2006 Kia Sedona Review





Get More For Your Trade-In
Edmunds' Expert Review
- Smooth and quiet ride, comfortable interior with lots of cupholders and storage bins, solid build quality, lengthy warranty coverage.
- Handling and steering response could be better, cramped third row.
What’s new
The Kia Sedona is all-new for 2006. It's longer and wider than its predecessor, with a nearly 15-percent improvement in passenger room. Horsepower is up 49 from the previous generation thanks to a new 3.8-liter, 244-hp V6. The Sedona's standard features list has been expanded to include fold-flat third-row seating; power-sliding doors and a power liftgate have been added as options. ABS and traction control are now standard, along with front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows.
Edmunds says
Packed with safety and comfort features and priced less than some competing minivans, the 2006 Kia Sedona is an excellent choice for families on a budget.
Vehicle overview
Anyone with kids knows that, like 'em or not, minivans rule when it comes to versatility and convenience. The minivan's status as the ultimate family hauler has made this segment one of the most hotly contested markets in the industry. Top-rated vans from Honda and Toyota offer spacious cabins with a deft combination of comfort, convenience and safety that family buyers can't help but like. Trouble is, these minivans command relatively high prices that put them out of reach of families on a tight budget.
Like the company's Sorento sport-utility vehicle, the Kia Sedona packs an amazing punch for its price. For 2006 the Sedona has grown to the size of the Odyssey and Sienna. It's built on an all-new platform and measures 202 inches from nose to tail. It now has all the must-have features for a modern-day minivan, including side airbags, stability control and a fold-flat third-row seat. It's also about $2,000 more than last year's model, but you can still get one decently equipped for under $25,000. Kia, however, believes there's still a market for a smaller, lower-cost minivan to compete with the Dodge Caravan and Mazda 5, so a shorter-wheelbase version will arrive later on in 2006.
As in past years, there are just two trim levels on the Sedona -- LX and EX -- and either one will get you into a seven-passenger minivan carefully assembled with quality materials and overflowing with storage areas and cupholders. Regardless of which trim you choose, Kia has the basics covered: The base LX includes a 60/40 third-row bench that drops into the floor, second-row captain's chairs, front-seat side airbags, head curtain airbags for all three rows, tri-zone air conditioning, an eight-speaker CD stereo, keyless entry, stability control, 16-inch wheels and 14 cupholders. New optional features include power-sliding doors, a power liftgate, automatic climate control and a 605-watt Infinity sound system.
We'd faulted the previous-generation Sedona for its less-than-impressive power and poor gas mileage. This year, Kia addresses these shortcomings by reducing the van's curb weight by 400 pounds and installing a new 244-hp 3.8-liter V6 under the hood. As a result, the 2006 Sedona's fuel economy rating is 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is a bit better than the 2005 model's 16/22 mpg city/highway. Ride and handling is also improved, thanks to a new independent rear suspension. With its larger interior, additional features and improved driving dynamics, the 2006 Kia Sedona no longer feels the low-cost compromise in the minivan segment. It's still not as nimble and refined as the Odyssey or the Sienna, but in most other respects, it's just as capable.
Performance & mpg
The Sedona comes equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 that generates 244 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway.
Safety
Standard safety features on all Sedonas include antilock brakes with BrakeAssist and electronic brakeforce distribution; stability and traction control; full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows; front-seat side airbags; a tire-pressure monitoring system (with sensors for each individual tire) and active front-seat headrests. Rear parking sensors and adjustable pedals are optional on the EX as part of the Luxury Package. For its performance in NHTSA crash tests, the Kia Sedona earned a perfect five-star rating for its protection of occupants in front and side collisions. The IIHS gave the minivan a top score of "Good" in frontal and side-impact testing and named it a "Top Safety Pick Gold."
Driving
Out on the road, the new V6 offers plenty of power for city and highway driving. Occasionally, the transmission is a little slow to respond, but for the most part shifts are smooth and well-timed. The ride is comfortable and quiet, but handling is not particularly athletic. Although Kia's minivan handles predictably around corners it develops more body roll and is less precise in its steering than some other top minivans.
Interior
In addition to abundant storage and cupholders, the 2006 Kia Sedona offers comfortable, flexible seating. There's plenty of legroom in all three rows, and fore/aft-adjustable second-row chairs allow you to divvy up the room. Headroom is snug, though, and we suspect that's why Kia mounted the third-row bench low to the floor. It's still usable for children, but teenagers won't be happy back there. Dropping the third-row seats into the floor isn't hard to do, and should you require additional cargo space, the second-row seats are removable. Cargo capacity tops out at 141.5 cubic feet, still shy of what the Grand Caravan, Odyssey and Sienna offer.
2006 Kia Sedona models
The Kia Sedona seven-passenger minivan is offered in two well-equipped trim levels, LX and EX. The LX comes with second-row captain's chairs, fold-flat third-row seating, keyless entry, full power accessories, tri-zone air conditioning, cruise control, an eight-speaker CD stereo and 16-inch wheels. The EX adds an eight-way power driver seat, nicer cloth upholstery, an MP3-compatible stereo, automatic headlights, an auto-dimming mirror and 17-inch alloy wheels. Additionally, the EX gives you access to optional power-sliding doors and a power liftgate, as well as the Luxury Package, which includes leather upholstery, auto climate control, seat heaters, adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory, a sunroof, steering wheel audio controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and rear parking sensors. Any Sedona can be equipped with a rear entertainment system, but only EX buyers can combine it with a 605-watt, 13-speaker Infinity audio system that allows DVD playback in 7.1 surround sound.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Kia Sedona.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
People who viewed this also viewed
3.6923077 average Rating out of 26 reviews. |
Starting at $33,040 |
See Inventory |
4.1 average Rating out of 10 reviews. |
Starting at $35,285 |
See Inventory |
2.8333333 average Rating out of 6 reviews. |
Starting at $37,095 |
See Inventory |
More About This Model
We were surprised when Kia didn't make us pile into the redesigned 2006 Kia Sedona family-style for the drive to Sea World.
Granted, we were all past the age of squealing with delight over feeding fish to dolphins, but the Sedona has always seemed like the ideal vehicle to take to Sea World — and not just because it seats seven. Here's a minivan that comes decently equipped without breaking the $25,000 barrier. That takes the edge off dropping $200 just to get your family of four into the park.
For 2006 the Sedona has grown to the size of a Honda Odyssey. It now has all the must-have features for a modern-day minivan, including side airbags and a fold-flat third-row seat. It's also about $2,000 more than last year's model.
Although the Sedona is still more affordable than most competitors, Kia hopes 60,000 buyers will realize there's more to this minivan than a low price and a long warranty.
Two sizes
Built on an all-new platform shared with the '07 Hyundai Entourage, the 2006 Sedona rides on a 119-inch wheelbase and measures 202 inches from nose to tail. It's 8 inches longer than last year's model and hits dealers this month.
Kia, however, believes there's still a market for a smaller, lower-cost minivan to compete with the Dodge Caravan and Mazda 5, so the company will offer a shorter, 114-inch-wheelbase version in September 2006.
More features
We test-drove only the large Sedona, which is available in two well-equipped trim levels. Priced at $23,665, the base LX provides a 60/40 third-row bench, second-row captain's chairs, front-seat side airbags, head curtain airbags for all three rows, tri-zone air conditioning, an eight-speaker CD stereo, keyless entry, stability control and 16-inch wheels.
Upgrading to the EX will cost you $26,265. It offers an eight-way power driver seat, nicer cloth upholstery, an MP3-compatible stereo, automatic headlights, an auto-dimming mirror, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Additionally, the EX gives you access to optional power-sliding doors and a power liftgate ($1,000), as well as the Luxury Package ($2,400), which includes leather upholstery, auto climate control, seat heaters, adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory, a sunroof, steering wheel audio controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rear parking sensors.
For safety reasons, we think the parking sensors and adjustable pedals should also be available to LX buyers.
Fewer pounds, more power
Although a comfortable cruiser, the original Sedona wasn't very inspiring to drive. Acceleration was mediocre, handling was sloppy and fuel economy was a dismal 16 city/22 highway. Obesity was the chief culprit. At 4,800 pounds, the '05 Sedona was the heaviest minivan on the market.
Wisely, Kia put it on a diet for 2006. The switch to an all-aluminum V6, a lighter transmission and an independent, multilink rear suspension all contributed to a 400-pound weight loss.
The new 3.8-liter V6 also has the best power stats in the minivan segment. Gas up with premium and it delivers 244 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. That's exactly as much horsepower as the Odyssey's V6 along with 13 more lb-ft of torque. Fill the tank with regular and Kia says you'll still get 242 hp and 251 lb-ft.
As before, a five-speed automatic routes power to the front wheels. Fuel economy is now a livable 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway.
On the road, the V6 provides a broad range of usable torque thanks to its continuously variable intake valve timing. Aggressive driving can confuse the transmission, but for the most part shifts are smooth and well-timed.
Improved ride and handling
Along with the new suspension, the '06 Sedona has a 2-inch-wider front track and a 3-inch-wider rear track, which benefits handling. It also gets better tires. Instead of last year's skinny 15s, the LX has 225/70R16 Hankook rubber while the EX has 235/60R17 Michelins. The tires aren't run-flats as on some competitors, so to help you avoid a flat in the first place, Kia has installed a pressure-monitoring system with sensors for each tire.
Ride quality is comfortable and controlled, but handling still isn't athletic. Although the Sedona responds predictably and holds its own around corners, compared to the Odyssey there's more body roll and the steering isn't as precise.
You had to pay extra for ABS on last year's Sedona. It's standard on the 2006, along with four-wheel disc brakes, BrakeAssist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
Functional inside
Inside, the Sedona is more functional than stylish. Still, most materials are above average in quality, and all the places where you're likely to rest an arm are softly padded.
Ergonomics are a mix. The tri-zone climate controls are tricky to use while driving, particularly the manual setup. Yet the corporate-issue audio head unit is simple to operate, and Sedonas with steering wheel controls have a handy mute button. The optional seat heaters have five settings adjustable via an Audi-inspired thumbwheel.
Any Sedona can be equipped with a rear entertainment system ($1,200), but for $500 more, EX buyers can combine it with a 605-watt Infinity audio system that allows DVD playback in 7.1 surround sound through 13 speakers. We only had regular CDs, but sound quality was still some of the best we've ever heard in a minivan.
We were also impressed by the level of calm in the Sedona's cabin. When we turned down the old-school Metallica, carrying on a conversation with rear passengers was no problem at 80-plus mph.
Carrying around a phone, sunglasses, purse and bottled water was also no problem because the Sedona has a dozen different slots and containers, our favorite being the double glovebox. We also like the folding center tray but wish it had a rubberized surface.
Total cupholder count is 14.
but still a little tight
Shoulder room is up throughout the van, but the Sedona still doesn't feel quite as roomy as the Odyssey.
Legroom is ample in all three rows, and fore/aft-adjustable second-row chairs allow you to divvy up the room between second- and third-row passengers. Headroom is still snug, though, and we suspect that's why the third-row bench is mounted so low to the floor. It's still usable for children, but teenagers won't be happy back here.
The front seats are well shaped and supportive, but the leather-upholstered chairs offer slightly more cushioning than the cloth variety. Anti-whiplash head restraints are standard up front.
Dropping the third-row seats into the floor isn't the one-handed procedure it is in the Honda, but it's no more difficult than in the Toyota Sienna. The second-row seats are removable, but given the bulk of the chairs, it's not something you'll want to do every day. Cargo capacity tops out at 141.5 cubic feet, a healthy figure but still shy of what the Grand Caravan, Odyssey and Sienna offer.
After shuffling among three Sedonas in one day, we don't think it's necessary to spend a grand on the power-sliding doors: The manual doors are lightweight and easy to use. Likewise, the standard manual liftgate requires minimal muscle to close.
No longer feels like a compromise
With its larger interior, additional features and improved driving dynamics, the 2006 Kia Sedona easily justifies the extra $2,000 Kia is asking. Load up on every option and you're still sitting pretty at $31,990. The only major feature you can't get from the factory is a navigation system.
A comparably equipped Odyssey or Grand Caravan would cost about $1,000 more. A comparably equipped Sienna would cost about $4,000 more.
That's at least four more trips to Sea World. Tell Shamu we said hello.
Used 2006 Kia Sedona Overview
The Used 2006 Kia Sedona is offered in the following submodels: Sedona Minivan. Available styles include LX 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 5A), and EX 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 5A). The Used 2006 Kia Sedona comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed shiftable automatic. The Used 2006 Kia Sedona comes with a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 10 yr./ 100000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2006 Kia Sedona?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2006 Kia Sedonas are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2006 Kia Sedona for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2006 Kia Sedona.
Can't find a used 2006 Kia Sedonas you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Kia Sedona for sale.
Find a used Kia for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Kia Sedona for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Kia for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2006 Kia Sedona?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Kia lease specials
Check out Kia Sedona lease specials
Related Used 2006 Kia Sedona info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 2012
- Used GMC Yukon XL 2000
- Used Lexus RX 450H 2011
- Used Nissan Versa Note 2017
- Used BMW M6 Gran Coupe 2017 For Sale
- Used Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2020
- Used Mazda RX-8 2008
- Used Jaguar XJ 2000
- Used Toyota Yaris 2001 For Sale
- Used Maserati GranTurismo 2011
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2021 Land Rover Range Rover
- 2021 Audi S4
- 2023 Genesis GV60 News
- 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster
- BMW X6 M 2021
- 2021 500X
- BMW 7 Series 2022
- 2022 Audi S5
- 2022 BMW ALPINA B7
- 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid
Other models to consider
- Kia Seltos 2021
- 2022 Niro
- 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
- 2022 Rio
- 2021 Kia Soul
- 2021 Stinger
- 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid
- 2021 Kia Rio
- Kia Rio 2022
- 2022 Kia K5
Research similar vehicles
- 2021 Voyager
- 2021 Nissan NV200
- 2022 Transit Connect Passenger Wagon
- 2022 Metris
- Ram Promaster City 2022
- 2021 Sienna
- Ram Promaster City 2021
- 2022 Transit Connect Cargo Van
- 2021 Metris
- 2022 Toyota Sienna
Recommended
- GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid 2013 Pictures Colors
- Audi S4 2022 Consumer Reviews
- Used Lexus LS 430 North Fort Myers FL
- Isuzu Impulse 1990
- 1999 Isuzu Oasis Value
Other models
- Used Toyota Avalon-Hybrid in Toms River, NJ
- Used Nissan Versa in Lagrange, GA
- Used BMW M8-Gran-Coupe in Encino, CA
- Used Audi Q8 in Crown Point, IN
- Used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-Worker in Queens Village, NY
- Used Buick Regal-Tourx in Farmingdale, NY
- Used Subaru Crosstrek in Campbell, CA
- Used Pontiac Solstice in Loveland, OH
- Used Lincoln MKX in Pittsboro, NC
- Used Porsche Taycan in Brunswick, OH
- Used Volvo C70 in Claremont, NH
- Used Jaguar XJ in Hinesville, GA
- Used Chevrolet HHR in Golden, CO
- Used Toyota Yaris-Hatchback in Bear, DE
- Used Jaguar XK in Lockport, IL
- Used Land-Rover Discovery-Sport in Nanuet, NY
- Used Bentley Flying-Spur in Titusville, FL
- Used GMC Canyon in Phoenixville, PA
- Used Ford Explorer-Sport-Trac in West Islip, NY
- Used Scion Im in Waterford, MI
- Used Acura Tsx-Sport-Wagon in Lewisville, TX
- Used Acura TL in Pooler, GA
- Used Buick Regal in Hermitage, TN
- Used Cadillac Cts-Coupe in Amelia, OH
- Used Hyundai Ioniq-Electric in Queens Village, NY
- Used Scion FR-S in Saugus, MA
- Used Chevrolet Traverse in Takoma Park, MD
- Used Lamborghini Gallardo in Lawrence Township, NJ
- Used Ram Dakota in Lithonia, GA
- Used Pontiac Gto in Van Nuys, CA