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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Kia Sedona

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Kia Sedona

Overview

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2009 Kia Sedona Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2009 Kia Sedona minivan is a consumer's best friend and a nightmare for rival manufacturers. In just a few short years, Kia has transformed the Sedona from a middle-of-the-road minivan into a first-rate people mover. With horsepower near the top of its class, a "Top Safety Pick" rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), seating for seven and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, it's hard to argue with the Sedona. Toss in a sticker price thousands less than a comparably-equipped Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna and the Sedona looks downright unbeatable. Of course, the Sedona's resale figures can't compare with its Japanese rivals, but if the initial bottom line is more important than what you might get come trade-in time, the Sedona should be at the top of your shopping list.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like saving money but won't sacrifice very much to do so, you'll be excited to see just how well the 2009 Kia Sedona stacks up against some of the category's finest.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Sedona's up-front collection of knobs and buttons isn't as attractive as some of its competitors' and its biggest disadvantage is its mediocre (but improving) resale value.

What's New for 2009

All Sedonas receive a new AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 USB-input port and a three month subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. A new navigation audio unit is now available on the EX trims.

Driving the Sedona

Driving Impressions Impressive cornering limits (which will rarely, if ever, be explored in the real world) combine with a powerful engine and smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission to provide an around-town eagerness that...

makes the Sedona as enjoyable to drive as any minivan on the road. It's also pleasant enough on the highway, with comfortable seating and interior noise levels that allow for easy three-row conversations. While its 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. Getting people and cargo into and out of the Sedona – one of the more important tasks for a minivan to do well – is easy, especially when equipped with power sliding doors and a power liftgate.

Favorite Features

7.1 Surround Sound System
An available 13-speaker, 660-watt Infinity audio system features front- and second-row center-channel speakers and delivers impressive music and movie performance.

Sportmatic Transmission
Even though it isn't the most responsive manu-matic transmission, the ability to choose your own gears will be especially welcomed by those that also appreciate the Sedona's relatively eager handling.

2009 Kia Sedona Details

Interior

The Sedona's seven-passenger layout consists of two second-row, removable, reclining captain's chairs with a one-touch fold-and-flip function that allows for easy access to a three-passenger third row; when you've got more cargo than people to transport, the 60/40-split third row folds flat into the floor. Highlights include second-row opening windows and a multitude of storage options like dual glove boxes. Shortcomings consist of a gauge cluster that's unexciting, a center control panel that's uninspired and available wood-look trim that's reminiscent of wood-paneled wagons and dens from the Brady Bunch era. That our loudest grumblings concern relatively minor matters of interior aesthetics is indicative of just how far the Sedona – and Kia – have come.

Exterior

Except for its vertical taillamps, the Sedona doesn't carry itself much differently than a Toyota Sienna, which wouldn't be impossible to mistake for a Honda Odyssey. The Kia is also about the same size as those competitors, if not a little longer, taller and wider than both. Base models come in short wheelbase guise, while the LX and EX trims have longer wheelbases. The Sedona EX trims are differentiated externally from entry LX versions by 17-inch aluminum wheels (versus 16-inch covered steel wheels), fog lights and roof rails.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In addition to a 3.8-liter V6 and a five-speed automatic transmission, the base Sedona LX includes tri-zone air conditioning, power locks, power mirrors, power windows, dual sliding rear doors, cruise control, AM/FM/CD sound system with auxiliary and USB inputs, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, second-row captain's chairs, remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, cloth interior, 16-inch covered steel wheels and several storage compartments. An impressive list of standard safety equipment includes front, front-side and three-row side-curtain airbags, advanced anti-lock brakes (ABS), tire pressure monitoring system, Electronic Stability Control and traction control.

Optional Equipment

Stepping up to the Sedona EX adds fog lights, power driver's and front passenger's seats, heated mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, HomeLink, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power third-row vent windows, compass, 17-inch alloy wheels and wood-like trim that's contained to the center of the dash. LWB LX options include power sliding side doors and rear backup sensors. Options available only on EX models include navigation, leather seating, heated front seats, driver's-position memory, sunroof, power sliding doors and liftgate, power-adjustable pedals, front-row automatic climate control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, an Infinity 7.1 Surround Sound system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and rear DVD entertainment system with two wireless headsets. There's also a less sophisticated rear DVD entertainment system that's available on both LX and EX models.

Under the Hood

The Sedona's 24-valve, all-aluminum powerplant with continuously variable valve timing makes it one of the most powerful minivans on the road. Combined with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission, the Sedona merges, passes and deals with traffic with ease, whether it's on the highway or headed to the supermarket.

3.8-liter V6
244 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
253 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Kia Sedona vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Kia Sedona Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.9

Out of 10

Based on 295 Ratings for the 2006 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.2/10

Quality

8.0/10
Reliability

8.3/10

Performance

8.3/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.4/10

I'm 62 and this is the best car I've ever owned

By Jerry (TX) on Sunday, July 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 118,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great ride, good comfort, power, gas mileage"

Cons: "wind noise"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This car is very comfortable on long trips. The power seats adjust easily. The inside arm rests in the front adjust to several positions. The dual air conditioning keeps the car very cool on 100 degree days. The car has plenty of HHP when you need it and yet it still gets better than 24 mpg."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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best van extremely reliable

By mikec (TX) on Sunday, July 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 156,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "fun, reliable with lots of power."

Cons: "what cons, i can sacrifice some to arrive ontime"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We currently have two vans -this 06 sedona and a 06 Honda Odyssey. the honda is more comfortable has little better interior design, more bells and looks a lot nicer. but thats about where it stops. The kia not as comfy or nice but does have pep - a lot more than honda. the kia also has tons of cup holders no less than 7 within reach of the driver. The honda gets a little better mpg (it has cylinder management). They both have the same mileage. I drive the kia, my wife the honda. I use it for work doing appliance repair I drive all over town giving it a work out. All the honda has to do is less than 8 miles roundtrip per day. but with the Honda getting there is a question every day. it consistently needs repair it has had everything that bolts onto the engine replaced and we still cannot trust it will make its daily journey with out the help of a tow truck. Kia has never been towed. Never anything more than a oil change and tank of gas to keep it going. I can count to it to take its daily abuse and keep going. It may not be the prettiest most comfortable but it just about guarantees getting home without the services of a tow, jump, or mechanic. horses in this engine run circles around hondas. Supposedly it is the fastest van. It is a Hyundai, exact same van. The windows even come with both logos. the hyundais are supposed to be nicer. I have had 3 hyundais prior to this and have all been very reliable. this one has over 150k miles. Unfortunatly someone decided to ram the side of it yesterday and did have its first tow. It couldnt escape a dodge ram doing 65 mph in the wrong lane. frame held well though. but snapped the tie rod end."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Love this van!!!

By Tania on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This van has never needed to be in the shop and I have owned it for a year. It is so roomy in the back and front and tons of space in the trunk. It also has the automatic doors and trunk that are very convenient because I have 3 kids, a 1 year old, 5 year old and a 12 year old that has the whole back to himself. I recommend this car to anyone that is looking for SAFETY number 1 and room, comfort, reliability, etc."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Love this van!!!

By Tania on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

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Wish I had more features and better fuel economy

By MJ (MN) on Monday, July 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 96,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 3/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Affordable mini-van with backseat stowing"

Cons: "gas guzzler"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"While the rear seats to my mini-van do stow away, which is great, the middle seats have to be completely removed to have the full cargo room. For a 2006 model; it should have more safety features included; backup sensors, auto doors, auto gate, mp3 connection. While I did buy this used, overall it has been a good car. If it hadn't been for the extended warranty I purchased, it would have been a lemon. Have had over $2000 in work done. This is a gas guzzler. I drive pretty well and have never been able to get better than 17 mpg hwy or city."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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SURPRISING MPG!

By ROCKY (FL) on Friday, June 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Power and MPG"

Cons: "could use removable junk holder instead of folding"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Our first trip with our used 2011 Sedona gave us a few surprises. We drove from Winter Haven-Tupelo-St Louis-Dubuque-Peoria-home. Our best mileage was 29mpg on E-0, at around 68-70 mph. I did find that using the shifter locked in 6th gear was the ticket to the high mpg. On E-10 we averaged about 28mpg. Over 70 mph we lost 1.3mpg. Overall, the trip gave us an impressive 27.55mpg. Our lowest was in hilly Dubuque (E-0)...18mpg. We were comfortable and happy with the power. We recommend this van. We have had a Caravan and a Windstar before this one."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 295 reviews