2017 Kia Sedona Review

The Sedona's midlevel EX trim adds a lot of convenience and luxury features, making it feel and function like a modern minivan. If the price premium makes you wince, we suggest going no lower than the supporting LX trim.

Other than the overly light steering, the Sedona is very easy to drive. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts slowly but smoothly, and the minivan is easy to maneuver in tight parking lots.

The Sedona's ample power gets it to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, which is quick for a minivan. The six-speed automatic transmission gives smooth rev-matched downshifts via the console-mounted shift lever.

The Sedona has moderately firm brake pedal that is responsive and intuitive-feeling for a minivan. Brake performance is as good or better than in rivals. In our emergency stop test, it braked from 60 mph in an impressively short 119 feet.

There's very little steering feel or effort for the driver, which shouldn't be a big deal for most drivers. A little more of both would give a more connected feeling, though.

Handling isn't as composed as in the class-leading Honda Odyssey, but the Sedona does little to upset the average minivan driver. It's big and heavy, and you'll feel those attributes if you try to hustle it, but it's competent in normal use.

Other than the overly light steering, the Sedona is very easy to drive. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts slowly but smoothly, and the minivan is easy to maneuver in tight parking lots.

The Sedona is plenty comfortable for a long road trip packed with people and cargo. SX models benefit from reclining second-row seats, and these captain's chairs represent some of the most comfortable in the class.

The front seats are relatively soft and have enough support to keep you comfortable during multi-hour stretches behind the wheel. The second-row recliners offer a surprising amount of legroom, and third-row comfort is similar to what competitors offer.

Soft suspension elements and tuning will appeal to those seeking an isolated driving experience. At higher speeds the ride quality can get a little busy over rough pavement. Bigger bumps can be intrusive as well.

The Sedona is one of the quietest minivans whether it's at idle, under full-throttle acceleration or cruising down the highway at 70 mph. Unlike some competing V6s, the Sedona's engine is smooth and well silenced.

The Sedona's top-trim SX Limited model offers one of the nicest interiors in the segment, with luxurious stitched leather on many surfaces. It's a well-organized and easy-to-use design typical of the brand with a fixed center console that is unique among minivans.

The flat dash with large, easy-to-read buttons organized in a horizontal arrangement is simple and intuitive. The larger touchscreen navigation and infotainment screens are also easy to use, and we like the dedicated physical knobs for critical functions.

The Sedona's seat height and doors accommodate easy entry and exit, and the standard second-row seats offer a collapse function that helps with third-row access. Power-sliding doors are standard on the LX trim and higher.

The Sedona's third row will accommodate adults, though they won't be so comfortable back there for long hauls. The legroom with the reclining second-row seats is better than the Sienna, but overall space is marginally less than the competition.

Overall outward visibility is good thanks to large windows and relatively thin windshield pillars. A backup camera is standard on all trims, and the SX Limited's surround-view camera takes much of the guesswork out of parking in tight spots.

Overall quality is as good as or better than the competition with sturdy construction that inhibits squeaks and creaks inside. The interior materials are also praiseworthy, featuring well-grained plastics, supple leather and attractive stitching.

The Sedona falls a bit short when it comes to cargo capacity and versatility, but the majority of owners will still find it plenty capable. If the second-row seats were removable, this score would likely improve.

The fixed center console may be attractive, but it doesn't offer the storage space found in rivals. Other bins and pockets are on the small side, as well.

Maximum cargo space is 142 cubic feet, which is slightly less than the competition. The lack of removable second-row seats in any trim level further hurts usability.

With the sliding second-row captain's chairs, installing a child seat is remarkably easy. There is plenty of room for rear-facing configurations, and the LATCH anchors are easily located and accessed. The same holds true for the third-row seats.

To learn more about the Kia Sedona of this generation, read our updates from a full year of living with a 2015 Kia Sedona. We cover everything from seat comfort to scheduled maintenance.