why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Kia Sedona

Please enter a valid mileage

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

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Kia Sedona Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.4

In the world of minivans, the 2011 Kia Sedona is a giant. It offers almost all the features, power and safety of the best minivans, but it costs thousands of dollars less. From its 10-year/100,000 mile warranty to its long list of standard features, the 2011 Kia Sedona is an excellent choice for a family on a tight budget. If there is a fly in the ointment, however, it's the Kia Sedona's resale figures, which rank well below the class leader Honda Odyssey and even below the traditionally underachieving Dodge Caravan. Still, if long-term ownership is more important than retained value, the 2011 Kia Sedona promises years of happy commuting and low monthly payments.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you think saving money on your next minivan purchase means sacrificing features, comfort and power, the 2011 Kia Sedona will make you think again.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While the 2011 Kia Sedona looks competitive on paper, in person the styling both inside and out is rather generic. Also, those who lease or regularly trade in their vehicles probably won't be impressed by the Sedona's low resale values.

What's Significant About This Car?

The 2011 Kia Sedona receives an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of making up to 271 horsepower. That's 23 more horsepower than the previous 3.8-liter V6. A new six-speed automatic transmission replaces the old five-speed. This combination helps improve fuel mileage by two miles per gallon in the government's highway driving cycle. Also new are side mirror turn signal indicators. Now standard on all models, Bluetooth allows hands-free operation of most cellphones. A new, slightly revised grille, shared by other Kias, differentiates the 2011 from the 2010.

Driving the Sedona

Driving Impressions For a minivan, the 2011 Kia Sedona delivers a pretty pleasing driving experience. It corners well, brakes well and accelerates with surprising vigor. The new six-speed automatic displays no sign...

of gear hunting, delivering seamless shifts and excellent fuel economy. The captain's chair seating is fairly comfortable, but the seat bottoms proved a bit short for our long legged occupants. Seating in the third row is also well designed, but best suited to young children who don't have to worry about legroom. The Sedona's overall ride is smooth and controlled, and interior sound levels are low enough that we could easily hold a conversation with the second and third-row passengers. On the flip side, the Sedona's turning circle is quite large (39.6 feet) and its ability to maneuver into tight parking spaces is limited.

Favorite Features

7.1 Surround Sound System
An available 10-speaker, Infinity audio system features front- and second-row center-channel speakers. It 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.

2011 Kia Sedona Details

Interior

The 2011 Kia Sedona's seven-passenger layout consists of four captain's chair-style seats. The two in the second row are both removable and reclining. The second row seats also feature a one-touch fold-and-flip device permitting easy access to the 60/40 split bench third-row seat. When not hauling people, the third-row seat can be folded flush into the floor, creating an enormous 141.5 cubic-foot cargo hold. Features of note include power windows in the sliding side doors, a dual glovebox and available power rear vent windows. On the downside, the Sedona's plastic parts feel rather hard and cheap, the faux wood center console is just downright tacky and interior colors are limited to beige and gray.

Exterior

While the Honda Odyssey and Nissan Quest have raised the bar for minivan styling, the Kia Sedona sails into 2011 with its same ho-hum appearance. But this is a minivan, not a luxury car, so function should trump form. Its sharply sloping front nose makes it a bit difficult to see the front end when parking, but large side glass makes for excellent 360-degree visibility. The base LX models feature rear sensors designed to warn the driver of objects near the rear of the vehicle, while the up-level EX trim includes a rearview camera to help backing in tight quarters. The EX comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels, while 16-inch covered steel wheels are standard on the LX. Other standard EX features include fog lights and roof rails.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In addition to a 3.5-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission, the base Sedona LX includes tri-zone air conditioning, power locks, power mirrors, power windows, dual sliding rear doors and cruise control. The AM/FM/CD sound system comes with auxiliary and USB inputs, steering wheel mounted audio controls, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Bluetooth hands-free cellphone connectivity. Standard safety equipment includes front, front-side and three-row side-curtain airbags, advanced anti-lock brakes (ABS), tire pressure monitoring system and electronic stability control, all of which are either currently or imminently government mandated.

Optional Equipment

Stepping up to the 2011 Kia Sedona EX adds fog lights, power driver's and front passenger's seats, heated mirrors, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, HomeLink, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power third-row vent windows and power sliding side doors and tailgate. The Power Package, available only on the base LX trim, adds power sliding side doors, automatic headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels and a rearview camera. The up-level EX trim offers the Luxury Package that includes leather seating, heated front seats, sunroof, power-adjustable pedals and tri-zone automatic climate control. The Premium Entertainment Package includes an Infinity 7.1 Surround Sound system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and rear DVD entertainment system with two wireless headsets.

Under the Hood

The Sedona's 3.5-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum powerplant with continuously variable valve timing makes it one of the most powerful minivans. Combined with a responsive new six-speed automatic transmission, the Sedona merges, passes and deals with traffic with ease, whether it's on the highway or headed to the supermarket.

3.5-liter V6
271 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
248 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25

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.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Kia Sedona Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.9

Out of 10

Based on 289 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

love Sedona!!

By mama Holly (OH) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 103,955

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "everything"

Cons: "nothing"

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

"Purchased the vehicle used a 2006 in 2010. had almost 70,000 miles so I didnt think I would love this car sooooo much!! had no problems and have 104,000 miles on it. still running GREAT!"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Nice features. Bad Quality

By Christian (TN) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 95,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "A lot of cup holders....love that"

Cons: "Poor quality and do not hold value at all"

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

"When you buy a Kia you are very impressed by all the extras you get for your money compared to other brands (Toyota, Honda and even European cars) But when you get in this vehicle and put a few miles in it you are going to notice that all this extras are cheap quality. Everything feels like if it is breaking apart. Less than 100k and check engine on, 3rd alternator, AC wont work. I had 3 Kias in my life and hopefully I will never own another one never again. I had a Kia Sephia 1998 (mom gave it to me) then a 2007 Rio (Brand New- Gave me brakes problems before 10k miles and I traded in for a Honda Accord 2008 and offcourse i was super upside down) and now this Sedona 2007. Im done with Kia's and their cheap quality. DONE."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Love it love it love it!

By Cece (OK) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 122,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Cons: "Gas mileage"

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

"I have had my van for 4 years now. When I got it it was 3 years old & had 86k mi on it. It is without a doubt the most comfortable vehicle I have ever had & has been very reliable with the exception of normal wear & tear. I have no complaints at all."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Nice minivan for the price.

By Andrew (OH) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 56,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Price, reliability, space, power rear windows"

Cons: "Bland styling, dealer maintenance costs"

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

"Bought my 2009 LX used in December 2009 with around 20k miles. It has been a great van and won me over versus the Dodge Caravan I was also considering at the time. The only negatives are just a few minor recall items and some rather expensive dealer visits for routine maintenance to keep the warranty in place. Normal wear and tear items like brake pads and tires are the only thing I have had to purchase. I bought this originally for my wife to drive, but I end up driving it 95% of the time which is ok with me. Plenty of room for the kiddos plus luggage for trips. Overall, I have been pretty satisfied with this purchase and I look forward to seeing the 2014 redesign that hopefully fixes the current models rather bland styling. Gas mileage is decent for a van with low 20's on the highway and upper teens around town."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Best value minivan on the market

By TonyM (AL) on Tuesday, January 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 136,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "inexpensive, safe, sporty (driving) for a minivan"

Cons: "trans could hold 1st gear slightly longer"

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

"Bought as a former rental vehicle with 32k on it, put 100+k on it over the next four years. My parents and brothers all own (or owned) Honda Odysseys, and I much prefer the Sedona. It's sportier than the Odyssey, less expensive, and has been as reliable as a Honda - very little has gone wrong with the van. The subframe bushings are starting to squeak some (when cold), but it does have 130+k miles on it. Only real gripes are the clearcoat starting to peel (seems to be a common Kia/Hyundai problem - I've owned several) and 1st gear in the trans doesn't hold long enough - about the time it's starting to get power, it shifts (unless you're accelerating a bit harder than you otherwise might). Otherwise, it's done everything we've asked of it - hauling people, hauling a riding mower, hauling wood, hauling Christmas gifts, hauling dogs... and the seats fold flat easily enough (except the middle seats, which do fold up behind the front seats, or remove completely). As with most vans, fuel economy leaves some to be desired, but this Sedona does fare better than my dad's Odyssey; we get around 16-18 city, 20-22 highway. All in all, excellent for a family - safe, lots of space, reliable, versatile, and relatively inexpensive."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

disappointed on kia

By tony (CA) on Wednesday, January 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 99,608

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 2/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 4/10
Comfort: 4/10

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

"although never had engine and transmission problems complain comes ,from sliding door latch does not lock 100%,steering wheel cracks and peels, air bag problem light goes on and off on driver side, dealer not too price friendly ."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 289 reviews