2020 Kia Sedona Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2020 Kia Sedona is a family minivan that seats seven or eight. The new model is offering all of the features you’d expect on a family vehicle. Shoppers can expect a responsive engine, spacious cabin, ample cargo room, and contemporary features.

There are four main trims: L, LX, EX, and SX. Six exterior colors are on the menu. There are two interior color schemes. The cloth and leather interiors come in either graphite gray or caramel beige.

This vehicle earned the 2019 Best Minivan in Initial Quality from JD Power. The award is based on surveys of real owners who answer a long list of questions about the vehicle’s operations. Consumers often look to these ratings to determine if the vehicle’s features will work as advertised.

Large and roomy, there’s 165.8 cubic feet of passenger space. Second-row legroom is a remarkable 41.1 inches. L editions start off with seven seats while the other trims start off with eight seats.

There’s plenty of room for luggage with 33.9 cubic feet of space. The seats can be folded to claim 78.4 cubic feet. The third row split folds 60/40 allowing flexibility. Behind the front row, owners can claim 142 cubic feet.

Slide-n-Stow seats are the secret to the Sedona’s versatility. The second row folds forward. The third row disappears into the floor. That’s how you get space without removing a single seat.

The 3.3-liter V6 generates 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. This single engine choice is controlled by an electronically controlled 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Ground clearance is 6.7 inches. Sedonas can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

 

Compare the 2020 Kia Sedona L vs LX Trims. What is the difference?

Sedonas wear a tiger nose front grille and a sharply raked windshield. In the back, there’s wrap-around glass, a spoiler, and an integrated bumper guard. The front windshield has solar control glass. L and LX models have body-color handles and mirrors. Wheels are 17-inch silver-finish alloys.

The L engine is enhanced by an active eco system. It is designed to minimize fuel use while still delivering the power that the driver needs. Hydraulic power steering is standard. Travel is regulated by cornering brake control and electronic brake-force distribution.

In this 7-seat model, Tricot fabric has undergone a YES Essentials treatment. This helps to prevent stains, odors and static. Meeting the needs of families, there are 12 cup holders, multiple LATCH attachments, and rear child-safety door locks. Remote keyless entry makes locking and unlocking easier. A conversation mirror helps parents keep an eye on what’s happening behind them.

Sliding doors invite the kids inside. LX models add power to the sliding doors.

On the dash of both models, you’ll find a 3.5-inch OLED color driver display and Kia’s 7-inch color touch screen. Drivers benefit from Bluetooth hands-free phone and Siri Eyes Free. A USB port and 12V power outlet are on board.

Streaming audio choices are multiplied by the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There are steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and cruise control.

If you choose the LX, the 4-speaker system is upgraded to six speakers. LX cabins have 8-passenger seating. Both front positions enjoy 8-way power chairs. A wireless charger adds more tech to the package. An auto-dimming rearview mirror is available. This also adds Homelink for garage door connectivity.

Compare the 2020 Kia Sedona LX vs EX Trims.  What is the Difference?

It’s a big step from the LX to the EX. Performance is enhanced with a better steering system. There’s more dash technology and more family-friendly features. The long list of available features allows you to select what you want without stepping all the way up to the SX.

EX models wear 18-inch silver finish alloys instead of the LX 17-inch wheels. The trim also gets roof rails. Shoppers can get projector beam front fog lights.

Improving travel, Kia adds Rack Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering. This allows the addition of Vehicle Stability Management. This system provides direction control. If stability is threatened, VSM intervenes to keep the driver in control. A blind spot monitor warns you about traffic alongside the Sedona.

Best of all, the EX interior has rich leather upholstery. It’s complemented by the leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-clad shifter. To protect the kids, there are second- and third-row sunshades. Heated front seats are a welcoming feature on a cold day.

New toys include rapid-charge USB ports and an available third-row port. The Smart Key adds more functions, including push button start. With your key in your pocket, you can push buttons on any door handle to unlock the minivan.

The 7-inch touch screen is upgraded with upgraded voice capability and telematics. SiriusXM offers 130 channels by subscription. A remote starter and valet alert are part of the embedded features.

For safer parking, the EX picks up two functions. The rear cross-traffic collision warning is designed to watch your back in parking lots and other reverse maneuvers. Helping you avoid fender benders, Park Distance Warnings work for forward and reverse methods.

The dual-screen DVD rear seat entertainment system is available for the first time on this trim. Device mirroring allows it to stream from your tablet or smartphone.

There are many other upgrades available on the EX. They include ventilated seats, a cooling glove box, a chauffeur seat switch, an auto-dimming mirror, Homelink, power liftgate and sunroof. You can also get a forward collision warning, autobrake, pedestrian detection, lane watch, and adaptive cruise control.

Compare the 2020 Kia Sedona EX vs SX Trims. What is the difference?

Compared to the EX and other trims, the SX exterior really stands out. The regular grille is upgraded with a dark metallic mesh. The wheels are bright 18-inch alloys. There are power-folding outside mirrors and more solar control glass. Door handles are chrome.

These higher trims have more exciting lights in the most contemporary style available. There are LED positioning lights, LED rear combination lamps, and LED headlights. These front headlights have high-beam assist and low beam dynamic assist. Auto-leveling reveals more of the road than stationary headlights can do. Drivers will enjoy less stress with these lights assisting them at night.

Like the EX, the SX has leather seating trim in your choice of graphite gray or caramel beige. The trim adds metal-style door trim. A power sunroof brings the sky into the cabin. The SX builds on the EX model’s features list. Furthermore almost all of the SX refinements are available on the EX.

Families will appreciate the standard cooling glove box. This keeps your soft drinks and juice boxes cold. Keeping you warmer, the steering wheel is power-heated. Tri-zone climate controls allow parents to help the kids stay more comfortable.

An integrated memory system lets you set positions for the driver’s power chair and power side mirrors. Among the small details, you’ll find 110V power inverter has been added to the front console and rear cargo area. A new chauffeur seat switch allows the

Driving is more refined with the SX Drive Mode Select. This changes shift points and steering feel to match customer’s mood. You select from normal, eco and comfort.

Keeping you safer, a driver attention warning lets you know if your behaviors demonstrate an impaired attention level. A lane departure warning signals the driver to straighten up the minivan’s trajectory.

Forward collision warnings utilize radar to determine if the minivan is going too fast in traffic. If a car is stopping, the FCW alerts the driver with audible and visual signals. Smart cruise control utilizes FCW technology and the emergency autobrake as it handles speed in busy traffic.

The Surround View Monitor is exclusive to the Sedona SX. It provides a 360-degree camera system for parking and slow maneuvers. Like the EX, the SX offers the Dual-Screen Rear Seat Entertainment System.

SX dash tech is also a step up from the generous EX list. With additional speakers, subwoofer and amplifier, Harman Kardon surrounds the passengers with sound.

An 8-inch color touch screen is on the dash. It offers UVO eServices including navigation. HD Radio and Sirius XM are available. SiriusXM Traffic assists with travel plans.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

If you are looking for the best minivan for your family, you’ll probably want to start your search with the LX. For starters, it upgrades the L’s plain sliding doors. Power-slide doors are much easier for young kids to operate.

LX fabric seats will appeal to parents because they are so easy to clean. The driver and front passenger will appreciate the power chair. This is especially important to the driver's stress level. Plus the LX seats eight, adding that extra seat that many families need.

The EX may strike the best balance, however. It is not as expensive as the SX, but it has so many key features that families want. You are giving up the easy-clean fabric, but the handsome leather should be worth it.

There's more dash technology for your entertainment, and you can choose to get the rear entertainment center. Most families want to get a system like this. It's unfortunate that it's not offered on the lower trims.

The EX allows you to add the safety systems or favorite amenities. For instance, you may decide you have to have the power liftgate, which is available on the EX but not the lower trims. You can get the cooling glove box, adding another home-like aspect to your rolling living room.

Also, you may want those safety features like lane watch and forward collision warning. Again, you have to choose the EX for those to be available. You simply can't get them on the L or LX.

If you are picking and choosing individual items and packages on the EX, you may decide to get the SX. After all, everything you want is there. The one exception is the rear entertainment center, which is still just an option.

However, at that level, the Sedona couldn't get much safer. Drivers will be warned about possible problems and have time to react appropriately. The upgraded power steering makes it easier to drive. Furthermore, only the SX has SurroundVision. This feature alone can save you thousands just by helping you avoid scraping the side or hitting a low tree limb.

If you spend many hours in the family vehicle, you'll be glad you have tri-zone climate controls and heated and ventilated front seats. Those sunshades will keep baby out of the sun. The cooled glove box will have drinks ready when baby is crying. Having so many needs covered may make the SX worth every dime.

There are many three-row vehicles on the market. Few have as much rear cargo space as the Sedona. Even fewer start out as affordable for the family budget. It's definitely a matter of deciding what you need and what you can live without.