Hyundai Lambda 3.8 VS Lambda 3.5

[VanLifer39]

I've been considering a 2nd Gen Kia Sedona for quite sometime, after seeing many with high miles. The initial first 5 years came with a 3.8 Lambda coupled with a 5 speed auto. From 2011-2014 was with a 3.5 Lambda II which was coupled with a 6 speed auto.

It seems like a the 3.5 would be better due to VVT on both the intake and exhaust, whereas the 3.8 offered VVT only on the intake. The addition of an added gear on the 3.5 models would improve fuel economy.

I've searched the web in an attempt to determine which engine/AT would be better but have been unsuccessful.

The build quality of the 2nd Gen Sedona looks to be on par with a Japanese counterpart with regard to rust, but at a much lower price point used.

 

[Klutch9]

I've been considering a 2nd Gen Kia Sedona for quite sometime, after seeing many with high miles. The initial first 5 years came with a 3.8 Lambda coupled with a 5 speed auto. From 2011-2014 was with a 3.5 Lambda II which was coupled with a 6 speed auto.

It seems like a the 3.5 would be better due to VVT on both the intake and exhaust, whereas the 3.8 offered VVT only on the intake. The addition of an added gear on the 3.5 models would improve fuel economy.

I've searched the web in an attempt to determine which engine/AT would be better but have been unsuccessful.

The build quality of the 2nd Gen Sedona looks to be on par with a Japanese counterpart with regard to rust, but at a much lower price point used.

I had a 2008 Sedona for many years with the 3.8L and the 5 speed, and had 223k miles on it when I traded it in on a new Carnival. I loved my Sedona. It was worked pretty hard, as I drove it a lot for work, and it carried my work equipment for nearly 11 years. Aside from a couple axles, suspension components, and some other wear items, it was bulletproof. MPG wasn’t stellar, as I probably got around 19mpg over the vehicle’s lifetime. But the drivetrain was dead reliable.

As far as rust, mine didn’t have much rust at all. I live in SE Michigan, where we get lots of road salt. I bought the van used in 2013 (spent the first 5 years of its life in Kentucky and Tennessee). But when I sold it earlier this summer, the only rust spot was a tiny quarter-sized patch over the right rear wheel. The underside had rust, but none of it was detrimental. Mostly surface. Other than the rear camber bolts, everything always came apart easily. I’d recommend one of these vans to anyone in a heartbeat.

 

[fantastic]

Don't know anything about either but good luck on your search.