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Minivan; Built in South Korea
  • 4-door van
  • 4-door van
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $2,900 – $23,800*


2006 Kia Sedona


2006 Kia Sedona


2006 Kia Sedona


2006 Kia Sedona

Pros:
  • Cargo room
  • Passenger room and comfort
  • Ride
Cons:
  • Automatic-transmission performance
  • Fuel economy
  • Wind noise

Sedona and Entourage, which share basic design, don’t rank with Best Buy minivans in terms of ride quality, powertrain response, or squeak-free construction. Even so, they earn Recommended (2008-09) status for matching the class leaders in size, utility, and standard safety features. Warranty coverage is impressive, and these two beat every comparably-equipped rival on new-car price. Relatively weak resale value helps keep secondhand prices down.

Overview

For 2006, this South Korean automaker redesigned its front-wheel-drive minivan, giving it larger dimensions, more horsepower, and standard curtain side airbags. Produced in a single body length, the 2006 Sedona was more than 3 inches longer in wheelbase and nearly 8 inches longer overall than its 2002-2005 predecessor. Passenger volume grew by 15 percent, according to Kia, while weight dropped by some 400 pounds. Kia claimed a 13-percent improvement in fuel economy.

Sedonas came in LX and step-up EX trim levels. The lone engine was a 244-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, replacing a 195-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. A five-speed automatic was the sole transmission.

Both had seven-passenger seating with second-row bucket seats and a folding third-row bench.

Antilock four-wheel disc brakes were newly standard. All Sedonas had head-protecting curtain side airbags that covered all three seating rows. An antiskid system and traction control were newly available.

Either 16- or 17-inch wheels replaced the prior 15s. Other options included leather upholstery and a power sunroof. Newly available were heated front seats, power-sliding side doors, a power liftgate, and power-adjustable pedals. Power windows were incorporated into the power-sliding doors–a feature included on few minivans. Also optional were rear obstacle detection and rear DVD entertainment.

Kia is owned by Hyundai and duplicates Hyundai’s warranty: 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 10/100,000 powertrain, and 5-year/unlimited-mileage roadside assistance. Sedona competed against the Dodge Caravan, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna.

Yearly Updates

2007 Sedona
As the 2007 model year began, Kia’s minivan was virtually unchanged, though the V6 engine went from 244 horsepower to 250. Soon afterward, a short-wheelbase model joined the lineup. Offered in a single trim level, the new base-model minivan measured 12.6 inches shorter overall on a wheelbase that shrunk by 5 inches. Naturally, that reduced third-row passenger space. Hyundai launched a new Entourage minivan, similar to Sedona, as an early 2007 model.
2008 Sedona
The 2008 Kia Sedona was largely unchanged.
2009 Sedona
Sedona was again largely unchanged, though a navigation system was newly available on the EX.
2010 Sedona
The 2010 Kia Sedona was largely unchanged.
2011 Sedona
The 2011 Kia Sedona received freshened styling and a new standard powertrain, as a 271-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission replaced a 250-hp 3.8-liter V6 and five-speed automatic.
2012 Sedona
There were no changes of note to the 2012 Kia Sedona.
2013 Sedona
Sedona took the year 2013 off and returned for 2014.
2014 Sedona
The Kia Sedona returned for 2014 after a one-year hiatus, wearing slightly refreshed styling.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

In 2006, each Sedona held a 244-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 driving a five-speed automatic transmission. Output grew to 250 horsepower for 2007. For 2011, that powertrain was replaced by a 271-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic.

dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.8/231
Engine HP 244-250
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 253
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 17/25

 18.1
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/212
Engine HP 271
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 248
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 18/25

Road Test

We have had no opportunity to drive a 2011 Sedona with the 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. Earlier Sedonas and their Hyundai Entourage cousins accelerate strongly from a stop–a brisk 8.4 seconds to 60 mph, as tested. But rolling acceleration can seem sluggish, as the automatic transmission is sometimes slow to downshift for extra power. The transmission doesn’t always promptly follow manual gear changes, either.

Test Sedonas and Entourages averaged a so-so 16.5 to 18.1 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving, or 19.2 to 22.7 mpg with more highway runs. A test Sedona averaged 16.1 mpg in mostly city use, including gas-eating acceleration tests. Kia and Hyundai recommend premium-grade fuel for their minivans.

Sedonas ride comfortably for a minivan, but not quite carlike, though the suspension smooths out small bumps well. Generally composed, these minivans do bounce somewhat over larger humps. The Sedona EX’s 17-inch tires make the ride a bit more jiggly over rippled pavement.

Handling capabilities are typical for a large minivan: never nimble, with marked body lean in turns, and not noticeably improved with 17-inch tires. Steering is nicely weighted, but feels numb. Traction/antiskid control is a welcome standard feature.

Although the engine emits full-throttle growl, it’s reasonably quiet otherwise. Tire thrum and some body rumble are noticed even in around-town driving. Wind rush joins into the melody at highway speeds. Some test examples have annoyed with creaking interior panels, and rattling second- and third-row seats.

Sedona and Entourage share a dashboard with large, unobstructed gauges and clearly marked, nicely sized, easy-to-reach controls. Standard three-zone climate control is a helpfully upscale touch. Cabins are short on soft-touch surfaces and long on nondescript plastics, but materials are mostly in line with the minivan’s price.

Comfortable chair-height seats provide ample front head room, though lanky drivers may prefer more rearward seat travel. Entry/exit is trouble-free. Thick windshield pillars can impede visibility to front corners, but sightlines are clear otherwise. Like some rivals, Sedona and Entourage have a flip-down center tray table that’s handy but lets items slide around quite a bit. Comfortable second-row seats offer adult-size head and legroom, even with front seats pushed fully back. Tight for long hauls, the third row is adult-comfortable for short trips. Note that power sliding side doors have been available on the Sedona only as an EX-model option. Power or manual, some testers have said sliding doors don’t open wide enough for best rear entry/exit. The bulkiness of folded second-row seats hampers access to the third row. Power sliding-door windows are a fresh-air plus.

A deep well behind the third-row seat serves as a useful cargo hold, and seat sections fold into it easily. Second-row seats tumble and fold for generous load volume. They can also be removed, but weigh 60 pounds each. Occupants get plenty of cubbies for small items.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2006 Kia Sedona

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 10
100%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 63

Specifications

4-door van
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
118.9 202.0 78.1 69.3
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
141.5 21.1 7
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.9 39.8 41.7 40.9
4-door van
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
113.8 189.4 78.1 69.3
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
121.3 21.1 7
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.9 39.8 41.7 37.0
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2006 Sedona 4-door van

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Doors
Description: There was a campaign to replace the power sliding door switches on early production vehicles and if done, there will be a campaign sticker on the inner left fender under the hood. (2006)
Doors
Description: There was a campaign to replace the release cables for the sliding doors which could freeze in cold weather and if done, there will be a sticker on the left inner fender. (2006)
Doors
Description: Power sliding door may not respond to switches or remote controller. Power-sliding-door motor may need replacement. (2006-14)
Audio system
Description: The CD changer may malfunction and not play, load or eject requiring resetting the audio system. (2006)
Starter
Description: The 2.0L or 2.4L engine may be hard to start, or may not start at all, due to throttle stuck shut from deposits. (2006-09)
Suspension noise
Description: Suspension noises when going over rough roads caused by faulty strut mount. (2002-05)
Timing belt
Description: If timing chain noise does not go away after a few seconds when starting a cold engine, the timing chain tensioners are bad. (2006-07)
Electrical problem
Description: The engine may run rough or hesitate, and the check engine light may illuminate due to faulty oxygen sensor(s). (2006-07)
Transmission problems
Description: Faulty power train control monitor may cause uneven shifts and failure to start engine. (2010-12)

Recall History

2006 Sedona EX w/adjustable brake pedals
Description: The stop lamp switch wiring harness may be out of position. An improperly positioned stop lamp switch wiring harness could chafe against the wiring insulation, resulting in a loss of brake lights or the inability to start the engine. Dealers will inspect the wiring and repair if necessary.
2006 Sedona
Description: The rear brake hoses may be out of position and rub against the suspension. This could cause a brake fluid leak and result in decreased braking performance.
2006-07 Sedona
Description: The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction and cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released. A stop lamp switch malfunction may also affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature so the transmission shifter would not be able to be shifted out of the park position. Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge.
2006-12 Sedona
Description: The front lower control arms could break because of corrosion and cause loss of control.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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