19 MPG combined. That’s what owners of the 2017 Kia Sedona SXL with the 3.3L V6 get. It’s not a number that’s going to win any awards, nor is it intended to. This is a minivan, designed to haul families and cargo in comfort and style. Fuel efficiency, while important, is often a secondary consideration for buyers prioritizing space, features, and reliability. These buyers accept the compromise because the Sedona delivers in areas where it truly matters to them.

city and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Kia Sedona SXL at 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the Sedona’s weight and larger engine come into play. Frequent acceleration and idling take their toll. On the open road, at a steady cruising speed, the Sedona fares better, though still not exceptionally. The six-speed automatic transmission is geared for a smooth, comfortable ride, rather than outright fuel savings. Wind resistance is also a factor; despite its aerodynamic shape, a minivan presents a large frontal area to the wind, impacting fuel economy at higher speeds.

annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Kia Sedona SXL is $2,300. Here’s how that figure is derived: it assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. This mileage is then multiplied by the EPA’s city and highway MPG figures to estimate total fuel consumption. Finally, that consumption is multiplied by the national average fuel price to arrive at the annual cost. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate; your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the specific roads you travel, and, of course, the prevailing fuel prices in your area.

real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a useful starting point, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Sedona owners can realistically expect to see figures within a couple of MPG of the EPA ratings, depending on their driving style and conditions. Aggressive acceleration, heavy braking, and carrying heavy loads will all negatively impact fuel economy. Conversely, gentle acceleration, anticipatory driving, and keeping the vehicle properly maintained can help to achieve closer to the EPA estimates. Understanding the factors that influence fuel economy is key to maximizing your MPG.

how it compares

The 2017 Kia Sedona’s fuel economy is generally in line with other minivans of its era. For instance, the Honda Odyssey, a perennial favorite in the minivan segment, achieves around 19 MPG combined in its comparable trims. The Chrysler Pacifica, depending on the configuration, achieves similar figures with its gasoline engine, while the hybrid version boasts significantly better MPG. The Toyota Sienna, another strong competitor, also hovers around 19-20 MPG combined for its non-hybrid models. These comparisons matter to the Sedona buyer because they are trading off ultimate fuel efficiency for the flexibility and practicality that only a minivan can offer. Buyers can compare SEDONA MPG across all years to see how this model year stacks up.

tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is crucial. The Sedona’s 3.3L V6 provides ample power, but stomping on the accelerator simply wastes fuel. Gradual acceleration allows the engine to operate more efficiently, minimizing fuel consumption and maximizing MPG. Anticipate traffic flow and avoid hard braking whenever possible.

Proper tire inflation makes a difference. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the recommended level, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. This is a simple step that can have a noticeable impact on fuel economy.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying around excessive cargo adds extra load to the vehicle, which in turn reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any items that you don’t need to carry on a regular basis. That third-row seat can be folded down, even removed from the vehicle, when not in use to maximize interior space and lower the vehicle’s overall mass.

Avoid extended idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, it’s generally more efficient to turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and easily, so there’s no need to let them idle unnecessarily. Keep up with scheduled maintenance to ensure that your engine is running efficiently. Clogged air filters, worn spark plugs, and other maintenance issues can negatively impact fuel economy. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule will help to keep your Sedona running at its best. You can see all Kia fuel economy data on our site.