2020 Kia Sedona

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Rating6.5

Ranked #5 in 

Midsize Van
Write Review
$27,600 - $41,500
Starting Price 
M. Hannigan's image
M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

SUV-like character

Rough ride over undulations

It is essentially the same car as its predecessor

Plethora of safety features

The engine feels under-powered on the highways

Impressive sound insulation

Specs & Features

$27,600

price

276 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

248 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

3.3L 6cyl FWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2020 Kia Sedona, with the tiger-nose grille, makes the design aesthetically pleasing while the comfortable interiors and the list of modern tech features gives it an advantage over the rivals. As a hauler for either your family or cargo, the Kia Sedona is the perfect minivan for your garage. Despite being a bit weaker than the other minivans, the Sedona's engine is fun and efficient for city rides.

Buying Advice

The Kia Sedona EX is the best value-for-money minivan in the lineup. You can equip the optional EX premium package which adds upgraded shock absorbers, adaptive cruise control, and tri-zone automatic climate control.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Starting at $27,980 the Kia Sedona with its 3.3L 6-cylinder engine makes a convincing case for itself. With the new 8-speed transmission replacing the 6-speed, the drive is smoother than ever before. Despite all the plus points, the Kia faces stiff competition from the minivans like Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, and Honda Odyssey. Let's see how the Kia performs.

Features
7.0/10

The Kia Sedona comes in four trims, starting with the Sedona L at $27,200 all the way to the most premium minivan - the Sedona SX - priced at $41,100. While the Sedona L is great for using as a fleet vehicle, upgrading to the EX or even the SX is highly recommended if you're planning on using the minivan as a daily driver.

Model L LX EX SX
MSRP $27,200 $30,000 $33,300 $41,100
Key Features 17-inch wheels Power-folding mirrors 18-inch wheels LED foglights
  Automatic headlights Power-sliding doors Roof rails Sound-reducing windshield
  Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel Rear privacy glass Keyless entry and push-button ignition Ventilated front seats
  Height-adjustable driver seat 2nd-row bench seat (increasing passenger capacity to eight) Leather-wrapped steering wheel Heated second-row seats
  Slide-N-Stow forward-collapsing second-row captain's chairs (seven-passenger configuration) Power-adjustable driver's seat and a six-speaker audio system Auto-dimming rearview mirror 8-inch touchscreen
  Stain-resistant cloth upholstery   Driver information display Surround-view camera
  60/40-split reclining and folding third-row bench seat   Leather upholstery Navigation system
  Dual-zone climate control (with front and rear controls)   Heated front seats Voice-controlled infotainment
  7-inch touchscreen   Wireless phone charger Harman Kardon surround-sound system
  Rearview camera   Kia's Uvo3 eServices communications  
  Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration   Front and rear parking sensors and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert  
  4 sound system with USB and auxiliary audio input jacks      

We Recommend

The Kia Sedona EX coming is the best value-for-money trim in the minivan in the lineup. You can equip the optional EX premium package which adds upgraded shock absorbers, adaptive cruise control, and tri-zone automatic climate control.

Fuel Economy
4.0/10

Although untested by the EPA for fuel economy, the Sedona chugs like its Oktoberfest. With a decent 21 miles to the gallon combined fuel economy, it's can fit your fleet as an efficient work van. Comparatively, the other minivans in the segment boast similar numbers of 22 miles to the gallon, ergo the high gear ratios in the 9-speed transmission make the drive surprisingly efficient on highways.

Model

Kia Sedona L minivan

Toyota Sienna L minivan

Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Chrysler Pacifica L minivan

Honda Odyssey LX minivan

Ford Flex SE

MPG (city)

18

19

17

18

19

16

MPG (highway)

24

27

25

28

28

23

MPG (combined)

21

22

20

22

22

19

Range (city/highway)

380/506

380/540

340/500

342/532

371/546

298/428

Tank Capacity (gal)

21.1

20.0

20.0

19.0

19.5

18.6

Interior
9.0/10

The Sedona is plenty comfortable for a long road trip packed with people and cargo. SX models benefit from reclining second-row seats, and these captain's chairs represent some of the most comfortable in the class. - Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

Engineers at Kia haven't just worked on the outside, they have also added a few more bells and whistles on the inside. The Sedona offers a wide range of family-friendly features and ergonomics to the users. Materials feel premium, more so than the rest of the minivans along with reclining seats, extendable footrests, and options like heated seats and leather upholstery.

Model

Kia Sedona L minivan

Toyota Sienna L minivan

Chrysler Pacifica L minivan

Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Honda Odyssey LX minivan

Ford Flex SE

Passenger capacity

7

7

7

7

7

7

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

39.8/63.9/40.9

41.0/65.0/40.5

40.1/63.8/41.1

39.8/63.7/40.7

40.7/63.1/40.9

41.8/58.4/42.6

Second

(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

39.4/63.1/41.1

39.7/64.6/37.6

39.6/63.0/39.0

39.3/64.1/36.5

39.5/61.6/40.9

40.5/58.1/44.3

Infotainment System

With upgrades like optional smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, dual-touchscreen 10-inch rear-entertainment, and Harman Kardon audio system, the 7-inch infotainment system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be upgraded to an 8-inch unit. USB and Bluetooth connectivity

Cargo Capacity

The Kia Sedona has seats that can be stowed to increase the cargo capacity of the minivan, essentially converting your people carrier into a full-fledged cargo hauler. Boasting 142 cubic feet more than the Chrysler and the Dodge. The sliding doors and the huge rear door miles loading and unloading the van child's play.

Model

Kia Sedona L minivan

Toyota Sienna L minivan

Chrysler Pacifica L minivan

Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Honda Odyssey LX minivan

Ford Flex SE

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

142.0

150.0

140.5

140.3

158.0

83.2

The biggest cargo bay award goes to the Honda Odyssey, with 158 cubic feet volume, the Honda has no equal. The Chrysler and Dodge have equal capacities of 140 cubic feet at the rear.

Exterior
4.0/10

The minivan profile is two-box timeless, and the 2020 Sedona does well enough with what it's been given on the outside. The grille sits upright, framed by LED running lights and a generally light touch on the chrome. - Car Connection

Design and Dimensions

After a full aesthetics makeover, the Kia Sedona aligns with the modern Kia design language. Starting things off with the massive tiger-nose grille up front, the design transitions across the front fascia and along with the bodywork with smooth lines. There are no edgy elements, unlike most 2020 cars to make it look futuristic and gaudy. At the sides, you're greeted by huge sliding doors that reveal the cabin inside.

Model

Kia Sedona L minivan

Toyota Sienna L minivan

Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Chrysler Pacifica L minivan

Honda Odyssey LX minivan

Ford Flex SE

Curb weight (lbs.)

4411

4430

4510

4330

4354

4637

Length(in)

201.4

200.6

202.8

203.8

203.2

201.8

Width(in)

78.1

78.1

78.7

79.6

78.5

75.9

Height(in)

68.5

68.9

68.9

69.9

68.3

68.0

Ground clearance (in)

6.7

6.5

5.8

5.1

4.5

6.0

Wheelbase (in)

120.5

119.3

121.2

121.6

118.1

117.9

Track width (in) F/R

68.7/69

67.7/67.7

65.6/64.8

68.3/68.3

67.3/67.2

65.4/65.4

Kia Sedona is a minivan with the largest ground clearance of the lot, sitting tall at 6.7-inches from the ground. The Kia is also pretty narrow and short, positively affecting the maneuverability of the minivan. Aside from that, the Toyota is the shortest of the bunch, while the Flex is the narrowest. The Chrysler is the tallest minivan among the competition, while the Honda odyssey sits the lowest to the ground.

Safety
5.0/10

2020 Kia Sedona comes with a lot of standard safety features such as

  • Automated Emergency braking
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Adaptive Cruise control
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control...
  • ABS And Driveline Traction Control
  • Side Impact Beams
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
  • Low Tire Pressure Warning
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
  • Curtain 1st, 2nd, And 3rd Row Airbags
  • Airbag Occupancy Sensor
  • Rear Child Safety Locks
  • Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts

Competition
8.0/10

Kia Sedona vs Honda Odyssey

Honda Odyssey is one of the long-reigning class leaders in the minivan segment. Along with a plethora of features and creature comforts, comes an efficient engine and smooth transmission. The 280 hp Odyssey also boasts the largest cargo bay. The interiors on the Kia, however, feel more refined and ergonomically designed for the users. From the outside, the Kia Sedona is a stunning minivan compared to the edgy and awkward design of the Honda. If you don't mind the slightly smaller cargo bay and are looking for a budget minivan, the Kia is the better choice.

Kia Sedona vs Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica is another one of the good looking minivans along with the Kia Sedona. The Pacifica has a better and more powerful engine along with a smoother shifting 9-speed to go with better laid out interiors and infotainment. The Cargo capacity is nearly identical among the two, however, the Sedona benefits from a higher ground clearance. Between the two, the Chrysler Pacifica is the obvious choice.

Final Verdict

Along with the aesthetics, the Kia Sedona comes with great interiors and ergonomic infotainment. The premium materials on the inside make the cabin habitable as a daily driver. The engine lacks flair and the transmission is very forgettable, but as a vehicle is not meant for high-performance driving the drivetrain is adequate for your needs.

Trims

    L
    $27,600 onwards
    • Engine: 3.3L 6cyl FWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 276 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 248 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.7 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 21 mpg
    LX
    $30,400 onwards
    • Engine: 3.3L 6cyl FWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 276 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 248 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.8 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 21 mpg
    EX
    $33,700 onwards
    • Tough Composite Bed
    SX
    $41,500 onwards
    • Engine: 3.3L 6cyl FWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 276 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 248 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.7 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 21 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$27,600- $41,500

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.52

Horsepower

276 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

248 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

Capacity

8

Read Review

$26,985- $48,990

Gasoline

7.49

287 hp @ 6400 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

-

Read Review

$30,690- $47,320

Gasoline

7.16

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

7

Read Review

$29,490- $49,190

Gasoline

6.93

296 hp @ 6200 rpm

263 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

2

Read Review

$27,530- $35,535

Gasoline

5.7

283 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

7

Read Review

2020 Kia Sedona vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    7.7 sec15.8 sec-
    7.1 sec15.5 sec124 mph
    7.2 sec15.7 sec120 mph
    7.6 sec15.3 sec126 mph
    7.9 sec15.6 sec116 mph

    2020 Kia Sedona vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      18 mpg24 mpg21 mpg21.1 gal.379.8/506.4 mi.
      19 mpg28 mpg22 mpg19 gal.- -
      19 mpg28 mpg22 mpg19.5 gal.370.5/546 mi.
      19 mpg26 mpg21 mpg20 gal.380/520 mi.
      17 mpg25 mpg20 mpg20 gal.340/500 mi.

      2020 Kia Sedona vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        201.4 in.78.1 in.68.5 in.6.7 in.120.5 in.
        203.8 in.79.6 in.69.9 in.5.1 in.121.6 in.
        203.2 in.78.5 in.68.3 in.4.5 in.118.1 in.
        202.8 in.78.7 in.67.9 in.5.6 in.121.2 in.
        200.2 in.78.1 in.68.9 in.6.5 in.119.3 in.

        2020 Kia Sedona vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          33.9 cu.ft.165.8 cu.ft.142 cu.ft.
          61.1 cu.ft.164.4 cu.ft.150 cu.ft.
          31.1 cu.ft.163.5 cu.ft.140.3 cu.ft.
          61.2 cu.ft.165 cu.ft.140.5 cu.ft.
          38.6 cu.ft.163.6 cu.ft.158 cu.ft.

          2020 Kia Sedona vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            5 cu.ft.33.9 cu.ft.142 cu.ft.59 ft.
            108.3 cu.ft.31.1 cu.ft.140.3 cu.ft.-
            15.4 cu.ft.61.2 cu.ft.140.5 cu.ft.-
            150 cu.ft.61.1 cu.ft.150 cu.ft.-
            13.3 cu.ft.38.6 cu.ft.158 cu.ft.-

            2020 Kia Sedona vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              3500 lbs.1674 lbs.4411 lbs.
              3600 lbs.1540 lbs.4321 lbs.
              3500 lbs.-4354 lbs.
              -1380 lbs.-
              -1725 lbs.- -

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