Used 2020 Kia Sedona

#5 in Best Minivans of 2020

As utilitarian as it is, the minivan is still the best way to move big families and all their stuff, which is why the 2020 Kia Sedona makes such a great choice. Available in four trim levels, the 2020 Sedona minivan undercuts its competitors’ entry-level prices by thousands of dollars, yet even in base form it’s hardly what we’d call a stripped-down model.

The Sedona isn’t quite as roomy as the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, but it can still carry up to eight passengers and comes standard with a stout 276-horsepower V6 engine. The Sedona also offers a better warranty. However, if you’re looking for advanced driver assists, the Sedona doesn’t offer them on the lower-priced entry L and LX trims. One might also note the 2020 Kia Sedona returns the lowest fuel-economy figures in the segment.

From behind the wheel the 2020 Kia Sedona is one of the most fun minivans to drive. It’s powerful, responsive and out on the road it magically feels smaller than it really is. Unlike some of its rivals, the Sedona doesn’t make you feel like you’re the captain of a cruise ship. The minivan’s ride quality is smooth and comfortable, but the Sedona also handles well, with quick steering, good balance and excellent body control. It doesn’t lean way over in the turns and it doesn’t feel tipsy or top-heavy.

You’ll be surprised how much this van likes to get thrown around. And it has plenty of power. The large 3.3-liter V6 has a strong kick off the line and its 276 horsepower gives it a satisfying surge of passing power out on the highway. Steep grades, even when the Sedona is packed with people and possessions, are not a problem.

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Depending on the 2nd-row configuration of bench or captain’s-chair seating, the 2020 Kia Sedona provides 3-row seating that can hold either seven or eight passengers. While the Sedona’s interior is cavernous, it falls behind its principal rivals in the areas of passenger volume and cargo space behind the 3rd-row seat. The Sedona’s seats are firm yet comfortable, and even the rearmost bench is okay for adults over short distances. The standard Slide-N-Stow 2nd-row seats quickly and easily slide forward and upright, while the 3rd-row stows under the floor helping to create maximum cargo hauling space without having to remove the 2nd-row seats.

The clean dash design includes easy-to-read-and-operate controls, with proper hard buttons and knobs for the most used systems, and a touch-screen infotainment setup for more advanced features. Unexpected options such as the Sedona’s wireless charging pad are a nice touch.

For 2020, the Sedona carries over with last year’s mild makeover that includes new front and rear styling for a modern and fresh look, along with new wheel designs in 17- and 18-inch sizes. The Sedona’s strong lines and bold grille help it look a bit more like a large-crossover SUV rather than a dowdy minivan, a theme most noticeable on the top-line SX trim that also includes LED headlights and fog lights.

EX and SX trims feature a single-touch exterior button that activates the power-sliding side doors, making it even easier to get in and out. The Sedona’s side doors open wide to permit easy access to the 3rd-row seat, and an available power rear liftgate makes loading a little less complicated, especially with both arms full of groceries or other important stuff.

DRIVER-ATTENTION WARNING
Designed to reduce accidents caused by fatigue, the 2020 Kia Sedona’s Driver Attention Warning system monitors both the vehicle and driver’s behavior. DAW looks for signs of erratic driving patterns such as weaving or drifting out of an intended lane and warns the driver with an audible tone and flashing coffee-cup icon. The idea is to gently prod the driver to either let someone else drive, or pull over and take a break.

AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING
The Sedona’s automatic emergency-braking system monitors the traffic ahead and can slow or stop the vehicle when it detects a collision is eminent. It can also detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path. Unfortunately, this valuable system is offered only on the most expensive EX and SX trims.

Available in four trim levels, there’s a 2020 Sedona for essentially every budget. Standard equipment on the L includes AM/FM 7.0-inch touch-screen radio with Bluetooth and USB/auxiliary inputs, Siri eyes-free, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also standard are a rearview camera, air conditioning with front and rear controls, and the all-important pop-out “conversation mirror” to keep an eye on back-seat shenanigans. Other road-trip perks include 12 cup holders and tricot-fabric upholstery with built-in stain-resistance.

Safety features include a bevy of airbags, traction and stability systems, and hill-start assist control. As with all new Kias, the Sedona has an excellent 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Adding features to the new Kia Sedona means climbing trims. The LX includes an 8-way-power driver’s seat with 2-way power-lumbar support, dual power-sliding rear doors and rear privacy glass.

The EX adds quite a bit more value with a power-operated liftgate, leather seating, Kia’s updated UVO infotainment system, SiriusXM, USB 2.1 charger ports, wireless phone charging, backup-warning system and tri-zone climate control.

SX models have Harman Kardon premium audio, an 8-inch touch screen with navigation, ventilated front seats, surround-view monitor, LED headlights, power sunroof and a heated steering wheel. Standard safety equipment on the SX includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision warning, automatic high beams and Driver Attention Warning.

The 2020 Kia Sedona minivan offers only one engine for all four trims, and it’s a very good one. Kia’s proven 3.3-liter V6 provides 276 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. That second figure, torque, is all-important when it comes to hauling heavy loads and attempting rapid passing maneuvers, both of which the Sedona accomplishes with ease. Although not as powerful as the V6 engines found in the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica, the Sedona’s V6 has no issues with acceleration or hauling heavy loads. A smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic is also standard. The Sedona minivan is tow-rated up to 3,500 pounds.

3.3-liter V6
276 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
248 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg