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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Fez Kia Review - 2003 Kia Sedona
By theredfez - November 22 - 2:00 amWe bought this vehicle just over a week ago and we love it. We have owned Jeeps and Minivans and this by far is the best for the price and best for safety. All the little nice features add up to make one great vehicle. Kia has thought of everything. Even the back seats recline to make your ride very comfortable.
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Great Van - 2004 Kia Sedona
By mmguard - November 22 - 2:00 amThis is truly a pleasure to drive. We compared a lot of mini-vans before we bought and this one has the most interior room and a great warranty. The EX feels very luxurious and very solid. I recommend this mini-van 100% for quality and price.
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KIA SEDONA - 2002 Kia Sedona
By ELVIS JIMENEZ - November 20 - 10:00 amTHE PRICE IS RIGHT AND THE QUALITY IS ON THE MONEY
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Disappointed with Kia - 2005 Kia Sedona
By Paul of Arizona - November 18 - 9:13 amWeve had our van for 12 months,14,300 miles. The brake rotors were turned twice, the engine was disassembled to replace a head gasket, a complete half shaft assembly was replaced, the AC blower was replaced, stereo was replaced, all engine mounts were replaced. Weve averaged 17.5 miles per gallon. Vehicle performance in the mountains was disappointing, the engine downshifted too easily, had insufficient torque. After 15,000 mile service the engine compartment smelled strongly of burning transmission fluid, which the service department attributed to the oil leak that they supposedly fixed. The vehicle didnt smell before the "repair".
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Great Value - 2010 Kia Sedona
By zeuscharles - November 16 - 9:41 pmI view a car as a depreciating asset and a necessary evil that needs to be reliable and safe. I do not view my vehicles as a statement of my success nor do I view them as a mobile living room. That said, I bought a used 2010 Sedonna LX with 18000 miles on the odometer, covered the steering wheel with a laced leather cover, and I am thrilled with it. It drives as nicely as many other minivans, gets fair gas mileage, and was a great value. Based on my first three months with the vehicle, I highly recommend the Kia Sedonna LX if you are seeking enjoyable and well priced transportation.
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My Kia Sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
By aw - November 11 - 10:00 amGood van, great price.
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Love it -- A real surprise - 2006 Kia Sedona
By D P from Virginia - November 9 - 11:23 amLooked at minivans for 6 months. Almost bought a Honda, but same options were thousands more. Fully loaded Kia - leather, DVD, power everything - has a bigger engine, and warranty. I have driven it for nearly 7000 miles, and the gas mileage is getting better as I go along. I love the split, rear, fold down seats. Middle row also on a slide to provide even more room to the 3rd row. Glad I went with the Kia. I have suggested it to several friends--they too are considering a Sedona EX with all the bells and whistles. Would like a Nav system, but I can get the portable one for under $1000. Truly holding up to slogan -- Power to Surprise!
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Dont do it!!! - 2003 Kia Sedona
By saarifam - October 21 - 1:01 pmI bought my 03 Kia 2 years ago with 49k miles on it. I read good reviews,and it had such low miles I thought for sure Id have it for a long time. Well 2 years later, it has 78,000 miles and it is breaking constant! Every month I have to bring it in to be fixed! At that mileage I shouldnt constantly be in the shop with it. Other cons are its tiny,puts a whole new perspective on "mini"van. Good luck putting anything in the trunk space. Also it has no trade in value at all. My vans exterior/interior is perfect,has lower mileage and I cant even get $1500 for trade. Trading it in tomorrow for a Honda Odyseey. Im so done with Kias.They are sold cheap for a reason,you get what you pay for.
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My Kia - 2003 Kia Sedona
By George A. Bartnik - October 16 - 10:00 amI shopped all the mini vans on the market and found the Kia to offer more for my dollar then any other.I am 80 and now can drive for hours in comfort thanks to the power drivers seat. The ABS brakes while being soft still do their work well however it is a learning experience at first, The controls are well placed, handy ,and easy to read. The ride is very comfortable however the wind noise on the exzpressway needs improvement. At slow speed the sound is no problem
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Pilots Analogy - 2003 Kia Sedona
By Katysaurus - October 16 - 10:00 amGood responce in handling. Solid, well built construction. Instrument panel attractive and arranged well for drivers visability. Am really pleased with my new Kia.
