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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  Great Buy - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Mom2Go - February 2 - 3:16 am

  We turned in our 2001 Toyota sienna. We have had the Sedona coming up on a year now. Its a great car! If you want bang for the buck this is the van for you. Very very safe too. No problems it is a family moving machine. My 15 yo daughter is learning to drive in this van.

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  Competitive Minivan and a great value - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Dad that Drives a Minivan - January 26 - 9:37 pm

  My lease of a 2014 Town & Country 30th Anniversary addition was coming to an end and needed another minivan. The Town & Country was a decent minivan and but was feeling dated. I have a wife and three kids and minivan is a more practical choice for my family. They offer more space than a crossover and getting and the ease of getting in and out is so much easier. I thought I had already made up my mind and was going to lease the 2017 Pacifica. But I decided that I should drive a couple other vans to make sure. I drove the 2016 Honda Odyssey and left the space, comfort and ride quality was better than the Pacifica. However, the technology of the Odyssey was very disappointing, the infotainment system was not what I would expect in an almost $40,000 car. It was very dated, even more so than the Town & Country. I decided that I would drive one more van and then make my decision. I went to a local Kia dealer and drove a 2016 Kia Sedona SX trim. As soon as I sat in the driver seat I knew this was the most confrontable of the three. Im 62 and I had plenty of space. I was able to get in the seat behind me and was very confrontable. I was also surprised that my knees were not touching the seat in front of me. Next I climbed into the third row and was able to fit in the back seat, I would prefer the send row but would be ok riding in the back. The list of features on the SX is simply amazing at this price point. The SX trim comes with blind spot monitoring, backup sensors, backup camera, 8inch touch screen, with navigation, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, heated and cooled seats front seats, heated 2nd row seats, power sliding doors and hatch. Upgrading to the SX you get an Infinity® 8-Speaker Audio system and the sound quality is amazing, so much better than the radio in the LX and EX trims. There is also an abundance of USB ports, two up front even a quick charge USB port, one USB port in the second row and 115-Volt Power Inverter, Center Console more than enough to keep all your technology powered. Now onto how it drives, it was to be one of the most confrontable easy driving vehicles that I have ever owned. Driving around town, maneuvering the parking lots is a breeze. There are three driving Modes "Comfort, ECO, and Normal" When you select the Comfort setting the steering wheel takes almost no effort to move and low speeds. On the highway, the road noise is almost nonexistent. From the front seat, you feel like you are driving an SUV, which for me is another positive for the Sedona. If you are in the market for a minivan I recommend driving a couple different ones to see which suits your needs best. For me the decision was simple the Kia won hands down. If you are looking for a van a comfortable ride, with an abundance of features, good looks and great value the Kia Sedona might be for you.

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  GOT MY MONEYS WORTH!! ( Plus A+Safety!) - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Mr.Thick Wallet - January 26 - 2:00 am

  After my family was involved in a major automobile accident (Both vehicles were totaled) It was our decision at the hospital bed that our next minivan would be purchased with Safety first and not just the styling and to our pleasent surprise we landed on KIA SEDONA.

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  Others Dont Come Close... - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By SedonaForever - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I have 1,000 miles on this car and I love it. Other vans cannot compete with the features/value of the Sedona. Highly recommended.

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  I Dislike This Van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By zingla - January 19 - 3:39 pm

  I do not like this van. It looks pretty. That is about the only good thing I can say. I am on disability. I have to have a realiable transportation. This van is not. The air in the back does not work. Both of the rear door handles have broken off. I called the dealer and it will cost almost $500 dollars for me to have them replaced. The shade is missing from the sunroof. Not including labor, $500. This is just to high cost repairs for a disabled person. When I buy another van or car, I will NEVER buy another kia. I have heard so many good things about this line. I have been very disappointed.

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  Excellent Value - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By rrc - January 2 - 10:00 am

  We were determined to by a domestic van when we heard about Kias 5 year warrantee. Having not seen a Sedona, our curiousity lead us to our local Kia dealer. We liked the look so I proceeded to take a deeper look. The underbody is much beefier and the quality finish and feel, inside & out, was most impressive; as good as any other we seen out there. And to top it all a fully loaded unit at several thousands of dollars less than a competitors equivalently loaded unit! We purchased our EX 3 weeks ago and absolutely love it. It is comfortable, roomy, handles well and the engine powerful. Surprisingly, we achieved 22.5 mpusg, 50/50 city and highway in our 1st 650 miles of engine breakin!