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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  Good Mini Van - 2012 Kia Sedona
  By prodriver82 - August 7 - 3:45 am

  Im not a soccer mom writing this review. After reading reviews for several mini van makers, and having a friend who just retired a Kia Rio with 346,200 miles on it, that swayed me to the Kia Sedona. Yea, its not a Honda or a Toyota. But it is a surprisingly great family ride. Im only sorry that Kia has decided to make 2012 the final year for production for the Sedona.

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  gas mileage - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By larry seedle - August 6 - 10:00 am

  just poor gas mileage but van is ok. they need to ork on the gas mileage. and more room in the back.

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  Solid vehicle, great price - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Kevin 73 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Very good min-van for the price, solid build quality. Powertrain is good, gas mileage is sub-par, could use sixteen inch wheels and tires. But overall, so far our van has been a very confortable riding reliable vehicle, especially the great deal we got on it, other dealerships want at least four to five thousand more for the same. Me and my wife are very pleased with it.

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  Very good value used - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By wildkard58 - July 4 - 3:44 am

  I bought a 2008 Kia Sedona LX (no options) in November 2011 for $12,600 CDN. The car had 38,000 kms on it with full bumper to bumper warranty until September 2013. Ive had it for 17 days now with 1,000 kms put in. The V6 engine is the same as the Hyundai Genesis V6 - smooth with plenty of power. The Sedona is a very good highway cruiser: quiet, comfortable and decent gas consumption. In the city, the suspension will tell you every bump in the road. It doesnt handle as well as its competitors but thats not saying that the Sedona handles poorly. It is car like in handling but not as good as its competitors. Base LX model is pretty loaded. Very good minivan for your money.

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  LOVE my KIA Sedona! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By TAF - June 11 - 10:00 am

  We have had our new Sedona for almost 2 weeks now. Just took a trip to the beach and loved every minute of the drive! Highway mileage was decent, but have not had a chance to drive too much in the city to rate city mileage. Price was excellent compared to competitors.We paid so little for our Sedona that we were able to have a video entertainment system installed. This car has so many neat extra features that my Nissan minivan never had. I want to know why more people arent driving these cars! They are great!

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  Got 3 of them - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By SS454 - May 13 - 9:26 pm

  Only problem I see is with their so called alternators... they stink - to date I have had to replace one on all 3 of my Sedonas. Other than that for what I paid for them theyre great.

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  Functional but Unreliable - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Dan - May 4 - 10:20 pm

  We purchased this van for our expanding family in August 2006. I think after two years I can provide good insight. The van is comfortable and great on long trips, even with kids. It will swallow anything. The powertrain is smooth and powerful enough, if not all that responsive. Fuel economy is probably what can be expected from a 4500 lb minivan, I get 16 mpg in the city. The main problem is reliability. I have had trouble mainly with the brakes, an O2 sensor, and I had a fuel pump go out. I have warped two sets of front rotors in less than 25,000 miles, and Kia wont cover the second set under warranty even though they only lasted 10,000 miles. Beware of this issue on this van.

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  4 years and 74K miles later - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Docker - May 2 - 2:23 am

  Front brake rotors had to be replaced at 12K. I installed cross drilled and slotted rotors which made braking much better but it eats pads more. Rear brakes have been great and still have over 50% left on them. Power/acceleration is much better than expected even towing a 2K# trailer. Handling is great for a minivan. There seems to be a rust issue with the rear heater hose which I feel should be a recall because its a design flaw. This was a $375 repair OUCH. Just hit 74K miles and the O2 sensor is shot. This too I believe is a quality issue as I have never replaced this sensor on any other vehicle I have owned. I hope to get at least 300K out of this van and will keep you posted.

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  Move over Honda! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Keep it Affordable - April 17 - 2:00 am

  The features that you get for the money cannot be beaten! Great ride and very family friendly. Smooth solid and quiet ride which offers many extra features at no cost.All in all go for it you wont be disappointed.

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  sedona mini van - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By boschalona - April 17 - 2:00 am

  we have only had this van 8 days. but what little time we have . it seems like a very good choice.