Forget muscle cars and full-size trucks, minivans are one of the most competitive among new cars. This increased competition has led to the updated Kia Sedona, which receives some subtle-yet-thoughtful updates for the 2019 model year.

The exterior refresh is highlighted by a new grille design, which actually looks to be inspired by the Sedona’s SUV relative, the Sorento. The grille is flanked by boxy, yet aggressive, headlight designs, which the updated lower front air intake frames. Out back, the Sedona gets a new rear fascia, which includes updated taillights and a new chrome accent that nearly spans the width of the rear liftgate.

The cabin features updates that are even more subtle, including an updated instrument cluster and updated center console bezel. Trims for the 2019 Sedona include the L, LX, EX, SX, and SXL. The base L trim comes standard with 17-inch wheels, a manual tailgate, and manual sliding doors. Inside, the L trim comes with dual glove boxes, three 12-volt power outlets, 12 cupholders, USB and auxiliary jacks, keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The LX trim strikes a good blend of content and value. It adds tinted privacy glass, power-sliding side doors, and 8-way power adjustable drivers seat with 2-way lumbar. Drivers can add optional 18-inch alloy wheels and leather seat trim. The LX also adds an upgraded 6-speaker stereo and blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert.

The EX, SX, and SXL trims also get helpful power sliding-door buttons on the sliding door handles. The EX trim also adds projection fog lights, chrome interior door handles, metal grain first- and second-row door finish, leather seat trim, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The EX also adds three-zone climate control, leather seating, heated front seats, rapid charge USB, auto-dimming rear view mirror, smart key with push button start, and a host of driver-assistance features.

The SX trim adds a sporty flair with 18-inch machine finished alloy wheels, bi-function LED headlights, LED fog lights, power-folding outside mirrors, unique mesh grille design and a power sunroof. The SX trim also adds second- and third-row sunshades, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a cooling glove box. On top of that, the SX trim also adds an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The range-topping trim is the SXL. It features chrome-finished 19-inch alloy wheels, dynamic bending headlights, chrome lower side trim, and dual sunroofs. The SXL offers several upgrades, including premium Nappa leather seating, second-row center console, woodgrain interior accents, and “airline-style” premium headrests. For the driver, the SXL features a leather and woodgrain steering wheel, while front passengers can enjoy the wireless charging pad (for equipped phones). The SXL also adds standard navigation to the 8-inch touchscreen system.

An available rear-seat entertainment system adds a pair of 10.1-inch screens to the back of the front seats; these replace the previous system, which was a single, smaller screen that popped up from the front center console.

The Sedona comes standard with a 7-passenger seating layout – but the LX, EX, and SX trims come with 8-passenger seating and feature a center bench. The second-row seats are available with the slide-N-stow function that allow for easy cargo access. The range-topping SXL trim comes with upgraded captain’s chairs. However, what they gain in comfort, they lose in their slide-N-stow functionality.

Behind the rear seats, the Sedona provides 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space, while there is 78.4 cubic feet behind the second row. With all seats folded, the Sedona has a total of 142 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s better than the Chrysler Pacifica, but behind the Toyota Sienna (150 cubic feet) and nearly the same as the Honda Odyssey (144 cubic feet).

The Sedona is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine, making 276 horsepower and 248 pound feet of torque. A new 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels, which should provide better power management and more efficiency than the outgoing 6-speed unit.

The EX, SX, and SXL trims feature high-performance dampers for a more refined ride. The L trim and LX trim come with hydraulic power steering. The EX, SX, and SXL trims come with electric power steering for more refined turn-in.

Fuel economy for the 2019 Kia Sedona is 18 miles per gallon city, 24 miles per gallon highway, and 21 combined.

The Sedona comes standard with a full array of front- and side-impact airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, traction control, and LATCH child seat anchoring system.

The LX trim adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic assist, while moving up a trim to the EX adds the most driver-assistance features. The EX comes with a lane-departure warning system, forward-collision avoidance, smart cruise control that stops and goes with traffic, and front and rear parking sensors.

The SX and SXL trims add automatic high beams and a 360-degree camera system. The EX, SX, and SXL trims add a driver attention warning system that can sense driver fatigue and alert the driver to get some rest.

Modern families ask a lot from the current crop of minivans. The 2019 Kia Sedona delivers with a host of standard practical and tech features, along with available luxury features for those that demand it.