Kia Sedona 2.9 TS Auto Road Test Report
Performance 
You’re reading the wrong review if you’re after dramatic, eye-catching performance, and things take a turn for the worse when you account for the car having an automatic transmission. The 2.9-litre CRDi engine has enough grunt but takes it’s time when it comes to acceleration taking a yawn-inducing 15.7 seconds to hit 62mph from a standing start. However apart from the languid acceleration the car performs well at cruising speeds, in what is a capable long-distance option. Top speed of 120mph is enough to tackle the roads of the nation too, and for a car of such size the combined mpg of 23.0 is respectable.
Ride & Handling
Perhaps the real weakness of the car can be found in the ride and handling. The driver feels pretty detached from the road, and while still in complete control of things it doesn’t make you feel warm and fuzzy inside like a car with quality handling does. Ride is a little better with the suspension easily soaking up the lumps and bumps. Kia has spent time and effort in minimising the roll on the vehicle and it shows, an anti-roll bar is fixed directly to the shock absorbers.
Build Quality & Reliability 
Chunky and robust the exterior of the vehicle is built to last – the Sedona comes with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty – while the interior is well thought out and tough. Plastics do not look too cheap and the neat table and four cup holder between the driver and front passenger as a nice addition. Reports of long term reliability are very favourable making it an excellent choice whether new or second hand.
Safety & Security
If you’re carting around your nearest and dearest then you want to travel in safety and the Sedona TS provides the usual plethora of airbags - Twin, front side and full-length curtain airbags to be precise. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) also comes as standard across the range, while the LS and TS trim levels come with rear parking sensors as standard which is a big help when navigating tight spaces. Importantly all 7 seats have 3-point seatbelts. The big MPV performed well in Euro NCAP testing with a good 4-star rating for passenger safety and 3-star for child protection.
Space & Practicality
Configured in the now common 2-3-2 formation the MPV can be adapted into a dizzying array of layout positions. Kia has ensured that all five rear seats are independent and can be flattened or removed to increase space, the car also features a large floor to ceiling space. A staggering 3440 litres is available with all five rear seats removed.
Ownership & Value
You’ll be hard pushed to find an equivalent specification MPV for similar money, Kia have really gone to town in the extras department to make it real value for money proposition. Not only does the Sedona score well in terms value for money from new but scores well on residual value too. Kia can rightly be proud of their budget MPV but we get the feeling that when the Korean giants return to the MPV segment with a new model it could be very special indeed.
Performance
The Sedona is not a car for which performance was a priority for it’s designers. This is understandable as it is a 7 seater people carrier and not a sports hatch! The Sedona does pull well through the gears, although unusually for a diesel engine, it can feel a little thrashy the higher up the rev range you go.
Ride & Handling
The Sedona feels actually quite light to handle , unusually so for such a large vehicle and with the auto box it is relatively effortless to drive. The ride is a little spongy over bumps and less than tight through corners but I suspect this is because the Sedona is built for comfort rather than handling.
Build Quality & Reliability
Rock solid reliability as ever with Kia and the warranty is great for the consumer’s peace of mind. We have the top spec TS version but the interior did not blow us away with quality, feeling a little plastic in places and sparse in terms of the centre console.
Safety & Security
You can transport your family around in the Kia Sedona and you should never feel anything else apart from completely secure. There are airbags all around and the driver is in control of all of the door lock mechanisms at the flick of a switch. The sliding doors to the rear are electrically operated which is a very nice touch and the visibility for driver and passengers is excellent.
Space & Practicality 
This is one of the most practical vehicles on the road. The ability to fold away or remove the seats individually from the car make it extremely versatile and each passenger has more than enough legroom available to them. Separate heating controls for the front and rear of the vehicle are very useful in a vehicle of this size. We had parking sensors which also help with the Sedona!!
Ownership & Value
As far as vehicles of this ilk go the Sedona is relatively cheap. The Kia warranty will help residuals, however initial depreciation may be harsh. We would definitely opt for the diesel variants. If you want a vehicle which will move your family around happily and safely with what seem like unlimited options internally then this is the car for you!