BREAKING: Kia Sedona Receives New Fog Lamps for 2019

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

Automotive trade shows typically provide little more than early access to vehicles you’ve already read about for months. But every so often details emerge that are so incredibly hot, you can’t even begin to fathom why God chose to trust you with them.

At this week’s 2018 New York International Auto Show, Kia Motors America unveiled a refreshed 2019 Sedona minivan, which — get a load of this — has totally new fog lamps. These babies aren’t even remotely the same shape as the outgoing version’s bulbs. Those old round heaps are over and done with; we’re entering an entirely new era of illumination, folks.

To be accurate, the new Sedona actually has entirely new front and rear fascias but, after staring at the 2019 model for several minutes, the only standout upgrade seems to be the fog lights. Which is strange because, when compared with the older model, it becomes immediately apparent that the refresh worked some legitimate magic on the family wagon. Don’t believe us? Well, here is a visual sample of the 2018 Kia Sedona:

Comparatively hideous, right? It’s like seeing identical twins but in a scenario where one is obviously far less attractive. A real-world example of this phenomenon would be Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, but we don’t have to tell you that — it was definitely the first thought that crossed your mind. Poor Mary-Kate… or is it Ashley that’s the ugly one?

Additional mid-cycle updates include the addition of an eight-speed automatic and a new rear entertainment system to keep the kids engaged in something other than screaming. Replacing the previous model’s single overhead screen is a pair of 10.1-inch touchscreens located on the back of the front seats. Still an optional extra, the new entertainment system also has smartphone-mirroring.

Otherwise, the Sedona marches into the future relatively unchanged. It keeps the venerable 3.3-liter V6 and misses out on the handful of tech upgrades that graced the refreshed 2019 Kia Optima — but only because it already had those features.

[Images: Kia Motors]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

Consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulations. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Since adding automotive writing to his repertoire, he has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, discussed the status of the automotive sector on national broadcasts, participated in a few amateur rallying events, and driven more rental cars than anyone should ever have to. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and learned to drive by twelve. Alleged to be contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer and motorcycles.

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  • Our ‘11 Quest SV with 187k is still better IMHO. Methinks I’ll keep it a little longer, at least that’s what the wife demands.

    • SC5door SC5door on Mar 30, 2018

      Poor crash test scores and CVT on the Quest....but yea, it's better. LOL

  • Lynchenstein Lynchenstein on Mar 30, 2018

    I think it's a darned fine looking van. I'd much rather have a small truck from Kia though. How 'bout it, guys?

    • Slavuta Slavuta on Mar 31, 2018

      wow, I just saw 1 today. Thats 2 in 4 years.

  • FreedMike So, Porsche is selling $100K cars that owners aren't allowed to drive. Way to keep the customers happy, guys!
  • The Ayatollah of Rock n Rolla If the new REO actually happens, and it happens roughly where their target price sits, but at least below $30k, I think that is a great inexpensive truck that would solve the truck needs of the vast majority of current truck buyers.As for cars...we need CARS. Not stupid SUVs. Not ugly crossover blobs. CARS. Coupes, sedans, wagons. Start building something midsized, and make the price point in the mid 30s or lower. AWD optional. And yes, I know Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai/Kia still make sedans. But GM, Ford, and Chrysler/Stellantis need to get on the ball and bring out some competition.
  • 3-On-The-Tree My C6 with the LS3 got over 30 mpg on the highway in 6th gear on cruise control doing 80-85.
  • KwikShiftPro4X On Kijiji this would be $3000 as-is, where-is. Vintage! Rare! I knows whats I got!
  • SCE to AUX KBB says that the ATP of new vehicles was $50,526 in September. As a group, buyers afforded that much, but we know that some (up to 6%) will default. Deducting 6% from that ATP, we get $47,494.So anything lower than that is 'more affordable', and anything higher than that is 'less affordable'.
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