2018 Kia Sedona

Kia's most versatile vehicle, the Sedona minivan, moves into yet another model year virtually unchanged following a redesign way back in 2015. For 2018, the Sedona's hands-free power tailgate and heated steering wheel are shuffled down one trim level to become standard in the LX+.

It's the third of six trims, the rest being L, LX, SX+, SXL and SXL+, all of which share a 3.3L V6 that makes 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

It's a strong powertrain, but the minivan's relatively lacking popularity means Sedona doesn't get anything like the variety available in the Sorento mid-size crossover, which can be had with two four-cylinders (one of which is turbocharged) and the same V6 found here.

The Sedona starts as a seven-seater with LX trim alone gaining space for an eighth passenger. The SXL+ comes with second-row captain's chairs with leg rests.

In the Sedona, that one engine comes with three different sets of fuel consumption estimates, depending on trim. In L, LX and LX+ it's rated 13.2/9.7 L/100 km (city/highway), 12.9/9.5 in the SX+ and a surprisingly thirsty 14.1/10.5 in SXL+.

For comparison's sake, the all-new Honda Odyssey's estimates are 12.6/8.4, while the hugely popular Dodge Grand Caravan is rated at 13.7/9.4.

The stripper L trim is a bargain basement model that exists just so Kia can offer a sub-$30,000 price, and while it does have things like Bluetooth and air conditioning with rear passenger controls, it lacks power sliding doors and tailgate and electric driver's seat adjustments and makes do with a four-speaker stereo and a tiny five-inch infotainment display.

We'd argue the LX is the real starting point with its seven-inch stereo touchscreen, smartphone integration, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar and rear parking sensors. A hands-free tailgate is standard from LX+ trim and up.

Kia does offer some advanced safety features here, but lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking and a 360-degree camera are options in the top-trim SXL+.

Leather seats are standard in the SX+ and SXL+ upgrades to perforated Nappa leather with ventilation for the driver and front passenger.