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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  Excellent Value - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By bendersx6 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I actually traded my Toyota Sienna CE for the Sedona EX. It had everything I ever wanted in any vehicle at a price that was still $3000 less than my very basic Sienna CE. Ride, fit, and finish are on a par with the Sienna, and the kids think it look really cool...now theres a real plus!

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  sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By goer - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Two days after purchase, noise when air conditioner is on. Sounds like compressor. Well see how good that warranty is when we have it checked. Lots of extras included in price.

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  Not happy! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Austinsmommy - January 10 - 10:06 pm

  My van is in the shop for the 4th time since I bought it. The A/C went out (fuse) shortly after I bought it, visor mirrors broke easily a couple of times, fog lights blew, check engine light comes on all of the time, Mass Air Flow sensor went out (expensive!) and now the A/C is messing up again, check engine light is on again and it wouldnt start yesterday. The paint is peeling on the side mirrors already (and I have kept it in a carport). Once it left me alongside the road for a wrecker to tow. What is the deal? Cant believe such a new vehicle has so many issues.

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  Great buy for the money - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By new kia fan! - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Only had it for about 2 1/2 weeks, but like it so far. Have a couple of problems still trying to get resolved with dealer. One being the keyless remote works sporadically and you have to be right on top of the van for it to work. Anyone else experience this? Please email me if so. Got this van for 22,500 fully loaded! I mean fully loaded, not another option was available.

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  Sedonas a good ride - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Andy - December 11 - 8:03 am

  Ran great for 40,000 miles, then had engine hesitation. Needed extensive parts replaced but all covered under plan. Running smooth again.

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  Sedona LX - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Mike Phillips - November 15 - 10:00 am

  We have only had the Sedona for 2 days. Gas mileage is crappy but the fit, finish and design extras are great. Excellent interior features like storage and lighting. Seats could be more comfortable (cloth). Drives very nicely, good power, very quiet interior. Far superior to the Caravan with respect to interior fit and finish and extras. Why cant we build them like this after 100 years? Just ask the cutomers what they want. Kia apparently did.

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  Best low cost to maintain & value mini-van I ever had! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By sushiray - October 4 - 2:42 pm

  Had a 2004 EX till recently it was totaled in a rear end collision. Gr8 ride, gr8 comfort, gr8 entertainment system, gr8 value! Front wheel drive makes all the difference, plenty of room for carting kids or Home Depot supplies. Gr8 acceleration & driving stability. Only knock is the gas mileage was not very good but I changed my driving technique & went from 16mpg to almost 20 (19.8)mpg!

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  Nice Smooth Van Lacks some comfort - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Prsnlty - September 25 - 10:53 pm

  Ive only owned this van 1 month. Great van overall but has a few problems. Rear hatch door leaks during heavy rain. Rattle in rear and windows rattle. Stereo should be better for standard issue. Had a Mazda MPV - trans went so I bought this van. Love its handling. But slow from go, super fast and smooth passing. Crappy gas mileage compared to my Mazda of more weight. Hate the drivers seat adjustments. Im short and you cant lower the front of the seat so on long rides my legs fall asleep. The wheel rims make the van look cheap even though its a beautiful looking car. Hazard button is right under stereo controls, they turn on often! Love the safety features! Buying EX model next time.

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  Kia 2004 - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By fred2boo - September 4 - 3:20 pm

  had a hard time actually buying a minivan, but works well for my family.

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  Kia driven for 133,000 - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By russ75 - July 6 - 4:31 am

  I bought my Kia new in 2004 and have riven it for over 133,000 miles. Overall the car has performed well without unreasonable mechanical problems; except, the lines for the rear heater have rusted out twice. The first time I paid over $600 to replace them and Kia just said, "Gee, I am sorry to hear you had that problem." Reviews that criticize Kia for not doing something better for their customers are correct. Also the rear window defrost has failed. I have not experienced any problem with rust on my Kia and I live in Michigan. As my car has aged, in the recent months it has experienced a series of problems; for which I am considering replacing it. Everything gets old eventually.