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:

• 

  Save money...and enjoy it! - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By scottyace - January 24 - 3:10 pm

  I have owned a Honda Odyssey and a Town & Country, and this is a much better value, and is as good as the Honda and a whole lot better than the Chrysler for overall performance and comfort. The ride is terrific, and the new body gives more room than in the past. We traded our overpriced (way, way overpriced) Town and Country for this, and we are thrilled. It compares very favorably to the Odyssey (we owned one of those before the T & C), but with more options...fully loaded for around $30,000. Drive the Toyota, the Honda, even the Chrysler, but stop at Kia last...compare apples to apples, and you wont be sorry.

• 

  Like it so far - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By satkal - January 2 - 10:00 am

  It has been just a couple of days since we bought and it has been fun so far.

• 

  total ten - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By e.c.magruder - December 27 - 2:00 am

  it has every thing that a family would want.a good paint job nicely deorated intirior,great radio system plenty of seats,lots of cup holders it looks as any other mini van on the road.we like it...

• 

  WOW!!! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By yolo - December 23 - 5:10 am

  A truly amazing van! No initial problems and I am very impressed with the fit and finish, great ride, power, 5 spd. auto tranny, comfort, braking and handling. I dont understand the 15/20 mpg. I have been getting 23-25 mpg in city and highway mix and the engine is not even broken in yet. This was a wonderful surprise!

• 

  great van - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By stockey - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The best mini van at any price,and i have tried them all,i reaaly love it.

• 

  Still in love!! - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By BrightSilver - December 14 - 4:27 pm

  After testing other mini vans I decided to go with the Sedona. The interior of the Toyota Sienna look too bland for my taste. Honda Odyssey too ugly for me. Test drove Chrysler Town and Country and it felt like it was going to break down. Nissan Quest poor crash ratings so I did not bother. After two years of driving Sedona I had two issues. One was side power sliding door it would not completely close until 2-3 times using remote. Dealer greased power latch and it was corrected. Second transmission shifts harsh one time 1-2 gear when cold then it drives very smooth. Took in for inspection they found nothing and just reset trans cpu. Still have this issue. Electronics are easy to use including gps. With several kids interior is still looks new. Seats are comfortable on long trips. Leather is very nice. After a couple of road trips I still dont have any rock chips so the paint is excellent. Performance is great easy to drive 80-85mph with no effort. I have done 29.5mpg hwy in the city about 16-18mpg. I highly recommend the Kia Sedona. After owning several mini vans this one is my favorite.

• 

  Worth Every Penny - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Rustycg - December 2 - 2:00 am

  We have had the Van for almost a year now and have yet to have a single problem. After almost 10k miles it still makes us smile. It has alot of power for a van and alot of exelent features. Maby we are lucky but on our trips and just around town we have had above average fuel consumption. Averaging around 24mpg on the highway and about 19pmg in the city. So I will not say fuel consumption is a problem for me. GET ONE!! Youll be glad you did!! Good job Kia, and since the Sorento has the same engine we may just buy one of them here soon.

• 

  Awesome - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By MelanieGG - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Has all the features of LUXURY autos. I miss the idea of flat seats in the back if I needed them but when would I actually use them when I have 3 kids? So it doesnt really count anyways. The gas mileage is bad but everything else makes up for that!

• 

  Surprised - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By chipface - November 3 - 10:13 am

  Went shopping for our first mini van on a Saturday. We were armed with prices and knew what each company had to offer. We narrowed it down to the Mazda MVP or the Kia. One drive was all it took. Than we dealt and the price blew us away. It stickered fully equipped at over $27,000. We got it for just over $20,000. And still had rebates left.

• 

  2005 Sedona - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By packardman47 - October 6 - 8:43 am

  I especially like the body style on the exterior. This is not a foreign design, but a very pleasing multi-national one. I have owned a Mopar minivan and had high praises for it, but this is better than the 89 we had.