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:

• 

  Great van for the money - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By SoCalSedona - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased our Sedona EX. No leather, but did get the moonroof. Lots of interior room, fits in the garage, perfect for our family of four, sports and school bags, wetsuits, surfboards, groceries, etc. $200 portable 7" DVD player from Costco works just fine, no need to spend $1200 for a factory-installed system. Nice, solid feel to it, strong engine, shifts smoothly, captains chairs with armrests are great, factory tinted windows, pop out rear windows, reclining seats, etc.

• 

  miasedona - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By mddrive - March 25 - 9:03 am

  A nice car.Great value.Does not have all the "must have" features but has a lot nicer stuff than many comparably priced Fords, GMs and Chryslers.

• 

  Great Van - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By TE - March 17 - 4:03 pm

  We bought the Kia in July and really love it. It is so much more comfortable than our Ford Windstar as well as my daughters Venture and another relatives Dodge Grand Caravan. We also got features that would have cost $6,000 to $8,000 more with a Honda or Toyota. Mileage overall has been running from 20 to 22 mpg. I have back trouble and really suffered on trips with the Windstar but have not had any back problems with the Kia. So far, we couldnt be more pleased. Our only problem is learning how to work all the features and gadgets. It has so many features, you need a week class to learn everything.

• 

  Very disappointed - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By kendallc_4 - March 2 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this vehicle with 45000 miles. Just 3 weeks after I got it, it went back in the shop for new rotors and struts. Had it 6 months and the catalytic converters went totally out. Had to get those replaced. The air conditioner had to be replaced within 2 mo. The gas mileage is very poor. Might as well be driving a big SUV. Total lemon! I am very dissatisfied with this vehicle and would never step foot into another KIA again.

• 

  2003 Kia Sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Robert M - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I was very happy with price of this vehicle,you receive quality for less than the other comparable vehicles.You get a smooth solid ride ,I believe because of the weight of this vehicle.The engine size gives you instant needed power if needed.

• 

  We LOVE it - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By coopster - February 23 - 6:06 pm

  We are very happy with our 2006 Kia Sedona. Highest safety rating, very comfortable and practical for our family of 5. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired. 6,000 miles on it so far and no problems to speak of. My only complaints are with the dealership service department. I dont know if that is a local problem with the dealership or a reflection on Kia. Handles well and feels sporty for a minivan. Even has Tiptronic-type shifting to allow you to go through the gears manually. Lots of extras for a reasonably priced vehicle. We compared with Chrysler, Nissan, Honda and Hyundai (which is the same van as the Kia) and found the Kia offers the most for the money.

• 

  Not worth the hassle - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By not worth the hassle - February 16 - 2:00 am

  We were so excited about our Kia Sedona Ex until weve had several problems with it. The first week we had it, it had to be towed back to the dealership, for engine problems. Followed by brake repairs & now a new transmission with only 20,000 miles on it!!

• 

  Value A++ - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Ferris - February 14 - 10:00 am

  In comparison,being that you cant touch a minivan from one of the BIG 3 for under 34K, makes a loaded EX a great value! We got everything that was offered except two-tone paint and the rear spoiler,and we paid $32,100.00 including tax and all.

• 

  The unknown smarter choice - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Chris - February 9 - 11:33 pm

  This van wasnt on my list of vehicles to purchase. However after reading the reviews and taking many different test drives, I really began to appreciate this van. The engine performs well. The dash and controls are fantastic. Exterior design is very nice. And to top it off the price tag is fairly reasonable. Anyone wishing to purchase the Odyssey or the Sienna really are doing themselves a disservice if they dont at least test drive the Sedona first. They will come to the same conclusion that I came to and manage to keep a few bucks in your pocket.

• 

  Save yourself and stay away from Sedona! - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By Lemonade - February 5 - 12:33 pm

  This has been the worst car I have ever owned! It didnt start 2-3 times a month for the year I owned it and after 38 days in the shop and 5 visits we applied for the New York state lemon law and won. The bottom feeding Billy Fuccillos service department used my car for the weekend and left it a mess Problems (power sliding doors not opening and car randomly not starting of course not fixed. This left me in many parking lots with my 3 kids under 4 counting on strangers to let me get a jump off of their car (The kia 24 hour help line would take 2-4hours to come when they picked up the phone). The radio also went the second week, Fuccillo had been painting their building and painted the car