DecodedCars2018 Kia Sedona
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Body styles
- L/LX/Sx 5dr Van FWD, Sxl 5dr Van FWD
- Engines
- 3.3L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 276 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 201.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,414–4,689 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints49 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 1009 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Kia Sedona is a minivan offered with a 3.3L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,414 lb (L/LX/Sx 5dr Van FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 5% worse than the 2018 minivan average of 22 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Sedona — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Sedona →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Sohari (Exported Vehicle), South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Sedona configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L/LX/Sx 5dr Van FWD | 201.6 in | 78.3 in | 68.5 in | 120.5 in | 68.5 / 68.9 in | 4,414 lb | 57/43 |
| Sxl 5dr Van FWD | 201.6 in | 78.3 in | 68.5 in | 120.5 in | 68.5 / 68.9 in | 4,689 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedona SX | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -5% | $3,200 | 433 |
| Sedona | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -9% | $3,350 | 443 |
| Sedona SXL | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -14% | $3,550 | 476 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Sedona VAN FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 13% |
Similar 2018 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Sedona (this car) | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Toyota Sienna | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2018 Honda Odyssey | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 16 |
| 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan | 20 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2018 Chrysler Pacifica | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 16 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags · Jan 25, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V031000 · 410,619 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
- Risk
- Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
Electrical System › Wiring · Feb 19, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V109000 · 94,389 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles equipped with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. Over time, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) wiring harness located underneath the front passenger seat may break from the seat being occupied.
- Risk
- If a child is in a child seat in the front seat, a broken ODS wiring harness will not prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the child.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the wire harness clip to prevent the wiring harness from breaking. If the harness is found damaged, the front passenger seat cushion will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC175.
Structure › Body › Door · May 23, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V338000 · 106,428 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with a power sliding door (PSD). The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.
- Risk
- If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PSD module software, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC164.
Not every 2018 Kia Sedona is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Kia Sedona buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 22 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 6 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 19,040 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Sedona. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sedona years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 10 |
| 2020 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 20 |
| 2019 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 39 |
| 2017 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 134 |
| 2016 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 297 |
| 2015 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 140 |
| 2014 Sedona | 20 | 202 in | Not rated | 1 | 37 |
| 2012 Sedona | 21 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 86 |
| 2011 Sedona | 21 | 202 in | Not rated | 6 | 52 |
| 2010 Sedona | 19 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 22 |
| 2009 Sedona | 18 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 19 |
| 2008 Sedona | 18 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 73 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →