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2008 Kia Sedona Road Test
Date Published: 8/22/08
Our road test for the 2008 Kia Sedona includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Kia Sedona from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Kia Sedona, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Kia Sedona help you decide if a 2008 Kia Sedona is right for you.
2008 Kia Sedona Road Test
Pros Cons
Cargo room Fuel economy
Rear-seat room Handling
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

LX EX Class Average
5 5 5.4

An EX model did 0-60 mph in a brisk 8.4 seconds in our testing. It didn't feel that fast, though, with the automatic transmission being very slow to kick down. At least the shifts were smooth. No base models have been made available for us to test.
Fuel Economy

LX EX Class Average
5 5 4.2

In Consumer Guide testing, a 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.
Ride Quality

LX EX Class Average
6 6 6.4

Sedona is comfortable for a minivan, but it is not quite car-like. The suspension smooths out small bumps well, but it bounces some over larger humps. EX's 17-inch wheels make the ride more jiggly over rippled pavement.
Steering/Handling/Braking

LX EX Class Average
5 5 5.2

Handling is typical for a minivan, with marked cornering lean and a somewhat ponderous feel. EX's 17-inch wheels don't noticeably improve handling. The steering is nicely weighted but feels numb.
Quietness

LX EX Class Average
6 6 6.3

The engine makes a semi-refined full-throttle growl and is reasonably quiet otherwise. Tire thrum and body rumble are noticed even during in-town driving, with wind rush joining in at highway speeds.
Controls

LX EX Class Average
6 6 6.2

All controls are within easy reach, are nicely sized, and are clearly marked. Standard three-zone climate control is an upscale touch.
Details

LX EX Class Average
5 5 5.3

Sedona's cabin is short on soft-touch surfaces and long on nondescript plastics, but the materials are mostly in line with the price. One test EX suffered annoying rattles from the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX EX Class Average
7 7 7.5

Front occupants find comfortable chair-height seats, yet there is ample headroom. Lanky drivers may want more rearward seat travel, though. Entry and exit are easy. The thick windshield pillars can impede visibility to front corners, but there are clear sightlines elsewhere. Like some rivals, Sedona has a flip-down center tray table that's handy, but it allows items to slide around a lot.
Room/Comfort (rear)

LX EX Class Average
7 7 7.6

Comfortable 2nd-row seats are easy to access and offer adult-size headroom and legroom even with the front seats fully back. The tight 3rd row is adult comfortable for short trips only, and access is squeezed by the bulk of the folded 2nd-row seats. Standard power sliding-door windows are a fresh-air plus.
Cargo Room

LX EX Class Average
10 10 10

The deep well behind the 3rd-row seat is a useful cargo hold, plus the seat sections fold into it easily. Second-row seats tumble and fold for generous load volume. They can also be removed but weigh 60 pounds each. There are plenty of cubbies for small items. Families may want the EX-only Power Package with power sliding side doors and a power rear liftgate.
Value within Class

LX EX Class Average
7 8 7.1

Sedona and the similar Hyundai Entourage earn Recommended status for matching the class leaders in size, utility, and standard safety features. Warranty coverage is impressive, and they beat every comparably equipped rival on price.
Total Score

LX EX Class Average
69 70 71.2
Scores for all Minivans

Low Score
62
Average Score
71
High Score
78
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