2009 Kia Sedona Review
2009 Kia Sedona Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Perfect crash test scores, long warranty coverage, solid value, available short-wheelbase model, quiet ride.
Cons
- Short-wheelbase model lacks foldaway third-row seat, spotty interior materials quality.
What’s new
For 2009 the Kia Sedona receives standard satellite radio and a USB/MP3 input jack, plus an optional navigation system for the EX trim.
Edmunds says
A big-league player with few weaknesses, the affordable 2009 Kia Sedona is a well-equipped, practical and value-laden minivan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Kia Sedona 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$228/mo for Sedona Base
Sedona Base
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Minivan
Vehicle overview
Following the history of the Kia Sedona minivan is like charting the career of a struggling minor-league ballplayer who, with time and effort, suddenly blossoms into a solid utility player in the big leagues. An also-ran that lacked power and competitive features when it debuted in 2002, the Sedona has since migrated to a redesigned second-generation platform that it shares with its Hyundai Entourage twin. The result is a solid and well-equipped vehicle that has the performance and features to compete against segment rivals while maintaining Kia's traditional price advantage.
The 2009 Kia Sedona addresses one of our few past gripes by bringing its technology roster up to date: Satellite radio (with three months of complimentary service) and auxiliary MP3/USB audio connections are now standard across all trim levels (base, LX and EX), and an optional navigation system has been added for the EX trim line. There are still two sizes to choose from -- the standard long-wheelbase (LWB) Sedona is the mainstream choice, while a short-wheelbase (SWB) version is available for those who prefer less bulk. People who value seating flexibility should note that the smaller SWB Sedona sports an old-school removable 50/50 split-bench seat in the third row instead of the more convenient foldaway 60/40-split-bench arrangement of the LWB model, which means more work and planning if you need to utilize the SWB Sedona's maximum cargo capacity.
Those who want top-notch overall performance and don't mind paying for it will no doubt be happier with the perennially segment-leading Honda Odyssey. The Toyota Sienna's superior refinement makes it another of our favorites. However, if you're after solid minivan capability on a budget, the 2009 Kia Sedona fills the bill, balancing legitimate big-league talent with an affordable price tag. For those who simply need a competent, safe and well-rounded performer with impressive cost-of-ownership advantages, the Sedona is bound to please.
Performance & mpg
All Kia Sedonas are powered by a Hyundai-built 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine that produces a healthy 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, driving the front wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes 9.0 seconds. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. EPA-estimated fuel economy checks in at 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. Notably, Kia provides a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty in addition to its basic five-year/60,000-mile vehicle coverage.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control, front seat side-impact airbags, full-length head curtain airbags and active front headrests are standard on all models. In NHTSA government crash testing, the 2009 Kia Sedona received a perfect five-star rating for occupant protection in both frontal and side-impact crash tests. It also excelled in independent IIHS testing, earning the highest "Good" rating in frontal-offset and side-impact collisions.
Driving
The 2009 Kia Sedona's V6 is powerful enough to handle full loads or light-duty trailering without breaking a sweat. Equally impressive is the Sedona's quiet and refined ride, which enables passengers to carry on a normal conversation at highway speeds. No one buys minivans to go racing, but for what it's worth, the Sedona handles better than just about any minivan other than the more athletic Odyssey.
Interior
The Kia Sedona's seven-passenger cabin design focuses on functionality rather than high style. Although most materials reflect a satisfactory level of quality, a few trim pieces and some switchgear don't quite measure up to the standard set by top competitors. There are ergonomic inconsistencies as well -- for example, the manual climate controls can be a challenge to operate while driving. On the bright side, the audio controls are pleasantly intuitive.
The Sedona offers plenty of storage for small items, and seating is comfortable and generous in all three rows of the long-wheelbase model. The larger Sedona also comes equipped with a more convenient 60/40-split third-row seat that folds flat into the floor when not in use. The second-row seats in all models can be flipped forward or removed. When doing so to handle large loads, the LWB Sedona can swallow 142 cubic feet of cargo. The smaller SWB van isn't far behind, with a maximum capacity of 121 cubic feet.
2009 Kia Sedona models
The 2009 Kia Sedona minivan is available in either long-wheelbase or short-wheelbase form. LWB models substitute a 60/40-split fold-flat third-row seat in place of the SWB model's 50/50-split removable bench. The SWB Sedona is offered in base trim only, while the LWB Sedona offers a choice between LX and top-level EX trims. The well-equipped base and LX Sedonas include 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, dual manual-sliding rear doors, second-row captain's chairs, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories and an eight-speaker MP3/CD stereo with satellite radio and a USB/MP3 input jack. The line-topping Sedona EX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, foglights, heated power mirrors, dual power-sliding side doors and liftgate, a trip computer, power front seats, power rear-quarter windows and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Optional on EX models only are a navigation system, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals and a DVD entertainment system with a flip-down 8-inch monitor and upgraded Infinity audio. Additionally, all LWB Sedonas can be equipped with rear parking sensors, and the LX model is eligible for the DVD entertainment system without the Infinity sound system. An iPod cable is optional across the lineup.
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 First Drive: The Do-It-All Sport Coupe
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#4 out of 14 among Minivans
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Kia Sedona from 2008-2022.$467/yr
vs. $549/yr
for Average Minivan
for Average Minivan
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.11x/yr
vs. 1.47x/yr
for Average Minivan
for Average Minivan
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).11.4%
vs. 12.5%
for Average Minivan
for Average Minivan
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Kia Sedona.
5 star(64%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(3%)
67 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
How can a minivan make you smile?
Greg Jones, 04/29/2018
2008 Kia Sedona LX 4dr Ext Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
It’s not a sports car, nor a fancy SUV and certainly not an off road vehicle. The smile comes when you need a mini moving van, a really good people mover and a comfortable pleasant ride. I have owned several makes of this strange creature and the Kia wins hands down.
5 out of 5 stars
I love my KIA Sedona
D A, 02/15/2018
2008 Kia Sedona LX 4dr Ext Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
I purchased this van used and got a great deal. I needed it as I was moving across country with a child and 2 dogs. It Drove wonderfully and everyone was comfortable. The van is now 10 years old and I have had it for 4 of those years. It starts everyday and I have not had to put hardly anything into this van. It is as good as a Toyota Sienna (had one previously) at a much lower … cost. Best descison I ever made.
4.75 out of 5 stars
2009 Kia Sedona
09_kia_sedona, 07/25/2014
2009 Kia Sedona LX 4dr Ext Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
We bought our 2009 Sedona in 2011 - it had 30K on it. I LOVED that van. It was roomy, reliable, and had very few problems (the rubber on the sliding door came loose but that was covered by the warranty). The ONLY reasons we got rid of it were because of the high miles (115K) and it's not the best with gas mileage.
I would bet that van could've easily lasted another 100K but I didn't … want to deal with any age-related issues.
4.25 out of 5 stars
But I don't want a minivan!
Rookie, 03/18/2010
2009 Kia Sedona EX 4dr Ext Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
I am a reluctant minivan buyer. With two kids still in car seats, my wife felt it was the way to go. She was right. Plenty of room, nice 3rd row folding seats, comfort, and easy to drive. The Kia came with some nice features such as the iPod dock and good storage cubbies. The ability to roll down the back seat windows for the kids is nice too. The V6 has some good pep when needed … as well. Turns out I am pleasantly surprised that I actually enjoy driving the Sedona. Its still a van, but its nice to know Ive got a highly rated vehicle for safety with two small kids. Yes, Kia has a low resale value, but that allowed me to buy this for $15k. It was a great buy.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Kia Sedona, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sedona since its last redesign.
2009 Sedona Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,245 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $228/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sedona include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- 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
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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