2017 Kia Sedona

2017 Kia Sedona Review

A solid choice for the budget-conscious, the Sedona provides impressive features for the money.
3.5 star edmunds overall rating
author
by Mark Takahashi
Edmunds Editor

The 2017 Kia Sedona is a worthy alternative to the top-rated minivans from Honda and Toyota. Besides the lower price and higher feature content, the Sedona scores points for its quick acceleration, quiet ride and carlike interior. The powerful engine does put a dent in fuel economy, and the cargo capacity is a bit smaller than that of rivals, but neither should be a deal breaker for savvy shoppers. Furthermore, its top safety score will give you some reassurance when transporting your most precious cargo, and Kia backs the car with the most generous warranty in the industry.

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what's new

For 2017, the Kia Sedona receives some new optional features, including automatic emergency braking, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, upgraded xenon headlights and an acoustically insulated windshield (which should make the Sedona even quieter at highway speeds).

we recommend

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.
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trim levels & features

The Kia Sedona minivan can accommodate up to eight passengers and is available in five trim levels: L, LX, EX, SX and SX Limited. All models are powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine (276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque) that sends power to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard feature highlights for the Sedona's base L trim include 17-inch alloy wheels, Slide-N-Stow forward collapsing second-row captain's chairs (reducing seating capacity to seven), stain-resistant cloth upholstery, a 60/40-split reclining and folding third-row bench seat, air-conditioning with rear controls, Bluetooth, a 5-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera and a four-speaker sound system with a USB input.

The LX trim adds power-folding mirrors, power-sliding doors, rear privacy glass, a second-row bench seat (increasing passenger capacity to eight), a power driver seat and a six-speaker audio system.

The EX hits what we think is the sweet spot of the Sedona lineup. On this trim you also get 18-inch wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, roof rails, a height-adjustable power tailgate, front and rear parking sensors, upgraded shock absorbers, keyless ignition and entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, sunshades for the second and third rows, a cooled glovebox, a portable flashlight, a 7-inch display, UVO3 eServices emergency telematics and additional USB charge ports.

The SX trim reverts back to the seven-passenger configuration with second-row captain's chairs (the bench is available as an option) and adds a power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory functions, heated second-row seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration and an eight-speaker Infinity premium audio system. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert is also included.

The range-topping eight-passenger SX Limited trim adds 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel and a household power outlet. Even more advanced safety features come with the SX Limited, including forward collision warning and mitigation (with automatic emergency braking), a lane departure warning system and a surround-view camera system.

Many features on the higher trims are available as options on the lower trims. Other add-ons such as a dual-panel sunroof, first-class lounge-style seating for the second row (without Slide-N-Stow) and premium leather upholstery are available only on the SX Limited trim. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is offered on all models.

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trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Kia Sedona SX Limited Minivan (3.3L V6 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Sedona has received some revisions, including a few more standard and optional features. Our overall findings remain applicable to this year's Sedona, however.

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall3.5 / 5.0

Driving

3.0 / 5.0

Acceleration4.5 / 5.0
Braking4.5 / 5.0
Steering2.5 / 5.0
Handling3.0 / 5.0
Drivability3.0 / 5.0

Comfort

3.5 / 5.0

Seat comfort3.5 / 5.0
Ride comfort3.0 / 5.0
Noise & vibration4.5 / 5.0

Interior

3.5 / 5.0

Ease of use4.0 / 5.0
Getting in/getting out3.0 / 5.0
Roominess3.0 / 5.0
Visibility3.5 / 5.0
Quality4.5 / 5.0

Utility

3.5 / 5.0

Small-item storage3.0 / 5.0
Cargo space2.5 / 5.0

Driving

edmunds rating
Overall Driving comment: Even with its relaxed, easy-to-drive character, the Sedona manages to be among the quickest minivans we've tested, thanks to the smooth and powerful 3.3-liter V6. Though it's not athletic, it demonstrates good handling manners, making it a minivan we could happily live with every day.

Acceleration

edmunds rating
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.

Braking

edmunds rating
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.

Steering

edmunds rating
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

edmunds rating
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.

Drivability

edmunds rating
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.

Comfort

edmunds rating
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.

Seat comfort

edmunds rating
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.

Ride comfort

edmunds rating
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.

Noise & vibration

edmunds rating
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.

Interior

edmunds rating
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.

Ease of use

edmunds rating
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.

Getting in/getting out

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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.

Roominess

edmunds rating
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.

Visibility

edmunds rating
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.

Quality

edmunds rating
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.

Utility

edmunds rating
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.

Small-item storage

edmunds rating
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.

Cargo space

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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.

Child safety seat accommodation

edmunds rating
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.

edmunds expert review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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