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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  Great value great car...all the perks - 2010 Kia Sedona
  By adamkennedy - June 25 - 2:43 pm

  I researched both the Toyota Siena and the Honda Odyssey against the Sedona. I wanted leather, power everything and DVD. I ultimately went with the Kia because I could get all of those features for almost $5k lower than the Honda and Toyota (including incentives). I am so glad I did because the more I drive the fan the more comfortable I feel with the ride quality and features. My wife loves it, my kids love it and I love it (I never thought Id say that about a minivan).

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  how can you compare - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Bob Hoskins - June 14 - 2:00 am

  how can you compare other mini vans to the sedona? others are thousands not 1,2,3,4,5, but upwards of $6000 or more.and the warranty is unmatched, that 7/100,000 has deductables and other restrictions you need to read the fin print. sedona you get what you see. exelent vehichle.

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  Wise $ spent - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By markd - June 6 - 6:26 pm

  I compared ALL vans. It came down to the Honda and yes, the Kia. Honda if you want to lease... Kia to buy. Though I preferred the Honda, the $3k difference, bang for the buck, 10 year warranty, a better reliability rating by Consumer Reports, BEST minivan distinction in safety by the insurance institute, 5 star gov. rating, "Best Buy" by Consumers Digest and on and on from one review to the next...decision done. I did like the drive of the Honda, but I believe its because of the name cache "Honda" vs. Kia. Getting over that, they drive near identical. The fit and finish is also on par, if not better. Common sense, value, and the safest van distinction made this an easy purchase.

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  I Love It But........ - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Kirstin - April 23 - 9:00 am

  It has great "get up and go", which I wasnt expecting in a vehicle this size. There is storage galore, all seats are easily reclined, folded, tumbled, removed, etc. Very sharp/sporty looking exterior, especially with the roof racks. Now for the "buts", which are only 2 so far: About 25 minutes into our drive home from the dealer, we noticed a rattle, or vibration in both the sliding doors which got worse and worse. By the time we got home an hour later, the rattle was pretty much constant, even over bumps as small as seams in the pavement, and sewer lids. Were going back to the dealer tomorrow for that, and because the cd player doesnt work, which probably just means a new stereo.

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  2002 Kia Sedona - Great Value - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By tennmows - April 22 - 10:46 am

  Purchased Kia Sedona based upon the great price and features it offered. Most other minivans with Rear Air Conditioning (needed for young children) were around $22,000 - $24,000. Only complaint is that on the EX model, it doesnt have keyless entry and the "unlock all door" feature only works on the Driver Side door (which differs from what the owners manual says). Other than that we have been pleased with the van.

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  Great find - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Amy - April 19 - 3:13 pm

  After test driving and researching other mini-vans, we found the Kia Sedona to be the best performer and the best value. I gave up my SUV- loving ways and purchased a minivan in preparation for the birth of our first child. I can now safely say that I dont miss my SUV at all! With a baby on the way and two dogs to transport, this van really is the most convenient and fun vehicle I have driven. Great handling and features like the stow away third row seats have made us thrilled with our decision.

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  Glad I did it - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Kia in Vermont - April 16 - 10:00 am

  We just drove our Sedona home from the dealer and glad we made the choice to buy one. I traded in a 98 Honda Odyssey with 100,000 miles. Dont get me wrong, Hondas are great, and yes I will miss the magic rear seats(alot) but we researched for a full month, drove all the minivans out there, and for all that we got, plus some, the value was there. We added an entertainment system for the kids which is great! and still thousands less than the new odyssey. This car is chock full of features that you cant find elsewhere for the price. Hope that Kia stands behind all they say, because if they do, this will probably be one of our best car investments yet.

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  Much better than average - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Bestforless - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a great vechicle to drive. Especially on those long trips. I would recommend the video option if you have kids. Plenty of power, nice looks and regularly get comments asking if i like it and that its one of the better looking minis around.

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  So far so good - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Theolus - April 10 - 2:00 am

  After 3 months, we love our Sedona! Not one problem with it so far. My wife loves the way it drives. We have 5 softball playing daughters and it carrys the seven of us and their gear to tournaments on weekends with no problem. Plenty of power to move us along. The leather upholstery is holding up well to the abuse.

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  Kia Sedona is worth looking at - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By mary2907 - April 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a great family van. We just recently purchased this van and we could not be happier. Luxury interior and lots of special features have surprised everyone we have shown this van to. Dont shy away from this van because of the reasonable price. It is just a great van at a great price. We now own 2 Kias (the other is a Sportage) and were very happy.