The 2014 Kia Sedona brought a few cries of “foul” from reviewers when it was re-introduced still looking unrefreshed after a one-year vacation. There was, however, a method to the Korean automaker’s madness with the debut of the totally reworked third-generation Sedona lineup in 2015. This value-laden 7-passenger minivan looks tougher, drives better and all but eliminates intrusive road and engine noise from its upgraded cabin. In a nod to the resurgent popularity of the rugged sport-ute concept, the new-look Sedona is, at least according to the media, attempting to man-up the traditional soccer-mom image of the typical minivan. In fact, Kia brands its next-gen Sedona a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) in hopes that the U.S. will catch up to the rest of the world in dropping the word “minivan” from its automotive vocabulary.

Among the changes to the Sedona are a few added trims, with the new L now serving as the entry-level version just below the now lower-midlevel LX and the up-featured (and returning) EX. Meanwhile, a sporty new SX trim and an also new top-shelf SX Limited (SX-L) finish off the Sedona stable. All are, of course, still offered with front-wheel drive (FWD), but a new electric power-steering unit graces the SX and SX-L trims which Kia claims brings a whole new level of driving panache to this MPV. Additionally, a new Drive Mode Selector in the SX and SX-L offers a choice of Normal, Comfort and Eco modes, altering steering weight and transmission shift points to suit the mood of the commute.

Also debuting is a unique second-row Slide-N-Stow feature in all but the SX-L variant. This upgraded system boasts easier folding of the second-row seatbacks to allow 142 cubic feet of total cargo capacity. The SX-L sports new reclining and sliding second-row lounge seats that boast head- and footrests. However, these seats don’t fold down, so total cargo area is considerably less (only 78.4 cubic feet) than that of its lower-echelon siblings.

Power-wise, the standard 3.3-liter V6 engine returns to the Sedona lineup for 2015 and once again pairs with the ubiquitous 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission to produce 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. Mileage figures are curiously trim-dependent, with the L, LX and EX offering an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city/24 highway, the SX coming in at an impressive 18/25 and the SX-L dropping to 17/22. Towing capacity with the available tow hitch and wiring installed maxes out at 3,500 pounds.

Kia claims that a new electric power-steering system allows for the improved fuel efficiency in the SX, but reviewers argue that the SX-L carries this same power-steering upgrade and that the 100 pounds of extra bling it carries shouldn’t cut the flagship trim’s fuel efficiency like it does.

Anyhow, look for the reworked Sedona lineup, depending on the trim selected, to tote 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, roof rack, heated power-folding and power-adjustable mirrors, and manual- or power-sliding rear passenger doors aboard its newly athletic profile.

Inside, depending on the trim chosen, expect to find cloth or leather-trimmed upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, heated second-row seats, memory for driver's settings and full power accessories, including keyless entry and ignition in higher-level variants. Of course power windows are standard across the lineup, as are cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering. Lower trims are delivered with standard manual air conditioning, while higher trims boast tri-zone auto climate control. All trims, furthermore, offer standard rear parking sensors, with the more expensive trims throwing in front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and a remote garage door opener.

Techno-bling includes Bluetooth hands-free calling throughout the 2015 Sedona lineup, while lower trims offer a CD player with 4 speakers, basic Uvo infotainment, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio input. Higher Sedona iterations, meantime, boast upgraded speakers and Uvo technology. The SX and SX-L also come with a standard around-view camera system.

Options in lower-level Sedona editions include a number of add-ons that come standard in higher trims. Meanwhile, optional stuff like GPS navigation (Garmin Nuvi), power sunroofs in the front and rear, rear-seat DVD entertainment and remote engine start are slated only for the SX-L.

Finally, all iterations of the redesigned 2015 Sedona come with standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), front side-mounted airbags, 3-row head airbags and turn-signal-integrated mirrors. The EX and higher trims add standard front fog/driving lights, while the SX and SX-L toss in standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts. Higher trims can also be delivered with available self-leveling high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warnings and automatic high- and low-beam headlights.