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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  Love my KIA - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By nanagale42557 - October 1 - 10:36 am

  2009 KIA was my first brand new van. Had a 2003 KIA to trade in. I love it. Had some problems with tires being low- call Road assistance- responded quickly. Took in for service- they found the problem. If I could change anything- I would change the Headrest. The ones in back seat are very uncomfortable. If you raise them up the driver cannot see from rear view mirror. Would love to see darker blue. I have the glacier blue. We went to Tennessee several times in it and use it for going to and from work. Love the foot rest -great when traveling long distances. Brakes and rotors need changing- you replace both when brakes wear out. But I love it.

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  Amazing Car - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Si Yung - September 26 - 10:33 am

  The car is very comfortable, convenient, calm, and efficient. The interior design is so nice that I feel cozy. It is good for family driving. My family really enjoys riding in it.

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  Still Reliable at 133K - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By MandyH - September 26 - 1:06 am

  We bought this van with less than 20k miles on it and have found it to be a very reliable/dependable vehicle. It has never left us stranded or threatened to do so. We have only had oil changes and some of the suggested regular maintenance performed. Nothing to report, just normal wear and tear like brake pads, tires, and an alignment or two. The only negatives I can think of is that I do not like the fabric in the interior it seems to collect lint like I never knew was possible and I have owned few cars. We did have problems with the sliding of the side doors but one was a factory recall and the other the dealership fixed it for no cost when they were replacing tire tpms sensors. I am glad I do not have power doors - these can be expensive to fix.

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  value plus - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By al weir - September 25 - 5:13 pm

  As my wife is handicapped and she was having difficulty in entering our 2003 Dodge Sport Van, I visited every different dealership in our area and measured every minivan for seat height etc. We then proceeded to try those vans with the lowest threshold etc. and the Kia won hands down as my wife slid in with no problems. We purchased the vehicle after a test drive and we both find it very comfortable and easy to drive. This is a top of the line unit, solid, and relatively quiet even with the sun roof in the open position. Much quieter than the Dodge Caravan. Gas mileage has been great. 25mpg city/highway average and I anticipate 30/34 mpg on straight highway at 65/70 mph. A great van for the dollar.

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  Worth what I paid! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By DC7864 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I had it just over a month with 1200 miles on it. Good van for the the price. 50% larger cargo space will really make the daily duty more functional as van. There is a background acceleration sound coming from AC pipe vibration every 3 to 5 minutes when cruising. Very annoying when driving. For such a heavy vechicle (over 4800 lb) KIA should use larger tires than 215/70R15. With full load there is only about 500 lb of safety margin. Sienna and Odyssey has over 1000 lb of margin. Only time will tell the car will worth the money for the next 5 years. I brought the van after I saw many good comment, hope everyone is right about this van.

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  Repeat buyer - 2011 Kia Sedona
  By hobef - September 20 - 12:37 pm

  This is my 3rd Kia Sedona. I have owned a 05 Sedona XL , a 05 Kia Sedona EX and now a 11 Kia Sedona LX. I have found the Sedona to be an excellent vehicle, I have taken many trips in the van as well as to drive it dailey. I have never had any issues with the cars performance or maintenance.

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  03 Sedona at 140,000 and six years old - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Howard - September 18 - 2:50 pm

  We bought the Sedona because my short wife could drive it very comfortably and it was very nice. Kia 100,000 mile guarantee took care of everything that came up including wheel bearings at 90,000 miles. Now we are having to get the AC fixed for a leak. The compressor is fine. We did replace an alternator and battery. We still love it.

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  Sedona on Course! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By JOrlando540 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Sedona holds road just fine Interior has lots of goodies including first aid kit under seat. Only problem is fuel consumption. On 1600 mile trip to Fla averaged 15 MPG.

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  Waiting for results - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By RF - September 6 - 12:06 am

  This is my first minivan purchase; everything else I have owned has been a car, but starting a new family persuaded me into the "Family" car. Overall, I love the van, the features, and space. Comparing it to other competitors, I found that it felt more solid and car-like than others. The price was also significantly lower for equivalent features. Theyve built a winner I think. A couple of problems that still need to be fixed though. At 1200 miles, the check engine light came on because of misfiring. Ever since then it has been back in the shop every 750 miles or so, and they still dont know what is wrong with it. Hopefully gas mileage will go up after this problem is fixed.

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  This Car Is Horrible - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Dave - September 3 - 4:16 am

  This car is not what I expected. It looks good in the pictures, but is totally different in person. Its very wide and fat. The blueish color is disgusting, if you get this vehicle dont get the blue color. The interior is also bad. The fabric used for the seats looks and feels horrible. There is also not a lot of leg room, or storage. The vehicle drives like it is very stiff, and jerks every few seconds. I recommend getting a different vehicle, anything but this.