• 2012 Kia Sedona

• Used Kia Sedona
• Repairs Kia Sedona

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Kia Sedona U.S. News Best Cars 7.8
Critics' Rating:	8.4
Performance:	7.6
Interior:	7.6
Safety:	9.1
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Long warranty
• Impressive standard features
• Powerful V6
• Low price

• Dull exterior styling
• Interior materials could be nicer

Research Other Years

• 2011 Kia Sedona
• 2010 Kia Sedona
• 2009 Kia Sedona
• 2008 Kia Sedona
• 2007 Kia Sedona

Test drivers say that the 2012 Kia Sedona offers a lot of value for the money, but is starting to feel dated compared to rivals.

If you need a minivan and are hoping not to have to demolish your kids’ college fund to get it, test drivers say the 2012 Kia Sedona is a good option. The Sedona not only has one of the lowest base prices in the class, but it also has a strong V6 engine, plenty of standard features, comfortable seating, good handling and a quiet ride. In short, test drivers say the Kia Sedona checks all the boxes when it comes to family transportation.

What works against the Sedona is the fact that many rivals have been recently updated.  In 2011, the Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna were redesigned while the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country received refreshes. Test drivers say that all four of these other vans benefitted from the changes, and now have modern layouts and top-notch interior tech. For 2012, the smaller Mazda5 van is also redesigned.  The Kia Sedona hasn’t had a major refresh since 2006 (though it did get a new engine in 2011), and reviewers say that it’s beginning to look dated. They also complain about some interior materials that look and feel cheap.

The 2012 Kia Sedona makes a lot of sense for families who put budget before anything else, but reviewers recommend checking out the more up-to-date competition to see what you’re missing.

Other Minivans to Consider

Though they cost more than the Kia Sedona, reviewers have only good things to say about the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Fresh of redesigns for 2011, the Honda Odyssey is considered the best driving van in the class, and has the best fuel economy ratings. The Toyota Sienna is the only van with available all-wheel drive, and has available features like second row captain’s chairs that have built in foot rests when they recline. Keep in mind, however, that many of the standard features on the Sedona, like Bluetooth, will cost you extra on the Odyssey and Sienna.

You should also check out the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country. Both have innovative under-floor storage options than can be helpful for families with a lot of gear.

Details: Kia Sedona

The 2012 Kia Sedona is available in two trim levels: LX and EX. It carries into 2012 unchanged. The base 2012 Sedona LX comes with turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, standard Bluetooth, six airbags, three months of Sirius satellite radio, keyless entry, USB/iPod connectivity,  steering wheel mounted audio controls and a back-up sensor that warns drivers of approaching objects to the rear of the vehicle.

• "If you want a minivan that offers a lot for less, the Sedona still deserves a look. As for us, we'll be waiting until Kia gets around to giving the Sedona the redesign it deserves."--Edmunds
• "The dual-slider crowd will find all the minivan prerequisites here: a smooth and torquey engine, family comfort, cargo space, parking-lot nimbleness, and that ‘mommy-at-the-wheel’ look." – Car and Driver