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2009 Kia Sedona Performance Review

July 4, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the transmission shifts almost imperceptibly
Car and Driver

this baby was kind of hard to steer
MotherProof

comfortable for a minivan, but it is not quite car-like
ConsumerGuide

responds to the accelerator with enthusiasm
J.D. Power

Reviewers agree that Sedona’s engine provides competitive acceleration. Motor Trend notes that "acceleration proved to be enough to give it a fighting chance in cutthroat Los Angeles traffic, making it a sleeper of sorts...passing nimbler sedans or meaner-looking SUVs made driving a minivan easier on the ego." According to Cars.com, "the 2009 Kia Sedona's 3.8-liter V-6 develops 250 hp and 253 pounds-feet of torque." J.D. Power reports that "the Kia Sedona responds to the accelerator with enthusiasm.”

J.D. Power also advises that the Sedona "is geared for rapid acceleration if the driver pushes down on the pedal with authority, or it smoothly upshifts at low rpm when moving along in a leisurely fashion." Car and Driver attests that "the transmission shifts almost imperceptibly," but ConsumerGuide says "the automatic transmission [was] very slow to kick down."

The EPA rates the Sedona at 16/23 mpg. According to Motor Trend, the Sedona’s fuel economy figures average "17.9 mph for the life of the car and frequently noted as impressive on long road trips.” ConsumerGuide cites slightly higher figures: "[the 2009 Kia] Sedona averaged 22.7 mpg in mostly highway driving, 18.1 with more city use...a second test model averaged 16.1 mpg in mostly city driving and gas-eating acceleration tests...Sedona uses regular-grade gas."

When it comes to ride quality, J.D. Power declares, "Kia has done a terrific job with the suspension tuning on the Sedona...absorbent over bumps yet able...to produce stable handling, the Kia rides and drives like a Toyota Sienna with a little extra communication tossed in for the driver and motion control for the passengers." ConsumerGuide remarks, "Sedona is comfortable for a minivan, but it is not quite car-like. The suspension smoothes out small bumps well, but it bounces some over larger humps." Maneuverability leaves something to be desired, however; while the Kia Sedona 2009 "39.6-foot turning circle isn't out of line for a vehicle of its size, the Sedona isn't as maneuverable in tight parking lots as some of its competitors," according to Kelley Blue Book. Meanwhile, the test driver at MotherProof says "this baby was kind of hard to steer...it often felt as if it just didn't know how to move the parts it came equipped with."

Conclusion

The 2009 Kia Sedona performs well for a minivan, even if it isn't at the head of the pack.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:the transmission shifts almost imperceptiblyCar and Driverthis baby was kind of hard to steerMotherProofcomfortable for a minivan, but it is not quite car-likeConsumerGuideresponds to the accelerator with enthusiasmJ.D. Power Reviewers agree that Sedona’s engine provides competitive acceleration. Motor Trend notes that "acceleration proved to be enough to give it a fighting chance in cutthroat Los Angeles traffic, making it a sleeper of sorts...passing nimbler sedans or meaner-looking SUVs made driving a minivan easier on the ego." According to Cars.com, "the 2009 Kia Sedona's 3.8-liter V-6 develops 250 hp and 253 pounds-feet of torque." J.D. Power reports that "the Kia Sedona responds to the accelerator with enthusiasm.” J.D. Power also advises that the Sedona "is geared for rapid acceleration if the driver pushes down on the pedal with authority, or it smoothly upshifts at low rpm when moving along in a leisurely fashion." Car and Driver attests that "the transmission shifts almost imperceptibly," but ConsumerGuide says "the automatic transmission [was] very slow to kick down." The EPA rates the Sedona at 16/23 mpg. According to Motor Trend, the Sedona’s fuel economy figures average "17.9 mph for the life of the car and frequently noted as impressive on long road trips.” ConsumerGuide cites slightly higher figures: "[the 2009 Kia] Sedona averaged 22.7 mpg in mostly highway driving, 18.1 with more city use...a second test model averaged 16.1 mpg in mostly city driving and gas-eating acceleration tests...Sedona uses regular-grade gas." When it comes to ride quality, J.D. Power declares, "Kia has done a terrific job with the suspension tuning on the Sedona...absorbent over bumps yet able...to produce stable handling, the Kia rides and drives like a Toyota Sienna with a little extra communication tossed in for the driver and motion control for the passengers." ConsumerGuide remarks, "Sedona is comfortable for a minivan, but it is not quite car-like. The suspension smoothes out small bumps well, but it bounces some over larger humps." Maneuverability leaves something to be desired, however; while the Kia Sedona 2009 "39.6-foot turning circle isn't out of line for a vehicle of its size, the Sedona isn't as maneuverable in tight parking lots as some of its competitors," according to Kelley Blue Book. Meanwhile, the test driver at MotherProof says "this baby was kind of hard to steer...it often felt as if it just didn't know how to move the parts it came equipped with." ConclusionThe 2009 Kia Sedona performs well for a minivan, even if it isn't at the head of the pack. 2009 KIA SEDONA STYLING | [7 out of 10] MyRide.com: "styling isn't unique, it is clean and crisp, and classy" Car and Driver: "some of the interior trim is cheap-looking" MotherProof: "more stylish and better-looking than other minivans " Reviewers generally approve of the 2009 Kia ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

There are few minivans, crossovers, or SUVs that drive as well as the sporty Mazda5. Even the short-wheelbase 2009 Kia Sedona is larger than the Mazda5. If you don't mind a peppy four-cylinder engine, then the Mazda5 is worth a test drive. The Toyota Sienna matches the Honda Odyssey in terms of refinement, polish, and price. However, the Sienna doesn't drive with the same enthusiastic personality as the Honda or the Mazda5. If you're shopping around but know you want a refined, high-quality driving experience, then the Honda Odyssey is the minivan for you. The base Honda will be thousands of dollars more expensive than the least expensive Kia, so be prepared. For those responsible for keeping kids happy while on the road, the vast number of features on the all-new Dodge Caravan makes this minivan a standout achiever. The Dodge also offers in-floor storage and seating options not available on the Kia.

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See the Kia Sedona in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002

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