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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  I will buy another! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By SchlingBlade - August 27 - 10:56 am

  Purchased our 2004 KIA Sedona LX new near the end of 2004. Lots of extended highway driving when we go on trips, and the van performs well. 20-22mpg on the highway if we keep it under 70mph. I have replaced the original tires (56K miles), and windshield (rock cracked it). No other work outside of normal scheduled maintenance (fluid changes, tire rotation). Will need to have the front brakes serviced for the first time when 60K miles rolls around. Interior has worn well, except for the drivers side floor where the carpet is dirty. Van is driven every day, regardless of weather, so it gets quite dirty in the winter. Once this van is paid off, Ill be purchasing another KIA!

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  NOT BAD - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By TRUECRITIC - August 8 - 2:00 am

  WELL IT HAS A SMOOTH RIDE,SLIDES IN SNOW (MAYBE ITS THE TIRES THAT CAME FROM MANUFACTURE)THE CUP HOLDER THAT PULLS OUT UNDER THE RADIO THE CLAW THAT TIGHTENS TO HOLD CUP BROKE.LEANING ON FENDERS PUTS A DENT.THE PAINT CHIPS VERY EASY.THE ONLY TIME YOU GET GOOD EXCELARATION IS WHEN YOU SHUT OFF THE OVERDRIVE FOR ON HIGHWAY RAMP.THE FABRIC SEATS IN THE FRONT HAVE LITTLE FABRIC PULLS FROM GETTING IN AND OUT.(I NEVER LIKED LEATHER ALWAYS HAD FABRIC AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME SEEING THE FABRIC PULL OUT FROM SIMPLE USE)DRIVER SIDE MIRROR INSIDE MOTOR WILL NOT ADJUST OUT (CLICKING NOISE)CANNOT SWITCH REAR BUCKET SEATS TO MIDDLE AND MIDDLE BENCH TO REAR.

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  sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By truedale3fan - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Love it....runs great responds wonderfully. We bought it because of the standard package items that were additional on most all the other vans and love it because of the things that are not standard.

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  Bang for your buck - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By skeptiq - July 21 - 3:00 pm

  I have owned this for over a year and I can honestly say I have really enjoyed it from the first day. Main purchase reason was more space for trips with the family. The ride is great, the seats are comfortable, and I have only had minor issues (one front wheel bearing and the dealership replaced both under warranty with NO hassles). Great vehicle for the money, but plan on keeping it as the resale value is awful!

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  Kia you should not own - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Vilma Ramos - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This Mini van handles well its fun to drive. But the engine shakes, The shock obsorbers in the front make a thumping noise, the rear door is hard to close. The belts on the engine make noise and it has a flimzie accelerator. When you take it to the dealer to see if the can make adjustments/repairs they tell you its a kia. So my recomendation is not to buy one.

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  First Trip - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By MEHTXO3 - July 8 - 10:00 am

  We got the EX. Rode really nice on summer trip. Kia quality on this vehicle is good

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  Very nice little minivan - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By stockey - June 26 - 1:20 pm

  Very sturdy and trouble free van, nice build quality inside compared with cheap American minivans. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  Never buy another Kia - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By taxilady7 - May 26 - 8:54 pm

  This 06" kia Sedona was used with 70,000 miles. The first thing I had to replace was the sway bar and ended up getting it from a junk yard becasue the KIA parts are so very expensive. Then I replaced the brake pads and had a lot of trouble with scrapping noise! I finally replaced the rotors, did not help! I finally found out the rotors were worpped and it was causing the pads to go bad! DO NOT GET brake pads from any NAPA stores! They did not work on these Kias. The biggest options I have had to over come is the turn signal blubs blowing, the head light blubs continually blowing. I found out what was the problem with turn signal, the socket had to be replaced.

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  03 Sedona - Reliable - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Brian - May 7 - 10:40 am

  Owned since September 2003 and have put 42,000 miles on it. The only time its been back to the dealership is for the 2 recalls. We dont baby our Sedona either. We regularly take trips of 400 miles (each way) towing a 2500 lb trailer, with a cargo carrier mounted to the roof rack. Its a little sluggish going up mountain passes fully loaded and towing, but that is to be expected. Swapped oil in engine and tranny to full synthetic after 15,000 miles and picked up 3-5 mpg on the highway. This van has never failed us, even in -30 degree weather. The only thing I dislike is that it has too much low end power when driving on ice, even with studded tires. Very easy to spin the tires on ice!

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  Sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By cconaf2 - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I Have 13000 miles on it with no problems. My grill has a spot that is pealing the black paint away. I have driven from DC to Texas with no problems. I think it has good acceleration. Just wish the gas malage was better.