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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  Look elsewhere - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By indiana - December 26 - 9:26 pm

  Bought used w/25,000 miles it loves to ride on the back of a tow truck and has spent 1/4 of each year in the shop. Air bag sensors, accelerator pedal sticks, then it wont go at all brakes been replaced 2xs in 55,000 miles and need another set, tranny shifts poorly, battery goes bad, alternator, brake light sensor out and runs down battery. Change headlights and turn signals every 2 months, drinks power steering fluid, the dealership can never "duplicate" problems when car misbehaves, turn off call tow truck and have it towed, dont turn back on or they cant read the "code" and wont fix whatever is wrong. Electronic nightmare! I suggest you run quickly Toyota is worth the money

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  Disappointed with Kia - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Paul of Arizona - November 18 - 9:13 am

  Weve had our van for 12 months,14,300 miles. The brake rotors were turned twice, the engine was disassembled to replace a head gasket, a complete half shaft assembly was replaced, the AC blower was replaced, stereo was replaced, all engine mounts were replaced. Weve averaged 17.5 miles per gallon. Vehicle performance in the mountains was disappointing, the engine downshifted too easily, had insufficient torque. After 15,000 mile service the engine compartment smelled strongly of burning transmission fluid, which the service department attributed to the oil leak that they supposedly fixed. The vehicle didnt smell before the "repair".

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  Bad Experience. Unsafe .. and others think so too - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By nickelrider - September 27 - 2:18 pm

  Warning- XXX -Warning Fair Warning to anyone considering this car. It is totally unsafe as it will just turn off in the middle of driving- anywhere. Not good for what most buy as a family car. Left my wife and kids stranded 3 times and me several times as well. Could be fuel pump/filter, air mass sensor, TPS, IPM Module, Junction Box, cold air sensor, or the key cylinder. My mechanic is stumped. Rust Bucket too. The sliding door handle fell off and there are other small hardware issues. At least I get $ 250.00 to haul her away. I cannot in good conscience sell this to another party based on what I know. Bottom line- KIAs reliability just plain sucks!! Enough said.

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  Never Again! Read before you buy! - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By B. Nichols - July 18 - 5:50 pm

  Like everyone else, I read the reviews before buying my 2005 Kia Sedona. Sure there were SOME bad reviews, but they were small compared to all the positive ones. Besides, it was a new vehicle year with a new design so we bought one. Here we are, just 47k short miles later. The A/C has gone out entirely (needs new $470 compressor), the engine almost dies (shudders) when you press the pedal to go. And now the check engine light has come on!! Its on its second front brake job. Whats next! I bought a 2002 GMC truck (w/13k miles) the same time and have not had a single problem with it. If you buy one, dont plan on keeping it long. Were trading this in on a new GMC!

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  Sedona Big on Comfort - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Sedona in AZ - July 18 - 8:20 am

  Performance when not in the shop this van drove and handled great but only gets 13/mpg. Serious problems with the quality of all interior materials: plastic (crumbles), carpet and cloth headliner (tear easily). I question quality of materials used on motor and other parts, within 4 years Ive replaced all the motor mounts, timing chain, transmission, CV boots and both power window motors and both sliding doors quit working. Van is really roomy inside. Front seats very comfortable, back are seats okay somewhat stiff. Seats are really heavy but easy to get in/out. Lots of headroom in this van. You do feel quite a bit of vibration through the floor from the road and it is a bit noisy inside

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  dissatified - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By armleg - July 6 - 10:00 am

  mileage is poor,gas tank is too small.interior storage is great.I dont like the locking system.

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  My Second KIA - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Nomadict - February 16 - 9:26 am

  Great van until problems start, lost power @40K replace 6 spark plugs and fuel filter, total $555.62. Not Warranty. 28 days later, NO Power. Parts replaced as follows, Transmission, Alternator, Fan Belt, Upper Motor Mount, Both O2 sensors (twice), Catalytic Converter, and Battery. All warranty except battery. This only took from Feb 26 till April 6. I called about the Recall on Throttle Cable, I was told to call back in a month or so. Went in this past Mon with AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT and NO HORN. The earliest appointment to have it looked io 8 days later, yes EIGHT DAYS. I LOVE MY SEDONA.

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  Great Value but not completely satisfied - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By JennBinCA - January 21 - 2:00 am

  In first 6 months, had to have it in for repairs 3 separate times because the "engine" light kept coming on (apparently due to the oxygen sensors in the gas tank?). At 18 months, lost the ability to use reverse and had to have a completely new transmission put in and yet still having transmission problems now (VERY rough shifting). Everything so far has been covered by warranty.

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  The "Mona Lisa" Kia - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Robert Garbacki - October 15 - 11:26 am

  If you decide to buy this van, please take it out for a day long test drive. My Kia has a moan telegraphing from the front Air Conditioner compressor through the dashboard. First time returned - Dealer says noise is "normal" - checking with Kia for countermeasures. Second time in - dealer checking with "tech-line" for countermeasures. Third time in, a Kia District Manager stated again noise heard is "normal". Rode exact same make and model courtesy vehicles transporting me to dealer 70 miles round trip (3 seperate vehicles)- no noise. Offered to trade my van for one of them (with 21,000 miles)- dealer laughed. Make sure you check with NHTSA before buying. I call my car "Moana Lisa".

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  kia sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By svsaunders - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The driver compartment is not built for someone with any size to them. My husband is 62", 195 lbs. He cant get comfortable when he drives. He states the pedals are too close. More space on the passenger side.