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:

• 

  THE BEST VALUE IN MINIVAN HISTORY!!! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By realwealth - August 10 - 2:00 am

  AMAZING MINIVAN!! Coming from a formerly dissatified and VERY CRITICAL Kia Sportage owner, this is an EPIPHANY! We got a decent deal on a 2004 EX with leather, ABS, a 10 yr/100k extended warranty and a security system for $20,345(minus $3000 rebate and $2100 for our 1993 Mercury Villager). I wanted a Nissan Quest S, but God had a better plan!

• 

  Great Mini-Van ! Small Problem - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By soundman97 - August 8 - 10:00 am

  This van is awesome and fun to drive. It has all the features of vans 6K more. We have 4k miles on it and no problems yet except a stress cracked windshield. We were driving on the road and heard a sound like a rock hitting the windshield. The problem is that there was no car or truck in front of us. Two 8 inch cracks appeared toward the bottom of the windshield where the defrosters lays. I am taking it to the dealer monday to see if they belive me. There is no nick or any evidence of a rock chipping where the crack starts. I have seen other reports of this problem. Besides the windshield the van is a great buy.

• 

  The Best Van !!!! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Sedonalover - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I owned the car for about 6 months and i love it....smooth ride, reasonable price, best quality....i can not believe it was built by Kia.....anyway it is a very nice van...why pay more for honda or toyota.....

• 

  good as ad - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By marty - July 22 - 10:00 am

  best ride i have owned or leased (86buick,890lds,92caddy,96villager,2000b lazer,comes with all bells&whisles,feels good ,drives good ,looksgood.

• 

  Value to the Nth degree - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Kausmos - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is comfortable, classy and a pleasure to drive. With the unique 5 speed auto, you have 4th, 3rd, and 1st as lock in gears...great for adjusting to any driving condition. Front wheel drive makes the vehicle almost snakeline on curves. Most passengers feel like theyre in 1st class airliner. The 55 to 90 accelation confirms that feeling! Thanks KIA!

• 

  My New Chariot - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Dave - July 12 - 12:43 pm

  I traded in a 2004 Sedona for this one and am really pleased with the van. Serene driving and riding comfort, quiet, and the turning radius is much improved. Roomy and plush.

• 

  Redesgin The Dead Pedal!!! - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By D - July 7 - 10:55 pm

  Would be the perfect minivan if they could redesign the dead pedal for the driver. There is NO WAY I could purchase this vehicle due to the lack of space available for my left leg. EVERYTHING else was PERFECT but that mammoth dead pedal would not allow me to stretch out my left leg. (You could half the size of the pedal and the problem is solved by the way!)

• 

  Minivan Done Right - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By mwwestiii - July 4 - 8:10 pm

  This is the first minivan Ive really liked, very well thought out. With 10K on the odometer weve had no problems. Recommend comparing the Sedona directly with an Odyssey EXL or Touring and youll probably find the Sedona a much better buy in terms of included features, safety, warranty and most of all price. Built on the same assembly line, the Sedona is basically a Hyundai Entourage with a simpler option package for a few thousand dollars less. Comfortable flip-forward middle seats make more sense than stow-and-go for us, plus you get more ground clearance. Love the euro-styling, 17" alloy wheels, Michelin tires and sport shifter.

• 

  Love this car - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Sandy - July 4 - 6:50 am

  I love my new Kia. I traded in a Toyota Sienna because I was unhappy with it. Was looking forward to the Kia and I am so pleased. Nice smooth ride, nice looking car, easy to work all the features and plenty of room for a family of 5 and all our "stuff". We spend most of our time in our car and the Kia makes it fun!

• 

  We put A LOT of miles on this van! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By rockscryout - July 2 - 5:39 am

  Over 180,000 miles on this van and still going. I keep changing the oil and it keeps going! Ive had to replace the water pump twice and the coil packs went out so we replaced those. Air conditioner worked well up til last summer. The suspension doesnt seem to be that great and I havent sprung to replace the struts although the van needs it-- but really, how many more miles am I going to be able to put on it? Im really happy with it over all.