Kia Sedona 2.9CRDi LX Review

Kia's Sedona is good at moving people, but can't match the best rivals for cabin flexibility or road manners.

For The Kia Sedona has more power than many rivals and provides good space for seven. All models are well equipped and include sliding side doors for easy access.

Against The Sedona's seats have to be removed to make full use of the available space. It's not as classy or as good to drive as the class leaders.

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
You get lots of horsepower for your money with the Sedona. It comes with a 192bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine. It's strong, revs smoothly and makes for a fine motorway cruiser. It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, however you can specify a six-speed auto. However, it can't quite make up it's mind which gear it should be in at low speeds.

Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
The Sedona is geared more towards comfort than agility, which is not surprising for a big MPV. However, although the ride is generally comfortable, it thumps over bigger bumps. The combination of slack body control, numb steering and modest grip means the Sedona isn't as rewarding to drive as rivals such as the Ford S-Max.

Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
The engine is a bit gruff under acceleration, but things generally quieten down once it's up to speed. Road and wind noise is present, but not loud enough to grate. Around town you can hear (and feel) the suspension thudding.

Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
The Kia is bigger than many rivals, so you get a lot of car for your money. Kia won't discount as much as a Ford or a Citroen dealer, but the Sedona is competitively priced. However, resale values are not great. Running costs are on a par with rivals'.

Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
The Sedona's cabin isn't as appealing as a Ford S-Max or Toyota Verso's due to some drab design and materials, but it feels sturdy throughout and built to withstand the rigours of family life. It's too early yet to comment on long-term reliability, but Kia has a good record.

Safety & Security
3 out of 5 stars
Every Sedona comes with front, side and curtain airbags, which is good news for family buyers. The four outer rear seats have ISOFIX child-seat mountings, while the electric sliding doors have a system to stop them closing on obstructions such as a child's hand. However, only top-trim cars have active front seat head restraints and stability control.

Behind The Wheel
4 out of 5 stars
A straightforward dashboard layout, a gearlever that falls easily to hand and an upright seating position means that it's easy for Sedona drivers to make themselves comfortable and you get a grand view out. All-round visibility is excellent but the parking camera incorporated into rear view mirror takes some getting used to.

Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Seven adults can sit in comfort, with enough head- and legroom to go round. There's a flat floor and five rear seats that individually slide and recline. Access is also excellent. With all seats occupied, the boot isn't that large, however. Folding the seats creates extra space and they can then be lifted out if necessary. They are heavy, though.

Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
There are three trims and even the cheapest versions are well equipped. 1 models have air-con and four electric windows, but you have to move up to 2 to gain alloy wheels, tri-zone climate control and rear parking sensors. As well as these, top-trim 3 cars have leather upholstery and cruise control.

Diesel Estates & MPVs - Further Information

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