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Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda32021 Kia Sedona: Value and Competence
With the 2021 Kia Sedona, buyers will find a competent minivan with the option for solid infotainment, passenger amenities and driver-assistance aids.
What’s New for the 2021 Kia Sedona
Approaching its 25th year on sale in the US, the 2021 Kia Sedona is an unchanged, carryover model in its fourth generation of value-packed family hauling. With a thoroughly refreshed model on the horizon for 2022 (the Kia Carnival), the 2021 Sedona actually loses features over last year. Base model L trim is deleted, leaving LX, EX and SX options while Venetian Red exterior paint and Camel Beige interior color are both removed as well. However, that doesn’t make this Sedona any less desirable for families hauling kids and cargo. In fact, it still offers a high level of amenities at reasonable prices.
2021 Kia Sedona – kiamedia.com | Shop 2021 Kia Sedona on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Touchscreen infotainment systems are standard
Simple but effective cooling glove box
Eleven driver assistance systems
SX has reclining second row with footrests
An AWD and/or hybrid option
Looking forward to the 2022 model
2021 Kia Sedona Specs
- 276 horsepower from base engine
- 248 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 34 cu-ft. of cargo capacity
- 142 cu-ft. of cargo capacity with seats down
- 12-inch Supervision digital gauge cluster
- Directional headlamp lighting
- Five years of roadside assistance included
2021 Kia Sedona Powertrain
The 2021 Kia Sedona offers a single powertrain configuration across the lineup and it starts with Kia’s 3.3-liter, direct injected V6 that makes 276 horses and 248 lb-ft of torque in this application. It’s married to an 8-speed automatic and drives the front wheels; there is no all-wheel-drive option. The four-corner independent suspension includes a five-link rear setup, which should imbue the Sedona with confident handling. Opting for the SX model brings high performance dampers and upgraded steering, but it is a minivan first and foremost so don’t expect a back road bomber.
2021 Kia Sedona Fuel Economy & MPG
All 2021 Kia Sedonas are equipped with Kia’s Active Eco System. It is a button activated setting that restricts engine and transmission performance in favor of fuel economy, which is well suited for long highway drives. No flyweight at around 4,500 pounds, the Sedona doesn’t wow in the fuel efficiency department. EPA estimates put it at 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Though the Sedona can handle 142 cubic feet of cargo with the middle and rear rows folded, it doesn’t match the competition in terms of simplicity. Stowing the second row involves the seats standing upright, folding over on themselves and then leaning against the front seatbacks, so they’re not really out of the way. However, there are plenty of occupant comfort-oriented amenities.
Cloth upholstered models feature an anti-soiling fabric to offer a helping hand in keeping the seats reasonably clean in the face of unavoidable kid spills. SX models have heated leather seating up front and ventilation for the driver’s cushion.
There is an available sunroof and, in all cases, the third row allows for a few degrees of reclining. The simple but effective cooled glove box contains a flap that can be opened to let air-conditioning chill the insulated space – perfect for drinks and snacks. Window sunshades, triple zoned HVAC, and a heated steering wheel are all on hand for additional passenger comfort.
Entertainment & Technology
Infotainment duties are handled by a touchscreen on all 2021 Kia Sedona trim levels, but you’ll need an SX for the larger 8” display. Apple and Android smartphone software is included across the board, but only the top-spec SX offers Kia’s 12” Supervision digital gauge cluster. While the EX Premium package adds a single 110V outlet to the interior, SX again takes the cake with three of these helpful, household voltage receptacles. Other available features include navigation, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and Kia’s UVO telematics software.
Safety Features
Kia has a robust advanced driver assistance systems offering, but none is available on the base LX Sedona. For the full suite, you’ll need the top line SX trim. It includes alerts for frontal, blind spot and rear cross-traffic collisions, a driver attention monitor, smart cruise control with lane departure warning, and parking sonar. Low beam headlights move based on steering inputs to better illuminate dark roads and automatic high beams add convenience. There is also a surround view monitor that shows a full exterior picture of the Sedona from a birds-eye perspective.
2021 Kia Sedona Trims & Pricing
LX – $31,575
You won’t find any advanced driver assistance systems from Kia’s DriveWise safety suite included on base 2022 Kia Sedona LX models, but you will find 17” alloy and body-colored bumpers, mirror caps. and door handles; lending a premium feel. Tinted windows and a solar glass windshield offer occupant privacy and comfort while the 12 cup holders ensure those occupants are thoroughly hydrated.
The size 7-inch touchscreen infotainment interface is centrally mounted and incorporates smartphone mirroring tech from Apple and Android. Cloth upholstery uses YES Essentials anti-soil fabric technology in an effort to maintain cleanliness in the face of youthful passengers. On the adjustability front, drivers have power-operated seats, the second row will slide and the way back bench can recline a few degrees.
EX – $34,875
For just under $35,000, a 2021 Kia Sedona EX comes nicely outfitted with heated leather seats, 2nd and 3rd row sunshades, 18” wheels, and roof rails. On the tech front, Kia’s UVO eServices are included and allow owners to find their parking spot and check vehicle status via smartphone. A wireless charging pad and additional USB ports are also on tap.
Parking sonar, blind spot collision warning, and rear cross traffic warnings from the DriveWise suite of ADAS are standard tech and there is an optional EX Premium package. For $4800, it brings power folding side mirrors, a sunroof, the Supervision digital gauge cluster, cooling glovebox, and more.
SX – $42,675
Top-spec SX Sedonas receive the full exterior LED treatment including dynamic bending low beams. A hands-free power-operated tailgate, acoustic windshield, and power folding side mirrors are part of the deal as is the full Kia DriveWise lineup. Some notable systems are the driver attention monitor, exterior surround view monitor, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.
Inside the SX, a larger 8” infotainment display, Harman Kardon stereo, 3rd row USB ports, and multiple 110V outlets ensure entertainment needs are covered. Occupant comfort moves up a level with a power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated driver seat, heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control with cluster ionization.
Warranties
Kia is widely known for its powertrain warranty, good for 10 years or 100,000 miles of driving. Rust coverage extends for the same 100,000 miles, but only over a 5-year period. The 2021 Kia Sedona’s basic vehicle warranty runs 5 years or 60,000 miles and roadside assistance is included for the same term.
What we think
2021 Kia Sedona – kiamedia.com | Shop 2021 Kia Sedona on Carsforsale.com
The 2021 Kia Sedona offers plenty of value in the ever-shrinking minivan segment. It may not have the headlining powertrain and amenity features of its competition, but the Sedona is a competent and comfortable family hauler. Next year’s model is looking to be a large update, and we can’t wait.
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