The Kia Sedona is a minivan manufactured and marketed by Kia from 1999 to 2021. In the minivan game, the 2021 Kia Sedona doesn't quite stack up against segment leaders because the company has made only a couple of changes to the model for the 2021 model year.
History of the Kia Sedona
First Generation Kia Sedona (KV-II; 1998–2005)
The first-generation model was manufactured and marketed differently for specific regions, including under a joint venture in the Chinese market with Dongfeng Yueda Kia, as well as the Naza Ria in Malaysia. In Indonesia and the Philippines, both Sedona names were used. Initially introduced as the Carnival in 2001, from 2003 onwards, it was renamed the Sedona. Kia introduced a final facelift for the Sedona minivan in 2002 before changing the generation in 2005.
The Korean carmaker made a smart decision when it entered the North American market and offered the Sedona at a price lower than any of its competitors. Its full-spec version was cheaper than the Odyssey. Sizewise, it fitted between a Chrysler Caravan and Honda minivan. It was about the same size as a Toyota Sienna. Its main advantage was its price. In Europe, Kia offered the same vehicle with a turbo-diesel engine, which was not available in the U.S. or Canada. But it was a part of the Korean carmaker learning curve. The carmaker enhanced the Sedona's interior, adding better upholstery for the entire range. Under the hood, Kia installed a 2.5L Rover engine for the European market and a 2.9L turbo-diesel inline-four. For the American market, Kia introduced a 3.5L V-6 paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox.
Second Generation Kia Sedona (VQ; 2005–2014)
Kia introduced the second generation of the Sedona in 2005 and initially made it available with a long wheelbase, followed by a short-wheelbase version in 2007. The long wheelbase was suitable for those who asked for a seven-seater without breaking the bank. Kia had a hard time selling its cars on the U.S. shores, forcing the Korean automaker to offer the Sedona one of the best warranties on the market and give it an essential advantage over its competitors.
Featuring a front fascia with triangular, swept-back headlights and a body-colored grille, the Sedona LWB didn't try to induce a sporty look. But, to differentiate itself from its competition, the Sedona adopted a low nose. When the families needed more room for children, dogs, bicycles, and toys, they forgot the sedans and turned their eyes to the minivans. These were designed to offer comfort and safety for the entire family and were less expensive than full-size SUVs. The Sedona was a young contender in that market segment and tried to make a good impression. Inside, the Sedona provided room for up to seven seats for the long wheelbase version and a 2-2-3 seat configuration for the short wheelbase version. But the build quality was not on par with its main rivals.
Short Wheelbase
Under the hood, Kia offered a wide choice of engines depending on the market. While the U.S. customers didn't get the diesel versions, the Europeans didn't have the 3.8L option. The only common engine available was the 2.7L V6 paired with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic.
Long Wheelbase
Under the hood, the automaker installed a punchy 3.8L V6 that sent its power to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox. In Europe, Kia offered the Sedona as Carnival and provided it with a turbo-diesel engine that made the minivan more fuel-efficient.
Third Generation Kia Sedona (YP; 2014–2021)
2014–2018
Kia introduced the third generation of its MPV Sedona at the 2014 New York Auto Show, and it was a significant departure from its previous design. The Korean carmaker introduced the Carnival MPV in 1998, and, apart from the Australian market, it wasn't a big hit. But Kia learned what to offer, and its sales started to pick up after it improved the model. It improved the vehicle in all areas: exterior, interior, and drivetrain. When it reached the third generation, it was no longer an insignificant player in the minivan segment. After Peter Schreyer took over the design department of the Korean carmaker, things went better and better. The car featured a crossover-utility-vehicle (CUV) stance. It was inspired by European design trends and built on the Sorento platform. Inside, the carmaker made room for up to seven passengers, or six, when the middle row featured a pair of captain seats. The last row provided the convenience of a split-folding 60/40 in-floor retractable design. Kia offered a wide choice of engines for the Carnival/Sedona, depending on the market. While a 3.3L V6 spoiled the North-American customers, the Australians received a 2.2L diesel.
2018–2021
Kia introduced a facelift for its MPV Carnival/Sedona at the 2018 New York International Auto Show and improved the car's features and design details.
While the European carmakers almost ditched all the MPVs from their lineups, Kia continued to build the Carnival/Sedona for the North American continent and specific countries around the world. It was a better choice for long journeys than an SUV, thanks to its better fuel efficiency and car-like handling.
Under the hood, Kia kept the same engine lineup as before, with a 3.3L V-6 for the U.S. market and a fuel-efficient 2.2L turbo-diesel for Australian customers.
Price
For the 2021 model year, Kia Motors retailed the 2021 Kia Sedona with an original starting MSRP of $31,575 for the base LX trim, rising to $42,675 for the top-of-the-line variant.
- 2021 Kia Sedona LX - $31,575 ($34,584 in 2023)
- 2021 Kia Sedona EX - $34,875 ($38,199 in 2023)
- 2021 Kia Sedona SX - $42,675 ($46,742 in 2023)
Features of the Kia Sedona
Exterior Features
Kia has accomplished something here: Unlike your typical minivan, the Kia Sedona manages to disguise its exterior to such an extent that it can come across as a crossover SUV from certain angles. The side profile gives away that this is a large people carrier, but the front and rear end both look comfortably SUV-like. Even in base form, Kia makes sure that the Sedona looks relatively upscale with standard features such as body-colored door handles (chrome on the SX) and a subtle rear spoiler. A black mesh grille does duty on the LX and EX, replaced by a dark metallic mesh grille on the SX. This trim also gets a power sunroof as standard and LED headlights and taillights in place of the projector beam clusters on lower trims. Wheel sizes start at 17 inches for LX models, while both the EX and SX wear 18-inch alloys finished in silver and machine finish, respectively. These are also the only two trims with standard roof rails.
Interior Features
Kia's latest range of interiors has been sharpened up to compete with the best, and the brand has done a commendable job of it. Unfortunately, the 2021 Sedona isn't at the receiving end of the latest in Kia fashion. Despite this setback, the Sedona still offers a ton of space as an 8-seater. In base form, the Sedona won't bowl you over with premium features, but the general layout of the dashboard and door panels are relatively contemporary, even if the mostly black interior can dim things down a tad. Thanks to decent ground clearance, the driver has a commanding view of the road, and visibility out the front is excellent. The sheer length of the vehicle naturally constrains rearward visibility, but reversing can still be done without relying too heavily on the reverse camera. If you're looking for a premium experience, we would suggest going with the top-of-the-range SX, which touches on European levels of luxury.
Specs and Performance of the Kia Sedona
- 3.3 L Lambda II MPi V6
- 3.3 L Lambda II GDi V6
- 2.2 L R II CRDi VGT I4
As has done duty for the last few years in the Sedona, a 3.3L V6 engine propels families across the USA. It remains unchanged, still producing 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, which does a commendable job of shifting through the gears. It's not as powerful as its competitors, with vans such as the Honda Odyssey producing 280 hp from its 3.5L V6, but there's more than enough power on tap for most driving situations. Even better is the way that V6 delivers its strength: it's smooth and compliments the refined driving experience on offer here. However, the lack of power combined with the Sedona's large dimensions and portly weight means that hustling up to highway speeds requires a heavy dose of the throttle. Fortunately, the powertrain never sounds strained, and noise within the cabin is kept acceptably low. Kia Sedona accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0–97 kph) in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 141 mph (227 kph). Dimension-wise, the Kia Sedona measures 5,115 mm (201.4 in) long, 1,985 mm (78.1 in) wide, and 1,740–1,755 mm (68.5–69.1 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 3,060 mm (120.5 in) and has a curb weight of 4,442–4,846 lbs (2,015–2,198 kg).
Release Date
Kia first released the Kia Sedona in the 1999 model year. The Sedona nameplate was introduced in the United States in 2001 and used until the fourth generation when the Kia began using the Carnival nameplate globally. It made its virtual US market debut for the 2022 model year on February 23, 2021.