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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  Shes My Work Horse - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By yankeegirl89 - December 7 - 10:03 am

  This Van Currently has 123,000+ miles on it and counting, weve used it to haul all my kids to their games and meets, move their stuff to their college dorms and apartments. We have moved furniture, appliances, taken trips, been all over in it, shes been old reliable. Havent had any problems with this van, I would buy another one were it not for the fact that in another year I wont need to be moving anymore kids and I can downsize again finally.

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  Great value - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Rebekah - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my new van! I can not believe all of the features I got for the price! Leather, power everything, and a sun roof....who said a mini-van is not cool! The only thing that really stinks is the gas milage. I had a Chrysler Town & Country before and I could drive forever, I get pittiful milage on this. But over all, two thumbs up!

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  LOVE MY KIA - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Tori - November 26 - 10:26 pm

  We love this minivan! Weve owned it for nearly a year, and it is so pretty, so reliable, so perfect! We havent had a single problem, and it drives like a dream. I am so pleased we were able to afford all the extra features we wanted, like a sun roof and leather, without breaking the bank. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this vehicle!

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  We love Sedona - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Ricardo Duque - November 23 - 5:46 pm

  We test drove an Odyssey, Sienna and the Sedona, and the Sedona is equal or better than the other 2. We were very disappointed with the Sienna fit and finish. The Sedona is a excellent van, with very good power, comfort, road manners and price (the Sedona is not cheap as it used to be but this model is far superior than the older design). My gas mileage in the city is around 16 and 26 in the highway, I am pleased with the fuel economy, I know it will improve when the engine breaks in. We really enjoy driving this car, my children love the comfort and the DVD.

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  I Lied - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Mike n Barb - November 19 - 10:00 am

  After owning Kia Sportage & finding out the depreciation I said "I WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER KIA". 3 yrs old, 60K miles and worth only $3.5K to $4K on trade at 6 dealers. I found this out after falling for the SEDONA. Tax, tag, title, out the door for $14,500 & my 1999 Sportage. May have done better with more time (had to leave for daughters wedding in 1 hr). 1,800 miles since purchase 11 days ago. We Love It. Highway 75-85mph 19.75mpg and climbing. 1st tank 16.3mpg.

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  My Kia Sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Winter Texan - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This summer, with three adults on board, we enjoyed a 3,500 mile trip pulling a very large, two- axle, tent trailer. The power was amazing. We could pass slower vehicles going up hill. Gas consumption for this trip was good. 17 mpg. The vehicle is very comfortable on long trips.

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  Great Van - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By SRife - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Kia and quality is on par with the Honda and Toyotas Ive owned. After 4 months of ownership and 4,000 miles there have been no defects. The interior fit and finish and quality of leather are much better than the Nissan we test drove. The engine and transmission are very smooth. Great drive. This is a great van, as good as vans priced for thousands more.

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  Great minivan - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Eric Hougland - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Preforms well, has plenty of power from either a stop or when one might pass on two lane road. It fits our family well for all our needs and the family dog. The warrenty tells me that Kia is confident in their product

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  we love it ! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By boatingmania - October 20 - 12:53 pm

  its a pleasure to drive.rides well,the seats are confortables.feel solid and very reliable.bought it in july 2004,12000 miles and nothing wrong with it.we love it...

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  I used to love my car until today... - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By Monica - October 12 - 3:47 am

  the engine wiring harness blew up and almost blew out the entire engine...