If you’re shopping for a family hauler that doesn't scream "I've given up on life," the 2017 Kia Sedona minivan is a weirdly compelling choice. Most people reflexively look at the Honda Odyssey or the Toyota Sienna. I get it. Those are the safe bets. But honestly? The Sedona was the moment Kia decided to stop trying to blend in and started trying to outclass the big dogs. It’s got this strange, SUV-lite aesthetic that somehow works.
It’s not perfect. No car is. But in the used market today, it’s a powerhouse of value that a lot of buyers just skip over because they’re stuck on brand prestige.
Why the 2017 Kia Sedona Minivan actually matters right now
The 2017 model year was a "sweet spot" for this generation. It’s part of the YP series, which debuted in 2015, but by 2017, Kia had ironed out the first-year jitters. You’ve got a 3.3-liter Lambda II GDI V6 engine under the hood. It’s punchy. 276 horsepower. That’s enough to merge onto a highway without your heart rate hitting 150 bpm.
Most minivans feel like driving a wet loaf of bread. The Sedona feels... substantial.
Kia’s engineers clearly spent a lot of time staring at the interior of luxury European SUVs. When you sit in the driver's seat of a 2017 Kia Sedona minivan, you aren't looking at a cheap plastic dash with a gear shifter sticking out of it like a sore thumb. The shifter is on the center console. Right where it belongs. It makes the cabin feel like a cockpit rather than a school bus.
The "First Class" seating situation
We have to talk about the "First Class" lounge seats. This was the headline feature for the SXL trim. If you find one of these on a used lot, look at the second row. They aren't just seats; they’re literal recliners with fold-out leg rests.
It’s hilarious. It’s also kinda impractical.
Why? Because those fancy lounge seats don't fold into the floor. They don't even come out easily. If you’re the type of person who uses their minivan to haul 4x8 sheets of plywood from Home Depot every weekend, the SXL trim will make you want to pull your hair out. But if you’re taking a four-hour road trip to the coast? Your kids—or your adult friends—will be asleep in five minutes.
It’s a trade-off. Convenience versus comfort.
Reliability and the things that actually break
Let’s be real for a second. Kia used to have a reputation for being "disposable." By 2017, that was mostly gone, but you still need to know what you’re getting into.
The 3.3L V6 is generally a tank. It’s a naturally aspirated engine, so you aren't dealing with turbocharger failures at 80,000 miles. However, owners have reported occasional issues with the oil pressure switch. It’s a cheap part, but the labor to get to it can be a bit of a headache.
Then there are the sliding doors.
Every minivan has sliding door drama. It’s a law of physics. On the 2017 Kia Sedona minivan, some owners have noted that the power sliding doors can get "confused." They might start to close and then pop back open because the sensor thinks there’s an obstruction. Usually, it’s just a dirty track or a sensor that needs a quick wipe, but it’s something to watch for during a test drive. Open and close those doors ten times. Seriously. Don't be shy.
- Engine: 3.3L V6 (Solid, but check for oil leaks).
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic. It’s not the most advanced thing in the world, but it’s predictable.
- Safety: The IIHS gave the 2017 model a "Top Safety Pick" rating when equipped with optional front crash prevention. That’s a big deal for families.
What about the tech?
This was 2017. We were right on the cusp of the big infotainment explosion. The Sedona came with UVO. It’s fine. It’s functional. But the real win was the introduction of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the higher trims, you get a 360-degree camera system that is basically magic for parking a vehicle this size.
If you’re looking at a base L or LX trim, it’s going to feel a bit dated. You’ll get a tiny screen that looks like it belongs in a calculator. Move up to the EX, SX, or SXL, and the tech holds up surprisingly well even by today's standards.
The fuel economy reality check
If you’re buying a 2017 Kia Sedona minivan to save money at the pump, I have some bad news. It’s thirsty.
The EPA rated it at about 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway for the lower trims. If you get the heavy SXL with all the bells and whistles, those numbers drop. Expect something closer to 17 city / 22 highway.
In the real world? If you have a lead foot and the A/C is cranking, you might see 15 or 16 mpg in stop-and-go traffic. That’s the price you pay for a V6 that actually has some soul. Compare that to a modern hybrid Sienna, and the Sedona looks like a gas-guzzler. But look at the price tag. You can buy a lot of gasoline for the $15,000 you save by choosing a used Sedona over a newer hybrid.
Handling the "Van Life" logistics
The Sedona is heavy. It weighs about 4,400 to 4,700 pounds depending on the trim. You feel that weight in the corners. It’s not "sporty," regardless of what the marketing brochures tried to claim back then.
But the ride quality is superb. It glides.
Kia used a high-strength steel chassis—about 76% of it is advanced high-strength steel—which makes the body very rigid. This translates to fewer rattles and squeaks as the car ages. I’ve been in Sedonas with 120,000 miles that still feel tighter than a Honda of the same vintage.
Storage: The Stow-and-Go Problem
Chrysler owns the patent on seats that disappear into the floor. Kia had to get creative. Their solution was "Slide-N-Stow."
The second-row seats in most trims (not the SXL) slide forward and stand up vertically against the front seats. It’s clever. It opens up a ton of floor space without you having to hernia yourself by lifting the seats out of the van. However, you don't get that perfectly flat load floor that you’d get in a Pacifica. If you’re moving a couch, you’ll have to work around those folded seats.
The third row, thankfully, does disappear into a deep well in the back. Standard stuff.
Comparing the trims: Which one should you actually buy?
If I were putting my own money down on a 2017 Kia Sedona minivan, I’d aim straight for the EX trim.
✨ Don't miss: Why Finding the Right Thankful Message for Friends is Harder Than It Looks
The L and LX are just too bare-bones. You’ll miss the power liftgate and the leather seats. The SX and SXL are gorgeous, but they often come with 19-inch wheels. Those wheels look great, but they make the ride slightly harsher and the tires are more expensive to replace.
The EX is the "Goldilocks" zone. You get:
- Leather-trimmed seats.
- Power sliding doors (essential for parents).
- Push-button start.
- Better climate control options.
It feels like a luxury car without the luxury car maintenance bill.
Hidden gems in the 2017 model
Did you know the Sedona has a "Cool Box" in some trims? It’s a chilled glovebox. You can keep a couple of sodas or a juice box cold while you’re driving to Disney World. Is it life-changing? No. Is it a cool party trick? Absolutely.
Also, the sound deadening is surprisingly good. Kia added a lot of acoustic foam in the pillars and a special "engine-room" cover to keep the V6 growl out of the cabin. It’s quiet. Quiet enough that you can actually hear your kids arguing in the third row perfectly clearly.
Common misconceptions about the Sedona
People think Kias are less safe. They aren't. As mentioned, the 2017 Sedona crushed its crash tests.
People think they don't hold their value. Okay, that one is partially true. They depreciate faster than Toyotas. But that is exactly why you should buy one used. Let the first owner take the $20,000 hit in depreciation. You get to swoop in and buy a high-end family vehicle for the price of a used Corolla.
Another misconception: "It’s too big to drive."
The Sedona is actually a few inches shorter than the Honda Odyssey. It’s wide, yeah, but the turning radius is surprisingly tight. It’s easier to U-turn than some mid-sized SUVs I’ve tested.
The Verdict on the 2017 Kia Sedona Minivan
This van is for the person who needs the utility of a minivan but hates the "vibe" of a minivan. It looks like a crossover if you squint. It drives like a luxury sedan on the highway. It has enough cupholders to host a small party.
If you find a well-maintained one with under 80,000 miles, buy it. Just make sure the previous owner stayed on top of those oil changes. The GDI engines can be sensitive to carbon buildup if they were neglected.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers:
- Check the VIN for Recalls: There was a recall regarding the power sliding door software and some turn signal issues. Make sure the "Product Improvement Campaign" work was actually done at a Kia dealership.
- Test the Alternator: Some 2017 models had premature alternator wear. While you're test driving, turn on the lights, the A/C, and the radio. If the interior lights flicker, the alternator is on its way out.
- Look at the Tires: Because the Sedona is heavy and front-wheel drive, it eats front tires for breakfast. Check the tread depth. If they're bald, use that as a $800 negotiating tool.
- Verify the UVO Update: Check if the head unit has been updated to support Apple CarPlay. If not, you can usually download the update from Kia's website onto an SD card for free, but it's better if it's already done.
- Inspect the 3rd Row Latches: Kids are brutal. Check the pull-straps for the stow-away seats. They are known to fray or snap if people yank on them too hard.