2019 Kia Sedona Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

These days, the automobile market seems to be dominated by SUVs and trucks. While a mini-van might not seem like an obvious choice for a new family vehicle, the 2019 Kia Sedona stands out. Its ride quality is pleasingly serene, and the cockpit will make you feel like you are driving an SUV, not a mini-van. Also, there are a ton of features packed into every trim level.

This model year, Kia is taking the Sedona a few steps farther. There is a new 8-speed automatic transmission that is paired up with a 3.6-L V6 engine. This powertrain has no problem generating 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. Make no mistake, this is a strong engine that is more than capable of moving a big, boxy mini-van around.

Oh, and fuel efficiency is something that needs to be addressed here. In the past, the Kia Sedona has struggled to compete with the mini-van segment's leader, the Honda Odyssey. This year, Kia is closing the wide gap in fuel efficiency between the Sedona and the Odyssey, thanks in part to the new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sedona now gets a combined 21 mpg (18 mpg city/24 mpg highway). Not bad for a mini-van.

Of course, you are going to have to select from a line-up of four different trim levels. Whether you opt for the base L trim or the line-topping SX, you will be getting a lengthy list of standard features and specs. But it is important to know which trim level is the right fit for you. With that being said, let us break down and compare each trim level. By the end of this review, you should have a clearer idea of which 2019 Kia Sedona trim is the best fit for your needs.

Compare the 2019 Kia Sedona L vs LX Trims. What is the difference?

The 2019 Kia Sedona's base trim, the L, comes with a respectable amount of features packed into a nice, shiny new package. The exterior of the L trim comes with body-colored side mirrors that include integrated LED turn signals, body-colored door handles, heated rear glass with a timer to prevent the system from overheating, a rear windshield wiper, and projector beam headlights. The front fascia is styled with a black mesh grille. Of course, the LX has all of these features, but it adds a few more into the mix. The LX can be distinguished from the L on the outside by its rear privacy glass and dual-powered sliding doors. Additionally, both trim levels are equipped with 17-inch silver finish alloy wheels.

On the inside, the L trim level has a rather modest design, but it does not look at all tacky or outdated. The L comes with fabric seats that are given a protective treatment for preventing stains and other hazards that can damage fabric upholstery. The L also has a manually-adjustable driver seat and Stow 'n Go second-row seating. The third-row seats in all trim levels are 60/40 split-folding. The LX comes with the same fabric upholstery, but it gains an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat with 2-way adjustable lumbar support. Also, it has seating for a total of eight passengers since it adds a third seat to the second row.

Of course, both trims comes with a good amount of standard infotainment features since those are what a lot of drivers want in their new vehicles. The base L trim comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display, AM/FM radio, MP3 capacity, smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4-speaker sound system, and Bluetooth connectivity. A number of controls are mounted onto the steering wheel. Siri Eyes Free, 12-volt power outlets, and a rearview camera also come standard. The LX has these as well, but it adds two speakers to its sound system.

For your convenience, the L offers air conditioning and plenty of small item storage space. There are two glove boxes up front as well as a sizable center bin/armrest. There are a total of 12 cupholders (which is the case for all the Sedona trim levels), and both the front and rear doors have bottle holders. The sun visors up front have illuminated vanity mirrors, and the cabin's lighting has a delay setting that gradually dims the lights once the doors have all been closed. The LX is equipped with all of these features as well.

Standard safety features are pretty comprehensive across the Sedona's line-up this model year. Both the L and LX are equipped with a rollover mitigation system that will deploy the airbags. They also have cornering braking control, electronic stability control, and traction control for keeping the Sedona's wheels safely traveling along the road surface. Hill start assist control and a brake assist system also come standard. You will, however, have to upgrade to the EX to gain access to more driver assist features.

Compare the 2019 Sedona LX vs EX Trims. What is the difference?

Speaking of the Kia Sedona EX, it is time that we take a look at what makes this trim level so different from the L and LX. Truth be told, it does share a lot of the same features with the LX, so it can be hard to distinguish between these two trim levels upon first glance.

However, if you look closer, you will notice that the EX trim has smart rear sliding door handles, which the lower trims lack. This allows you to open the sliding doors with the touch of a button with the Smart Key in hand. There are also roof rails that set the EX apart. Additionally, for the body, you can opt to get projector beam fog lights for the front, a smart power liftgate, a power sunroof, and chrome trim for the door handles.

On the inside, the EX upgrades you from the standard 7-inch touchscreen with AM/FM and MP3 to the UVO eServices infotainment system. This, too, has a 7-inch screen, and it includes connectivity to SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Also, you get upgraded to rapidly-charging 2.1 USB charger ports and a wireless phone charger. Options are available for extra driver aid features as well. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, smart cruise control, and a driver attention warning can all be added. A blind-spot monitoring system comes standard on the EX. Oh, don't forget that Smart Key with a push button start function comes standard too. And if you want better temperature moderation, you can opt for the tri-zone automatic climate control system.

One of the other major upgrades when going from the LX to the EX is that this switches you from standard cloth to chic leather upholstery. It also garners you heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and options for upgraded interior trim, driver seat memory, and 8-way power adjustability for the passenger seat. But, of course, if you want all of that to come standard, you can just buy the SX trim.

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

At last, we have come to the very top of the 2019 Kia Sedona line-up. The SX incorporates virtually everything you can find as standard or optional on the three lower trim levels, so you are guaranteed a highly comprehensive package deal here. The hang-up is, to be certain, the price tag jump. Still, for what you get, the price probably seems pretty justifiable for many people.

The exterior of the SX has a more luxurious appeal than the EX, as it upgrades from the standard black mesh grille to a lovely dark metallic. The side mirrors are given power-folding and heating capabilities, and the chrome door handles, sunroof, and Smart Welcome feature that come optional on the EX are standard issue on the SX. Also, solar control glass adorns all of the windows on the SX, and the windshield has the ability to absorb a good amount of exterior sound. The smart power liftgate, high beam assist, and front LED fog lights are included.

As you might imagine, the SX's cabin is adorned with a ton of creature comforts. UVO eServices comes with an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen display and gains built-in navigation features. The sound system also gets swapped out for a stellar Harman Kardon Premium Surround Sound system with a subwoofer, center speaker, and an external amplifier. Voice recognition and 110-volt power inverters for the center console and cargo area are included as well.

On the SX, you get a boatload of standard driver aids. Frontal collision warning, lane departure warning, and a rear cross-traffic warning system all get bundled into the mix, whereas they are just optional on the EX and totally unavailable on the L and LX. So, if you want the whole array of driver aids, the SX is going to be your best bet.

Final Thoughts

It's kind of hard to go wrong with any of the 2019 Kia Sedona trim levels. Certainly, if you can swing the cost, the line-topping SX has the most to offer. However, you might find that one of the two middle trim levels is the better deal. You might want to skip the L outright since it might be too basic to fit most drivers' needs.

The EX is packed pretty full with a good number of standard features, and there are plenty of optional ones that you can add on. Being able to pick and choose between the driver aids is nice since some of them are not exactly essential, just nice to have if you can afford them. The LX is a good trim level as well, but you will really get the most bang for your buck from the EX.