2008 Kia Sedona [ 2007 ]
in Minivans
Based on analysis of 33 Sedona reviews and test drives.
Kia Sedona - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Kia Sedona ranks 4 out of 8 Minivans. This ranking is based on our analysis of 33 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Sedona, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2008 Kia Sedona receives a very good ranking for its wide range of standard features, stellar safety equipment, and impressive powertrain warranty.
Kia, a division of Korean automaker Hyundai, redesigned the Sedona minivan in 2006 and the 2008 model is only slightly changed from that one. Reviewers find it to be a significant improvement over the pre-2006 Sedona. "The new Sedona minivan is better in almost every way than the first-generation Sedona," says AutoWeek. The majority of the praise goes to the Sedona's award-winning safety equipment, the powertrain warranty and Kia's willingness to put features in the base model that would ordinarily be available as extra-cost options. Reviewers are less enthusiastic about the vehicle's performance and appearance, but many find the Sedona an acceptable alternative to its rivals in the minivan market. In fact, Motor Week awarded it a Driver's Choice Award in 2007 for "Best Minivan," in a tie with the Hyundai Entourage.
The 2008 Kia Sedona is available in three trims: the base model, the LX and the top of the line EX.
- "Kia is selling value, not sex appeal, and the Sedona shows that the Korean automaker understands its mission well." -- U.S. News
- "Kia, looking to snag some of those companies' deserted sales, has greatly improved its second-generation Sedona and benchmarked it against the leaders of the minivan pack." - Automobile Magazine
- "The new Sedona has everything a minivan must: a solid drivetrain, enough optional electronic gadgetry to narcotize the kiddies on trips, side windows that roll down, lots of cup holders, an optional power liftgate, and standard airbags in front and all along the sides. The drivetrain is refined and powerful, the chassis is well-sorted, and there's plenty of room for plenty of stuff." -- Car and Driver
- "Bigger and more powerful, this Sedona packs more family-pleasing punch than ever." -- Motor Week
- "[T]his second-generation Sedona arrives with the form, function, and mechanical aptitude to go toe-to-toe with the big sellers from Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota." -- Motor Trend
Sedona Performance - 7.3 (Good)
Test drivers largely agree that the 2008 Kia Sedona's performance is competitive, at least within its class. "Acceleration off the line is peppy in the Sedona," says Newsday, "but on a long upgrade or in a passing maneuver, the engine's limits become noticeable." The Sedona's score is in the bottom half of its class for performance. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn why some auto writers aren't entirely satisfied with the Sedona's handling. continue
Sedona Exterior - 6.2 (Mediocre)
Most reviews say the 2008 Kia Sedona's looks are bland but inoffensive. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman asks the rhetorical question, "Hot or not?" and answers it: "Not at all. Nobody will envy you in the Sedona." Still, its exterior score is in the middle of its class. Continue with our full Exterior Review to read what other reviewers think of the Sedona's body style, or check out our photo gallery. continue
Sedona Interior - 7.4 (Good)
Reviewers praise the 2008 Kia Sedona's long list of available features while generally agreeing that its interior is spacious and comfortable. "Inside, there's seven-passenger seating with seats that easily collapse to create a vast cargo space," says New Car Test Drive. "Every cabin convenience known to man is either standard or available." Still, the Sedona's interior score is in the bottom half of its class. Continue with our full Interior Review to learn why many reviewers think the Sedona's interior appointments aren't stylish, or go to the 2008 Sedona Photo Gallery to see pictures of its cabin for yourself. continue
Sedona Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The performs exceptionally well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests, and comes loaded with plenty of active and passive safety features -- including traction control and full-length side curtain air bags. Within the class of minivans, the Sedona earns a top safety score. Continue with our full Safety Review to read about the Sedona's other standard safety features. continue
Sedona Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 Kia Sedona reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Kia offers impressive warranty coverage on all of its cars, including a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to read about Kia's other competitive warranties. continue