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Kia Sedona Estate engines, drive and performance

1999 - 2006 (change model)
Performance rating: 3.5 out of 53.5

Written by Dan Harrison Published: 6 June 2019 Updated: 10 October 2023

Just two engines, a 2.5-litre V6 with 162bhp and a 125bhp 2.9-litre diesel. However, a significant overhaul in 2002 changed the petrol’s power to 147bhp and gave the diesel a boost to 142bhp. The diesel is a much better engine and far more refined than the agricultural unit it replaced. Plus both engines require less serving. The V6 gives good performance, though it’s pretty thirsty.

The best engine is the brisk CRDi diesel – from 2002 – it’s good to drive and returns 34.4 mpg – that’s pretty good for this class.

Although it’s big and van-like, Sedona is an easy MPV to drive with the auto ‘box. Quite nimble in town, but most at home as a motorway cruiser. Steering is poor on backroads and the ride unsophisticated – harsh at low speeds and choppy when pushed.