2015-2021 Kia Sedona: What You Should Know Before Buying
Despite the popularity of SUVs, a minivan will always be the vehicle of choice for families. In the used car market, it's hard to find a more affordable vehicle than a Kia Sedona thanks to the below-average starting price and the significant depreciation of the Korean brand's products.
The launch of the all-new 2022 Carnival has been applauded by many automotive journalists, but how does Kia's former minivan fare? Here's what you basically need to know about the 2015-2021 Sedona...
Even today, the outgoing Sedona is still elegant, especially in the higher trims. The range is structured as follows: L, LX, LX+, SX, SX+, SXL, and SXL+. The last three were replaced by the SX Tech in 2020.
Inside, the dashboard is modern and functional, and the front seats are very comfortable, but storage space is a bit lacking. In the second row, some models have captain's chairs that fold out. A smart power tailgate was also available.
Under the hood, the 276-horsepower V6 - a tad less powerful than the competition, but enough to tow up to 3,500 pounds like the competition- is mated to a six-speed (before 2019) or eight-speed automatic transmission. It averages 11.6 L/100 km. The drivetrain is front-wheel drive only, and the four-wheel independent suspension is calibrated for comfort. It's not the most dynamic minivan in the class, but it's still fun to drive.
Overall, the standard equipment is generous, but don't miss out on high-end features like the 360-degree camera system, which comes in handy when engaging in parking maneuvers. Also, be aware that Kia's initial warranty is 5 years/100,000 kilometred on the vehicle and powertrain, which means that a majority of older generation used Sedonas are still covered.
Kia has made a lot of progress in recent years in terms of quality, but still has a few bumps in the road when it comes to reliability. In addition, five safety recalls have been issued with the Sedona. The strangest one has to do with an intermittent problem that causes the turn signals to activate in the opposite direction than the driver intended.
Look for a certified pre-owned Kia Sedona that has passed a multi-point inspection and for which you know the history before signing the purchase contract. Happy shopping!