Kia product planners in America worked with Kia's engineers and designers in Korea to come up with a traditional minivan design. A minivan needs to look like a minivan, they said, it can't look strange. Sedona styling cues include a bold grille, big headlamps, and a body-colored roof rack (on the EX). Two-tone body side cladding is an option for EX models. Overall, the Kia Sedona is an attractive design.

Outside door handles are easy to grab. However, the inside edges of them do not impart a sense of quality and the finish on the handles is not up to par.

The rear hatch is easy to open. Pull on the lever and it raises itself up and out of the way; anyone less than six feet tall can stand under the hatch without worrying about banging their head on it. Closing it takes a little effort, however, so you'll probably need both hands. Like other minivans this size, there isn't a whole lot of room for cargo behind the third row. There is enough space for a dozen bags of groceries, however, and hooks are provided on the backs of the third-row seats to help keep plastic grocery bags in place.