The 2019 Kia Sedona with its 3.3L V6 gets 21 MPG combined. This figure won’t win any fuel efficiency awards, but it probably won’t deter its target buyer: growing families who need spacious, comfortable, and relatively affordable transportation. Let’s be honest, if fuel economy was the absolute top priority, minivan shoppers would be looking at hybrids or smaller SUVs. The Sedona’s appeal lies in its eight-passenger seating, generous cargo capacity, and a smoother ride than most three-row SUVs can offer. Fuel economy is a consideration, of course, but often becomes secondary to practicality and value.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Sedona gets 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the typical stop-and-go driving conditions of suburban life. Expect frequent dips below this number during school runs and errand-filled weekends. The 24 MPG highway rating is more attainable on longer road trips, where the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission can settle into a fuel-efficient cruising gear. Remember that a fully loaded Sedona, packed with kids and luggage, will naturally see a drop in both city and highway figures.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2019 Kia Sedona 3.3L V6 is $2,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate; your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific conditions in which you drive. Someone who uses their Sedona primarily for short trips in congested city traffic will likely spend more than $2,100, while someone who does mostly highway driving might spend less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world MPG often differs. Sedona owners often report slightly lower combined MPG than the EPA estimate, typically around 19-20 MPG in mixed driving. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads can all negatively impact fuel economy. However, careful driving and prioritizing highway miles can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. Monitoring your fuel consumption over several tanks of gas will provide a more accurate picture of what you can expect from your specific driving conditions.

How it compares

The Sedona’s fuel economy is generally competitive within the minivan segment, but there are some differences. The Honda Odyssey, for example, achieves a slightly better EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined, thanks to its advanced engine technology (Variable Cylinder Management). The Chrysler Pacifica, specifically the non-hybrid version, mirrors the Sedona at 19 MPG city and 28 highway. Toyota’s Sienna offers a very similar profile, earning 19 mpg city ad 27 highway. While only a few MPG difference, the Pacifica and the Sienna both beat Kia’s offering on the highway. These differences, though seemingly small, can add up over time, especially for families who put a lot of miles on their minivan each year. Reviewing SEDONA MPG across all years can show trends in mileage and reliability.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is key to maximizing fuel economy in any vehicle, and the Sedona is no exception. Ensure that your tires are properly inflated, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes and air filter replacements, will also help keep the engine running efficiently.

Avoid aggressive driving habits such as rapid acceleration and hard braking. These actions consume more fuel than gradual acceleration and smooth braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The Sedona’s smooth and predictable power delivery makes it easy to drive efficiently with a little effort.

Consider using cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and reduce unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. However, be mindful of using cruise control in hilly terrain, as it can sometimes lead to lower MPG as the transmission hunts for gears to maintain speed. A steady foot is more efficient than cruise on a hill.

Minimize idling time. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling consumes fuel without moving. This is especially important in the city, where stop-and-go traffic is common.

Remove unnecessary weight from the Sedona. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Clean out any unnecessary items from the cargo area and passenger cabin to reduce the load on the engine. Even small reductions in weight can make a difference over time. Buyers want to explore all Kia fuel economy data before deciding on such a large purchase, and these tips hold true for any vehicle.