Kia Quietly Unveils Refreshed 2011 Sedona, New 271-HP 3.5L V6

Kia Quietly Unveils Refreshed 2011 Sedona, New 271 HP 3.5L V6 Highlights: – New front fascia with corporate “tiger-nose” grille
- New 3.5L V6 engine producing 271 horsepower and 248 lbs. ft of torque
- Mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission
- Increased fuel-economy (18/25 MPG city/hwy)

Kia Motors America today quietly updated its homepage with the addition of the 2011 Sedona minivan. While the automaker has not published an official press release yet, it is easily apparent that the Sedona is gearing up for the 2011 model-year with a fair list of cosmetic and mechanical changes.

The highlight of exterior updates for the 2011 Sedona is the revamped front fascia, now sporting the corporate “tiger-nose” grille (come on Borrego, complete the unity already!) and blacked-out lower center air intakes. New 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels are also part of the exterior changes, as well as LED side mirror repeaters and chrome door/side molding trim.

Again, due to the lack of an official press release, we are only making visual inferences of the interior upgrades for the 2011 Sedona. So far, the single difference we can note from the 2010 model’s interior is the new Twilight-escent cool grey wood grain trim accent that bids a so-long-farewell to the gaudy brown of the old.

But wait, there’s more. In an esteemed way to stay competitive in the fierce minivan market, with redesigned entries like the 2011 Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and the upcoming Nissan Quest, Kia has joined in on the festivities by hauling in a new 3.5L Lambda II V6 engine, producing 271 horsepower and 248 lbs. ft of torque. Mated to the powerplant is a new 6-speed automatic transmission, replacing the 2010′s 5-speed. Thanks to the new tranny, Kia boasts increased fuel economy of 18/25 est. MPG (city/hwy), reflecting an improvement from 17/23 est. MPG (city/hwy) of the 2010 model.

Pricing of the 2011 Kia Sedona starts at ,595 (before 5 destination charge) for the LX trim, a 0 increase over the 2010 LX. The up-level EX variant ticks off at ,195 (before 5 destination charge), reflecting a 0 increase over its 2010 counterpart. Oh and if you cared, the short-wheelbase Base model has been deleted for the 2011 model year. We hardly missed ye.

READ MORE for more images of the 2011 Sedona!

Kia Quietly Unveils Refreshed 2011 Sedona, New 271 HP 3.5L V6