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:
Showing 101 through 110 of 1,046.00-
2nd To Best Car I Have Ever Owned! - 2011 Kia Sedona
By kiafanaz - May 5 - 6:18 pmPeople give KIA Motors dirt about how their build quality is horrible and that they are a piece of junk but ill tell you something this minivan is the the 2nd best car i have ever owned! I purchased mine at Jim Click Kia and the sales people are just the best! Hey its a minivan you cant expect excellent fuel mileage! The price is unbeatable I paid 25k for mine loaded and the power doors have never gotten stuck no problems at all! power everything! for 25k? WOW KIA really out did themselves with the product! The engine is super strong!! and it is very hard to drive this car with a light foot because the power is always there! shifts smooth as butter just if you need a mini van! take a look
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Buy the damn van already! - 2016 Kia Sedona
By C in AZ - April 24 - 6:52 amThis is by far the best family vehicle we have ever owned. It is so roomy with tons of storage. We love the front console, kids love the captains chairs. It got great mileage on our last road trip, and performed well in snowy and icy conditions. The only "con" if you can call it that, is that stock DVD/Entertainment systems are not available through Kia. However, we made the best of it with our portable devices. The Sedona was so much more affordable than the competitors. This is overall a great purchase. Seriously parents, if you are doing the van vs SUV thing (I did), this will by far exceed your expectations with style, comfortable seating, mileage, storage and lower insurance rates. Happy shopping.
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New Owner - 2006 Kia Sedona
By skchut - April 18 - 4:26 pmWe just purchased our Sedona EX in July of this year. We made a switch from an 02 Windstar SE and already we love the Sedona. The Sedona has more leg room in the 2nd row. More power than the Windstar. The dealer was a pleasure to work with. We cant wait to go on a long road trip yet. We didnt get the DVD system. For the price they want to install one, we can purchase one installed at Best Buy with wireless headphones for half the price. That way I wont be singing SpongeBob Square Pants in my sleep.
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TALK ABOUT MORE FOR LE$$ - 2004 Kia Sedona
By MR. HOTROD DIESEL - March 23 - 2:00 amHEY! IF KIA MAKES HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS & MILLITARY VEHICLES WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT THEY CANT BUILD A COOL LOOKING MINI VAN?....THIS BULLET PROOF TRUCK HITS HOMERUN!!
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Got it today - 2004 Kia Sedona
By t_d_h_m - March 6 - 10:00 amPicked up my new Sedona today and couldnt be happier. After reading all the reviews in here, decided to take the plunge. Got a super deal on a super Minivan..woohoo!!! I cant believe all the goodies these vans are equipped with! I would recommend this vehicle to everyone!!!
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Good quality for price - 2003 Kia Sedona
By tac2k - March 2 - 2:00 amKia has come a long way. We were very skeptical of buying a Kia, let alone a brand new model with no track record. By the features offered at the price, and the warranty provided convinced us to take the chance. It was definately worth it. We speak very high of Kia to all our friends, and Im giving Kia very strong consideration for my next commuter car!
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My 2006 Kia Sedona - 2006 Kia Sedona
By dtouchton - February 18 - 3:40 amAbsolutely love this van! Have owned Mazda, Dodge and Chrysler. This is by far my favorite.
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Best Van Weve Ever Had! - 2008 Kia Sedona
By workinmom - February 16 - 2:53 pmWe do a lot of family driving and think we know mini-vans pretty well. We have owned Dodge, Chrysler & Chevy Mini-vans and when it was time to replace our last thought we really did our homework! One of our neighbors recently got a beautiful looking van so we while talking to them we discovered it was a KIA. They loved it and bragged on about it. So we did even more homework and found we could get everything we wanted and save 4 to 6 thousand over Honda & Toyota! And that 10 Year Factory Warranty was more than twice that of the others. It became a no brainer for us. We love our new KIA Sedona.
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ten is to low - 2003 Kia Sedona
By mark & Carrie bentz - February 14 - 10:00 amI just got the van. and i love , very solid drive, we got the Ex and it is loaded, This van should get a 20 not a 10.
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Kia - 2003 Kia Sedona
By boomboxjoe - February 9 - 4:46 pm5 star safety rating hurts mpg but my family is safe and I have used it many times to home depot and had 10 bags of concrete in it.
