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2009 Kia Sedona Quality Review

July 4, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

engine makes a semi-refined full-throttle growl and is reasonably quiet otherwise
ConsumerGuide

interior noise levels that allow for easy three-row conversations
Kelley Blue Book

short on soft-touch surfaces and long on nondescript plastics
Cars.com

Roomy and versatile
Car and Driver

The 2009 Kia Sedona offers a reasonably comfortable, quiet ride, but interior materials are strictly average.

Reviewers take issue with the quality of the Sedona’s interior materials. Motor Trend remarks that the "Kia seems to use chintzier plastics and lower-grade leather in the interior...those plastics and leather have become glossier and more worn than the Odyssey's interior over a similar period." J.D. Power says, "Interior materials are acceptable and nothing more," noting that "leather on the steering wheel doesn't feel much like leather, and the cowhide on our EX model's seats was soft but artificial to the touch." Even MotherProof, otherwise pleased with the 2009 Kia Sedona, indicates that "interior materials consisted of an obvious plastic that lacked some luster." Cars.com reports the "cabin is short on soft-touch surfaces and long on nondescript plastics, but the materials are mostly in line with the price," but adds "one test EX suffered annoying rattles from the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats."

Cars.com advises that "third-row headroom in the short-wheelbase Sedona drops 1.9 inches compared to the long-wheelbase version, and shoulder room falls 3.3 inches. Second-row occupants lose 3.9 inches of legroom, as well." ConsumerGuide says of the 2009 Kia Sedona, "Front occupants find comfortable chair-height seats, yet there is ample headroom, [although] lanky drivers may want more rearward seat travel," adding that Kia Sedona's "tight 3rd row is adult comfortable for short trips only." MotherProof notes "lots of legroom...in the middle row, too, which made it a comfy ride for adult and child passengers alike."

MotherProof tells our experts at TheCarConnection.com that "there were eight cupholders...there was also ample storage space in the front: two glove compartments, a nice center console that held my huge purse/diaper bag with room to spare." In terms of cargo and storage space, the 2009 Kia Sedona is "roomy and versatile...[with] a flip-and-fold second row and a third row that disappears into the floor," according to Car and Driver. However, with the short version, "cargo capacity behind the third row drops considerably, from 32.2 cubic feet to just 12.9 cubic feet," reports Cars.com.

According to Kelley Blue Book, "interior noise levels…allow for easy three-row conversations." ConsumerGuide says the "engine makes a semi-refined full-throttle growl and is reasonably quiet otherwise"; however, they note, "Tire thrum and body rumble are noticed even during in-town driving, with wind rush joining in at highway speeds."

Conclusion

The 2009 Kia Sedona is roomy, comfortable, and quiet—though those who dwell on the details might find issue.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:engine makes a semi-refined full-throttle growl and is reasonably quiet otherwiseConsumerGuideinterior noise levels that allow for easy three-row conversationsKelley Blue Bookshort on soft-touch surfaces and long on nondescript plasticsCars.comRoomy and versatileCar and Driver The 2009 Kia Sedona offers a reasonably comfortable, quiet ride, but interior materials are strictly average. Reviewers take issue with the quality of the Sedona’s interior materials. Motor Trend remarks that the "Kia seems to use chintzier plastics and lower-grade leather in the interior...those plastics and leather have become glossier and more worn than the Odyssey's interior over a similar period." J.D. Power says, "Interior materials are acceptable and nothing more," noting that "leather on the steering wheel doesn't feel much like leather, and the cowhide on our EX model's seats was soft but artificial to the touch." Even MotherProof, otherwise pleased with the 2009 Kia Sedona, indicates that "interior materials consisted of an obvious plastic that lacked some luster." Cars.com reports the "cabin is short on soft-touch surfaces and long on nondescript plastics, but the materials are mostly in line with the price," but adds "one test EX suffered annoying rattles from the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats." Cars.com advises that "third-row headroom in the short-wheelbase Sedona drops 1.9 inches compared to the long-wheelbase version, and shoulder room falls 3.3 inches. Second-row occupants lose 3.9 inches of legroom, as well." ConsumerGuide says of the 2009 Kia Sedona, "Front occupants find comfortable chair-height seats, yet there is ample headroom, [although] lanky drivers may want more rearward seat travel," adding that Kia Sedona's "tight 3rd row is adult comfortable for short trips only." MotherProof notes "lots of legroom...in the middle row, too, which made it a comfy ride for adult and child passengers alike." MotherProof tells our experts at TheCarConnection.com that "there were eight cupholders...there was also ample storage space in the front: two glove compartments, a nice center console that held my huge purse/diaper bag with room to spare." In terms of cargo and storage space, the 2009 Kia Sedona is "roomy and versatile...[with] a flip-and-fold second row and a third row that disappears into the floor," according to Car and Driver. However, with the short version, "cargo capacity behind the third row drops considerably, from 32.2 cubic feet to just 12.9 cubic feet," reports Cars.com. According to Kelley Blue Book, "interior noise levels…allow for easy three-row conversations." ConsumerGuide says the "engine makes a semi-refined full-throttle growl and is reasonably quiet otherwise"; however, they note, "Tire thrum and body rumble are noticed even during in-town driving, with wind rush joining in at highway speeds." ConclusionThe 2009 Kia Sedona is roomy, comfortable, and quiet—though those who dwell on the details might find issue. 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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