Billed a proper hauler for families that crave innovation, flexibility, and style, the next generation of the 2021 Kia Sedona promises to be a significant upgrade over the current model.
The Sedona faces off with the Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Voyager, and Dodge Grand Caravan Chrysler has introduced a new high-end version of the Pacifica for the 2021 model year and Toyota has completely redesigned the Sienna, which will only be available as a hybrid in the future. Honda has refreshed the Odyssey for 2021.
The redesigned 2021 Toyota Sienna has gone hybrid-only and gotten a bullet train-inspired design. With Kia’s focus on alternative powertrains it’s possible that the new Sedona will have a hybrid element.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.
From the looks of the teaser photo, the van shares more common design characteristics with the 2021 Kia K5 than it does the 2020 Kia Telluride. Also, it doesn’t share much up front with the redesigned, next-gen 2021 Kia Sorento that was unveiled in February.
Its light signature features a familiar dip while a fresh take on the company’s signature Tiger Nose grille is up front. The grille features vertical slats, like it does in the 2020 Kia Cadenza.
There are three significant hood creases in the photo and large wheels. The teaser image is a rendering so these attributes might not appear as strong when the model truly debuts.
The model gets two-tone side mirror caps with trim levels that change the color of the mirror caps from all-black to body color to possibly chrome likely.
Kia likely killing Optima name, renaming the sedan what it’s called in Korea – the K5. The model has a similar light signature as the new Sedona.
Photo courtesy of Kia Motors
Kia has given the minivan a black C-pillar, which allows for a floating roof design – something that is a very popular design trend in SUVs right now.
The model has been dubbed the “Grand Utility Vehicle” by Kia designers and features a character line that extends from the front of the van around the back connecting the headlights and taillights. Kia says that a “chrome fin” extends around the backside of the vehicle.
Kia sells the Sedona as the Carnival in global markets. Worldwide, the company has sold over two million versions of the minivan since it went on sale in 1998.
The Kia Carnival goes on sale in Korea in the third quarter of the year. The Sedona is expected to reach U.S. shores after that point. Further information about the new generation Sedona is forthcoming.
