2020 is shaping up to be the year that
minivans fought back as we’ve already seen the introduction of the redesigned
Toyota Sienna as well as the facelifted Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. Kia is working on an all-new Sedona which aims to reverse
declining sales and waning interest. Caught undergoing testing in Germany, the
redesigned Sedona (Carnival in Korea, other Asian markets and Australia)
is heavily camouflaged but we can see a handful of new details.
Starting up front, the model has a new
grille that appears to echo the one found on the redesigned Sorento. It’s
flanked by slimmer headlights which feature new LED daytime running lights. We
can also see a new front bumper which features vertical air intakes and a wide
central opening. Moving further back, we can see an angular A-pillar and
stylized doors. The minivan also has large side windows and a relatively flat
roof. The rear end is heavily disguised, but the model has been equipped with a
tailgate-mounted spoiler and new lighting units.
Inside, we can expect a significantly
improved cabin with higher quality materials and a more modern design. Key
highlights should include a larger infotainment system, new switchgear and a
digital instrument cluster. There should also be a host of new driver
assistance systems. Kia hasn’t said much about the new Sedona, but the minivan
expected to ride on the same platform that underpins the new Sorento. As a
result, it could share engines with the crossover including a turbocharged
2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 277 hp and 421 Nm of torque.
There could also be a hybrid variant which
uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a 1.5
kWh lithium-ion battery. In the Sorento, the powertrain produces 227 hp and 350 Nm of torque. If that wasn’t enough choices,
there could also be a plug-in hybrid variant as well as a 2.2-liter diesel
engine for other markets. The latter develops 199 hp and 440 Nm of torque.
