone and replaced by the Harmon Kardon 7 premium system with eight speakers. So, what you really get as standard updates is a wireless phone charger, a new storage area under the center console, and new graphics for the instrument cluster. Everything else is just an updated options list. Not that it’s necessarily a bad thing, but there’s nothing much here for those not willing to check off box after box to get the latest and greatest.

2019 Kia Sedona Performance Enhancements

The 2019 Sedona carries over with the same 3.3-liter V-6. No performance enhancements here but they weren’t really needed anyway considering the mill has 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque on tap – enough to keep most of the competition in check. There is, however, a new eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces the old, lazy six-speed. The new gearbox is said to improve fuel economy and a “more seamless driving experience.” The fuel economy is believable, but you might want to take a test drive to verify that last bit of PR.

On the plus side, the Sedona does get Kia’s full range of safety assistance systems including smart cruise control, stop and go, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot alert, forward collision avoidance, and a new driver attention warning system to help you be more attentive. Of course, certain features, like the forward collision warning, for instance, is an optional technology so pay close attention to the safety features that come as standard when you check this thing out at the dealer.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the Kia Sedona isn’t a bad vehicle by any means. It’s certainly not the most exciting model in Kia’s lineup, but if you need to haul the kiddos around all day, the Sedona isn’t a bad means of transportation. On the other hand, it’s priced relatively low at just $27,000 for the 2018 model year, so all of the good stuff like the rear seat entertainment system and the little goodies like the rear USB port are all things you’re going to have to pay for. And, if you want the better headlights, you’ll need to move up a few trim levels too. Not that it’s necessarily a bad thing – you can definitely get into a nice ride below $30,000 if you’re on a budget, but don’t expect all of the bells and whistles.

Something else to keep in mind is that since this refresh comes a few years after the generation was introduced this is probably as good as it will get until the fourth-gen model comes into play after the turn of the decade. And, since there wasn’t a lot that changed on the base model, aside from that new eight-speed automatic, you might be better off finding yourself a model from 2016 and saving some cheddar – it really all depends on how much you drive and how much more efficient the 2019 model will be with that new eight-speed trans.

References

Read our full review on the previous, 2017 Kia Sedona.

Read more Kia news.

Read more New York Auto Show news.