2018 Kia Sedona

Powering the Sedona is a 3.3L V6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission in FWD configuration – it’s the only available powertrain option. So, if you need an AWD minivan, the Sienna is the only option and if you need a hybrid minivan, the Pacifica Hybrid is the only option. Also, the Sedona is thirstier than the competition with combined rating of 20 mpg – 2 mpg shy of the competitors.

The base 2018 Kia Sedona L has a starting price of $27,000. The Sedona remains mechanically same throughout the range and higher trims basically add more features and equipment. The Sedona LX ($29,000) most notably adds power sliding doors and gets the optional LX essentials premium package (+$2,400) adding leather upholstery and other luxury amenities.

Trims	L	LX	EX	SX	SX Limited
MSRP	$27,000	$29,000	$33,700	$37,000	$42,000
Features	Front & Rear Air Conditioning BLUETOOTH Wireless Technology 7-Passenger Seating w/ Slide-N-Stow 2nd-Row Seats	8-Way Power-Adjusted Driver’s Seat 8-Passenger Seating w/ 3-Passenger 2nd-Row Seating Dual Power Sliding Doors	Leather Seat Trim Rapid-Charge USB 2.1 Charger Ports Smart Key w/ Push-Button Start and Smart Power Liftgate	Voice-Command Navigation w/ 8″ Display and Infinity Surround Sound Audio System Blind-Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) Ventilated Front Seats	Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) Smart Cruise Control (SCC) Surround View Monitor (SVM)

The Sedona EX ($33,700) adds leather upholstery and power lift-gate as standard. The optional EX Advanced Premium Package (+$2,800) adds a suite of advanced driver assistance systems and active safety features. The SX trim tops the range with features like 360-degree camera and more.

Too many to choose from? We help you find the best trim

Although the Sedona LX ($29,000) delivers plenty of equipment, the Sedona EX at $33,700 delivers goodies like standard leather upholstery and the power lift-gate at a reasonable price. We also recommend adding EX Advanced Premium Package ($2,800) for the advanced active safety features and driver assistance systems.

“The 4772-pound Sedona stopped from 70 mph in a sports-sedan-like 167 feet.” – Car and Driver

Engine and Transmission

“The large 3.3-liter V6 has a strong kick off the line and its 276 horsepower give it a satisfying surge of passing power out on the highway.” – Kelley Blue Book

There is only one powertrain available in Kia Sedona – a 276 hp 3.3L V6 engine mated to a 6-Speed automatic delivering power exclusively to the front wheels. Although the engine delivers power smoothly, the 6-speed automatic forces the engine to rev harder on freeway resulting in lower efficiency and higher stresses. Availability of 8-speed or 9-speed automatics like the ones in competitors is desired.

Models	Kia Sedona L	Toyota Sienna L	Chrysler Pacifica L	Honda Odyssey LX
MSRP	$27,000	$30,750	$26,995	$29,990
Engine	3.3L,V6DOHC engine	3.5L V6 DOHC 24-ValveEngine	3.6L V6 24V VVT engine	3.5L V-6Engine
Transmission	CVVT automatic	8-speed automatic	9-speed automatic	9-Speed Automatic
Power	276 hp @ 6000 rpm	296 hp @ 6600 rpm	287 hp @ 6400 rpm	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	248 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

The cabin is also incredibly silent even on the freeway. That said, the 6-speed Automatic compromises its cruising ability and 8-speed or 9-speed automatic like the ones in competitors are desired. Sedona beats the competition in braking performance though.

Acceleration

“Power goes to the front wheels, and the Sedona’s chunky curb weight saps much of that power.Acceleration is just adequate.” – Carconnection

The Kia accelerates smoothly and effortlessly for everyday tasks like merging with freeway traffic. Also, its 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds is quite good for a minivan but the Pacifica and Odyssey are slightly faster. The Odyssey is the fastest minivan taking 6.9 seconds for 0-60 mph run.

Models	Kia Sedona L	Toyota Sienna L	Chrysler Pacifica L	Honda Odyssey LX
0-60 MPH	7.4 sec	7.3 sec	7.2 sec	6.9 sec
Quarter mile	16 sec @ 92 mph	15.6 sec @ 90.4 mph	15.1 sec @ 92.4 mph	15.4 sec @ 91.8 mph
Engine	3.3L	3.5L	3.6L	3.5L
EmissionTons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	8.8	8.0	8.0	8.0

Ride and Handling

“From behind the wheel the 2018 Kia Sedona is one of the most fun minivans to drive. It’s powerful, responsive and out on the road it magically feels smaller than it really is.” – Kelley Blue Book

The Sedona has a pliant suspension that filters the most type of road undulations with ease. And with that soft suspension and boxy, heavy body, it’s commendable that the Sedona handles turns at high speed confidently.

Braking

The Kia Sedona gets 12.6-inch brake disks up front and 11.9-inch brake disk at the back. Even though this minivan weighs 4411 pounds, it can stop from 60 mph in 122 feet – properly impressive. For comparison, the Pacifica takes 131 feet to stop from 60.

Model	Kia Sedona L	Toyota Sienna L	Chrysler Pacifica L	Honda Odyssey LX
Brake Front(in)	12.6	12.9	13.0	12.6
Brake Rear(in)	11.9	12.2	13.0	13.0
Curb weight(lbs.)	4411	4430	4330	4354
60-0 MPH (ft.)	122	115	131	127

Towing Capacity

“The Sedona can tow up to 3,500 pounds, but with up to eight passengers on board, the struggle is real.” – Carconnection

The Kia Sedona is rated to tow 3500 pounds. The two other minivans – the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey have exactly same tow rating. The Chrysler Pacifica can tow marginally more – 3500 pounds. That said, when loaded with 8-passengers and luggage while towing large loads, the Sedona feels stressed.

Model	Kia Sedona	Toyota Sienna	Chrysler Pacifica	Honda Odyssey
Weight (lbs.)	3500	3500	3600	3500
Power Train	3.3L	3.5L	3.6L	3.5L
Drive Train	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD

“Base Sedonas are rated at 18 mpg city, 24 highway, 20 combined. Those models have an older power-steering system that lowers mileage slightly from Sedona SX and SXL models, which have more efficient electric power steering and more equipment.” – Carconnection

Kia Sedona gets 18 mpg in city and 24 mpg on the highway for a combined rating of 20 mpg. While the in-city number is okay, the highway efficiency is downright disappointing – and the blame goes squarely on the old school 6-speed automatic transmission.

Model	Kia Sedona L	Toyota Sienna L	Chrysler Pacifica L	Honda Odyssey LX
Mpg city	18	19	18	19
Mpg highway	24	27	28	28
Mpg combine	20	22	22	22

Other minivans shift to higher ratios when cruising on the highway but the Sedona’s 6-speed automatic forces the engine to rev hard to keep the pace up. The higher trims with electric steering have slightly better fuel economy numbers than the hydraulic steering equipped lower trims. However, if you want a hybrid minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the only option with 33 miles electric driving range.

“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.” – Edmunds

The Sedona interior is unlike some traditional minivans. For example, the more practical removable center console has been replaced by the better looking fixed console. Impressively, Sedona boasts best in class passenger volume. However, with the aforementioned fixed console and the second-row seats that do not fold flat or remove completely, Sedona compromises one critical minivan trait – flexibility.

The design is typical Kia – simple, usable and high quality. The plastics have great fit and finish levels with consistent panel gaps. The buttons are clearly labeled and intuitively arranged with clean horizontal lines and surfaces dominating the dashboard design. In fact, it’s quite German. That fixed center console with upscale-looking gear lever heightens the appeal.

Seating and Comfort

“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.” – Edmunds

The Sedona can seat up to 8-passengers in comfort with its liberal 165.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. While the first row has class average legroom, the second-row seats offer class-leading 41.1 inches of legroom to stretch out. However, the third-row seats with 34.8 inches of legroom fall behind the competitors and are a bit tight for adults.

Model	Kia Sedona L	Toyota Sienna L	Chrysler Pacifica L	Honda Odyssey LX
Passenger capacity	7	7	7	7
Passenger Volume(ft. cube)	165.8	164.4	165	163.6
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	39.8/63.9/40.9	40/65/40.5	40.1/63.8/41.1	40.7/63.1/40.9
Second  Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	39.4/63.1/41.1	39.7/64.6/37.6	39.6/63/39	39.5/61.6/40.9
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	38.9/59.4/34.8	38.3/61.1/36.3	38.7/61.2/36.5	38.3/60/38.1

The traditional sliding doors offer great accessibility to the spacious cabin and the power sliding door is available from Sedona LX onwards. The Sedona EX gets the tri-zone air-conditioning to keep the cabin heat in check. The leather-trimmed interior is available in Sedona EX and higher.

Cargo Capacity

“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.” – Edmunds

The Kia Sedona has 33.9 cubic feet of luggage capacity with all seats up – that’s higher than the Chrysler Pacifica and the Honda Odyssey. However, with the third row folded, the Sedona has least in class luggage capacity of 78.4 cubic feet. Moreover, unlike the removable second-row seats in Sienna and Odyssey, the seats in Sedona cannot be removed entirely out of way.

Model	Kia Sedona L	Toyota Sienna L	Chrysler Pacifica L	Honda Odyssey LX
Behind 3rd Row (cu. ft.)	33.9	39.1	32.3	31.3
3rd Row Folded (cu. ft.)	78.4	87.1	87.5	84.8
2nd & 3rd Row Folded (cu. ft.)	142	150.0	140.5	138.5

Infotainment System

While the base L and LX trims get a 5-inch touchscreen, the EX gets 7-inch UVO infotainment. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available from Sedona LX onwards and the Sedona SX gets larger 8-inch infotainment. However, there are no rear seat entertainment screens. For the audiophiles, 8-speaker Infinity audio system is available on Sedona SX and SX Limited.

“Kia design has become a world leader regardless of price point, and the new 2018 Kia Sedona is a looker, especially in SX Limited trim wearing its chrome 19-inch wheels.” – Kelley Blue Book

Dimension and Weight

If looks of the traditional minivans give you nightmares, the 2018 Sedona will impress you. While it’s big, the narrow glass area behind the C-pillar lends it a far sleeker look. There are plenty of horizontal lines running parallel to each other that gives an impression of lightness and hides the visual bulk.

Model	Kia Sedona L	Toyota Sienna L	Chrysler Pacifica L	Honda Odyssey LX
Curb Weight(lbs.)	4411	4430	4330	4354
Length(in)	201.4	200.2	203.6	203.2
Width(in)	78.1	78.1	79.6	78.5
Height(in)	68.5	68.9	69.9	68.3
Ground Clearance(in)	6.7	6.5	5.1	4.5
Wheel Base(in)	120.5	119.3	121.6	118.1
Track Width(ain) F/R	68.7/69	67.7/67.7	68.3/68.2	67.3/67.2

The Kia Sedona spans 201.4 inches in length – longer than Sienna but shorter than the Pacifica and the Odyssey. Hence, the Sedona will be less tricky than others to maneuver in town. Its wheelbase is equal to the Sienna at 78.1 inches. The Sedona has best-in-class ground clearance at 6.7 inches.

Exterior Features

Available exterior features are:

• Chrome door handles
• Power Sliding doors
• HID headlamps
• power lift-gate
• Dynamics Bending Lights
• Fog lights

The 2018 Kia Sedona gets rear-camera as standard. Sedona also comes with following driver assistance features on higher trims:

• Park Assist
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Blind Spot Monitoring

The excellent Surround View Monitor gives you a bird’s eye view of your car making navigation on tight spaces and parking a breeze. It’s only available on top-level SX and SX Limited trims.

Safety Features

• Dual Front Advanced Airbags
• Dual Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags
• Rollover Mitigation (ROM)
• 3-Point Seat Belts for All Seating Positions
• Front Seat-Belt Pretensioners
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist System (BAS)
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
• Rear Child-Safety Door Locks

NHTSA Rating 

Overall Rating	5 star
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	5 star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	5 star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	5 star
Overall Side Crash Rating	5 star
Side Barrier Rating	5 star
Side Barrier Rating Driver	5 star
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat	5 star
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	5 star
Combined Side Rating Front Seat	5 star
Rollover Rating	4 star

The 2018 Kia Sedona scored 5-star in NHTSA crash test. Although it got 4-star in the rollover test.

The 2018 Kia Sedona has performed well in IIHS crash test but has not received “Top Safety Pick” rating.

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	–
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

 

 

Kia Sedona Vs. Honda Odyssey

The 2018 Honda Odyssey is an all-new generation. Its newer and lighter platform means it’s larger and more spacious than Sedona but still delivers better fuel economy and stronger acceleration. It is also loaded with plenty of modern features including a child-friendly in-car vacuum cleaner. However, the Sedona has a classier interior, quieter cabin, and a lower starting price.

Kia Sedona Vs. Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica is spacious and versatile – just what you expect from a minivan. However, it’s also very upscale with high-quality materials and plenty of equipment. The performance is similar to that of the Sedona but Chrysler delivers better fuel economy. And if you need a hybrid minivan, Pacifica Hybrid is the only minivan currently on sale delivering impeccable fuel efficiency.

Kia Sedona Vs. Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna is the most dated minivan here. However, it is also the most spacious with class-leading luggage capacity in any cabin configuration. Plus, the Sienna is the only AWD minivan on offer – seal the deal if you live in snowy areas. That said, the Toyota Sienna does not offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Although the Sedona is less versatile, it’s definitely more upscale.

The Kia Sedona is unlike some of its well-entrenched rivals. While the rivals offer all-out practicality and flexibility, the Kia adopts a car-like approach for its minivan. It has a fixed center console instead of a removable center console and the middle row is non-removable.

The Sedona has only a single powertrain option. Although the 3.3L V6 is smooth and powerful, the 6-speed automatic disappoints on the freeway. Also, there is no hybrid or AWD on offer if you are looking for more efficiency or bad weather capability. However, if you want a minivan but with a more car-like character, the Sedona is a great package at an affordable price.