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:

• 

  KIA - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Pretzel - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The KIA van offers a solid and smooth ride. The interior design for the price cant be beat. Its luxury at a great price and ten year warranty.

• 

  Awesome - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Jrmartinez - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Smooth riding, very soothing and comfortable.

• 

  The best $ you can spend on a minivan. - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Regina - January 27 - 10:00 am

  We looked at alot of differant minivans, but this one was the best value! We got all of the upgrades that you would have to pay big bucks for, but without the markup on it. It was the best choice for our family. Best of all we could really afford it!

• 

  Kia Sedona 2002 - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By rodneygm - January 27 - 10:00 am

  for the price........this is by far the best van.

• 

  IN STYLE - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Dave Muncy - January 24 - 11:43 pm

  I bought this van because of the looks, reputation, crash test rating and warranty. Eight months down the road, I still like it very much. The stability and handling are excellent, I like the fact that it weighs so much. Very well put together, and comfortable interior. The ride is quiet, power is surprising for a 6 cylinder-195 horsepower engine.

• 

  What a mess - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By sburdick163 - January 23 - 3:00 am

  I was told by the sales person that my van had the highest safety rating; dont believe it. I had to replace the wheel bearings and brakes. all the steel cooling lines rusted. it overheats for no reason. The steel lines coming from the radiator rusted. The blue book is low; I cant get financing for another vehicle because of low trade-in value.

• 

  Still trouble free at 47K - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Tim - January 22 - 7:23 am

  I looked at several vans before buying the Kia - comparable vans were $5-10K more and with less warranty. Ive driven my van 47K in 3 years. Only trips to dealer were a couple of minor recalls and to replace the switch for the power seat recliner. Kia knew this van was a little portly (4800 lbs empty) but I like heavy duty features (HD chassis, aux transmission & oil coolers, dual piston brake calipers). I get 17/24 MPG. Maintenance has been oil changes, tores at 30K, front brakes at 45K. Overall van has been comfortable and reliable.

• 

  2003 KIA Sedona, Gotta Luv it! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By fishingmike - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Already have 3600 miles on it and it is great so far, if I were to say anything outside of great it would be ride over very bumby highways as it is a bit rough, not much more than the Caravan we tested though. Lots of power, trans shifts good so far, mileage is fair and better than stated, about 17 city and 22 to 24 highway, actaully got 27 the 1st trip but had heck of a tail wind across Ohio which is flat so that is NOT to be expected as norm. Radio is fair, better than most stock systems on standard option but not a Bose system either! Overall, so far so good, will report when we hit 12000 miles or a year.

• 

  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.

• 

  My Look at KIA - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Robert Kerr - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I like my KIA it drives well in heavy rain, feel safe and in control. The cruse control on the steering wheel is handy.