Overview & Reviews

The Kia Sedona may not be the first name you think of when shopping for a new or used minivan. The original Sedona had almost everything needed to be a success in the minivan segment, but it was pudgy, weighing some 400-700 pounds more than its rivals, which blunted acceleration at higher speeds and didn't do much for cornering ability. Still, overall performance was relatively refined, if not exciting.

With the second-generation Sedona benefiting from a diet and more power under the hood, Kia's minivan is no longer huffing and puffing to catch up to the more expensive class leaders. Plus, it delivers in the key areas of build quality, passenger comfort, crash test scores and storage space. However, this Sedona has been in production for many years without a major redesign. Late-model Sedonas have been eclipsed by more recently redesigned rivals.

Current Kia Sedona
After a one-year hiatus, the Kia Sedona has returned for 2014, essentially unchanged except for a few styling updates. Power is provided by the 3.5-liter V6 that's now rated at 269 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque and again paired up with a six-speed automatic.

Inside there is seven-passenger capacity with second-row captain's chairs and a 60/40-split third row that folds into the floor. Sized similarly to most other minivans, the Sedona offers plenty of legroom for all three rows, though the third-row seat suffers from a low cushion and limited headroom for taller folks. Maximum cargo space rates a generous 142 cubic feet, and plenty of cubbies are available for quick stowage of things like cell phones, purses and snacks.

The base LX comes with foglights, roof rack rails, rear parking sensors, air-conditioning with rear controls, a 60/40-split third-row seat, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack. An option package adds alloy wheels, dual power-sliding side doors, a rearview camera and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Highlights of the EX include a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and heated front seats. EX options include a sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power-adjustable pedals, driver's memory presets and a navigation system that includes an eight-speaker Infinity sound system.

All told, the latest Sedona still has some nice attributes, including a smooth ride, secure handling, attractive pricing, a roomy interior and, of course, Kia's healthy warranty coverage. However, the Sedona lacks some of its more modern rivals' refinement. Additionally, it's not available with some useful minivan features, such as keyless ignition/entry, a rear-seat entertainment system, blind-spot monitoring and a second-row bench seat. If overall value is more important than having the latest gizmos, then the Sedona should satisfy. If not, we suggest also checking out its competition.

Used Kia Sedona Models
The second-generation Kia Sedona minivan debuted in 2006 and ran through 2012, after which it took a one-year hiatus. Originally, this Sedona was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 with 244 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. Output went up to 250 hp from 2007-'09, but was dropped back to 244 for 2010. A five-speed automatic was standard. For '11 the Sedona received a more sophisticated 3.5-liter V6 (rated at 271 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque) matched to a six-speed automatic. Given its superior power and fuel economy, if you have a choice we recommend this powertrain over the earlier one.

From 2007-'10, the Sedona was also offered in a short-wheelbase model that gave up 5 inches to the regular Sedona and featured a 50/50-split removable third-row bench. It was offered in base trim only.

Inside, these Sedonas are somewhat plain but not unattractive. Most cabin materials are of decent quality, but there are a few cheap-feeling elements here and there. Gauges and controls are easy to use, apart from the less-than-intuitive manual climate control.

Available in LX and EX trim levels, even the most basic Sedona has a full complement of safety features, front and rear climate controls, keyless entry, full power features and, for '09 and later, satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio jack. Bluetooth connectivity was added for '11. Springing for the EX means added luxury features such as alloy wheels, a power liftgate, power seats and a trip computer. Leather upholstery, a DVD entertainment system, a navigation system and a rearview camera were optional on the EX.

In reviews, we found these Sedonas offered solid performance, a quiet and comfortable ride and confident handling. Given its long warranty, well-rounded nature and attractive pricing, a used Sedona from this generation makes a good choice for a families looking for maximum minivan value.

The first-generation Kia Sedona ran from 2002-'05 and went with the "most features for the money" strategy. But in addition to providing a lot for families on a tight budget, the Sedona also boasted excellent build quality and impressive crash test scores. However, compared to its successors, this Sedona was 400 pounds heavier and its modest 3.5-liter 195-hp V6 didn't help matters. Two trim levels were offered: well-equipped LX and plusher EX.

The debit side of the ledger included a portly weight of 4,800 pounds (anywhere from 400-700 pounds heavier than its competitors), somewhat lazy handling and mediocre steering feel and response. This Sedona also lacks a fold-flat third-row seat and therefore doesn't offer as much cargo flexibility and capacity as some other vans with that feature.

We liked this Kia Sedona for its comfortable seating, roomy cabin, quiet ride and high crash test scores. Poor reliability could be a concern, however. Only minor detail changes, such as slight revisions to the grille and taillights, occurred during this Sedona's four-year run, so condition and mileage should be the chief considerations when shopping for one.

User Reviews:

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  Good - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By Joseph Annarell - September 7 - 5:29 pm

  I got my first Sedona 2003, second Sedona 2009 and my Sedona now 2015 , I've had it since April 1st of this year. So since 03 until now I've been driving Sedonas .

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  Not impressed - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Texas Mom - December 31 - 4:20 pm

  I have owned this van almost 3 years now. It has 43k miles on it on I just put the 3rd set of brakes on it. It gets OK gas mileage (about 18-19 combined driving). The front end vibrates horribly and makes a weird popping noise, but the dealership can not find an issue (of course). My tires on the front only seem to last about 15k miles probably due to the front end issue that cant be found. I have a squeaky rattle in the van since picking it up (and the dealership cant fix that either). I would not recommend this car. I hope that the newer models have improved.

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  Kia Sedona Review - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Jess H - December 22 - 9:10 am

  We love our Kia Sedona. The affordability and warranty on the car is just wonderful especially for a family on one income. Our only complaint is the steering is very touchy.

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  A gamble that is still paying off - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By 1st time van owner - November 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Sedona because it was about $10K less than what I was going to pay for an Odyssey. People warned me about poor build quality and other things. The build quality is pretty good. You simply get a very good car for the price. Its engine is powerful enough if you dont go over 85 mph very often. The handling sucks, it feel like the suspension is well too soft or the van is too heavy. Still, we have not experienced a single problem, so I guess the gambling is paying off.

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  Great Value - 2010 Kia Sedona
  By zeuscharles - November 16 - 9:41 pm

  I view a car as a depreciating asset and a necessary evil that needs to be reliable and safe. I do not view my vehicles as a statement of my success nor do I view them as a mobile living room. That said, I bought a used 2010 Sedonna LX with 18000 miles on the odometer, covered the steering wheel with a laced leather cover, and I am thrilled with it. It drives as nicely as many other minivans, gets fair gas mileage, and was a great value. Based on my first three months with the vehicle, I highly recommend the Kia Sedonna LX if you are seeking enjoyable and well priced transportation.

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  I love it! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Vernon and Joan - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Just traded in my 2002 for a 2004 and have not complaints. Handles well in snow and love the updates in the 2004. Very nice reliable van. Hubby and children do not care for the new grill, but they will get over it. It seems as though Kia has worked out many of the complaints with this model. Think the ripped me with the 2800 dollar dvd system though. I still love it though.

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  3 years and 100,000 - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By scdad - October 1 - 10:13 pm

  I brought my Kia brand new in 06. It was the only 05 left and it only had 7 test miles on it. This van has taken me back and forth to Vax4, MDx3, Gax4 and Flx2 with no problems what so ever. I wouldnt trade it for the world. I dont know what everyone else is talking about but my Kia it awesome. It is all about how you take care of your vehicle.

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  Rods KIA - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By RAY RUBY - September 23 - 10:16 am

  Overall vey satisfied. Fuel economy much better than expected. It is consistently 18.5 to 20 mpg with AC running and in and out of traffic. Road noise a little high and steering radius a bit short but neither problem comes close to off-setting the value of the purchase price. Seats are a bit heavy and bulky to remove but 7 adults can ride quite comfortably. Dual AC unit is outstanding and here in south Florida that counts for a lot of comfort. Tires are nosiy and I look forward to replacing them. havent had chance to check out dealer support as Ive had no problems . Im very satisfied especially "for the money." I wish I had gotten the optional "back-up warning system."

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  Dont regret the purchase but would not buy another one - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By apennysaved1 - September 17 - 11:50 am

  I own a 2007 KIA Sedona LX. I purchased the car used in late 2009. It had 37,000 miles at time of purchase and was a good value for the money. The good points about this car: it drives smoothly, has a lot of power, is very roomy and comfortable, incredibly safe with electronic stability control, 8 airbags, ABS, and I like the look of it. The gas mileage isnt bad for city driving. I get about 20 mpg in the city. However, Ive had some big issues with this car that would really make me think twice about getting another one. The transmission needed to be replaced at 88000 miles. I was stunned that the transmission died so quickly.

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  love it but hate it - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By max2000 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Love our new kia, drives great , and rides great, love to upgrades it has also,, hate it because i have a rattle from the rear seats that no one seems to know how to fix it??? any opinions? if so please email me,, max2000here@aol.com when we brought it home we loved it, no we are starting to hate it