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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  Happy overall - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Satisfied owner - September 5 - 4:56 am

  Ive had my Sedona for over 3 years and have never had a brake problem as others are saying. The only persistent problem is that the interior light doesnt always come on when I open the door. If I play with the switch, it works for a while and then stops working again. The dealer hasnt been able to find any problem. The only other comment is that it doesnt have a great turning radius. I was used to compact cars and sedans. I drive over 40 miles round trip daily. I am getting 20 miles per gallon! I think thats pretty good for a large vehicle. My next minivan however will be stow-n-go seats and power side doors.

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  LOVE my new van....BUT...... - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By r2pnknhds - August 13 - 10:00 am

  This is our first van. I researched and researched before purchasing. I absolutely LOVE IT and you cant beat it for the price and warranty. I couldnt imagine buying the "Brand Name" vans and paying $30k+ for the stuff I have in my sedona. We just bought it a week ago, at 655 miles the engine light is on! NOT HAPPY! Have an appt for service already...never thought Id be in this position.

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  Happy and driving - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By KIA - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I shopped around and read as much as I could before buying. I looked at everything and only drove the ones I liked. The Sedona has the best looking interior of any mini-van, it has the best price and best warranty. This is a great van other than the poor gas milage and smallish space behind third seat. I drive it a lot on long freeway trips to Vegas, I always arrive fresh and never fatigued.

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  Kia yeah right! - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By foryrord - August 8 - 10:06 am

  I will honestly say I never thought Id ever own a Kia. A minivan maybe but "no not a Kia". Well this minivan is the real deal. Lets start with Toyota and Honda, well thats if you can push your way to the front of the line at the stealership and deal with the "our way or the highway" attitude. Well I did some research and bypassed the the red dots all together and went to the local Kia dealer and test drove the Sedona LX . Bought it! Bottom of the line and still exceptional in every way. Build quality and performance are remarkable; very quiet on the highway. My only complaint so far is with the exterior its kinda bland but not ugly.

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  RC - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Roger Clark - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Almost 20000 miles with no problems. I am suprised by the power which is more than enough but lots of fun for a van.

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  Initial Review of 06 Sedona LX - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By akolive - July 6 - 11:23 pm

  A great driving experience. Almost too much power. I suspect that will be nice when we tow our future pop-up. It is roomy though a bit less than the Senna or Odyssey. For the price, that is OK. I think KIA needs to work on being a little more consistent with their controls. They have dials for temp control up front and push buttons for the rear, for example.

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  Good So Far - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By M. K. Chisholm - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Only 7800 miles on my van. Comfortable/feels solid. Steering pulls to right. Van struggles to stop due to heavy vehicle weight. I dont have ABS. Engine makes "whirring" noise...Kia mechanic said "its normal...power steering making that noise"...it is annoying, especially when vehicle is cold. Van handles good in bad weather. Removeable seats are heavy. Lots of interior room. Interior plastic scratches easily. Roof rack is cheap/weak. Hopefully this van will pass the test of time (build quality). Overall, this van performs as advertised and it appears to be the best minivan value for the dollar.

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  My Sedona - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Billyio - July 1 - 5:53 am

  Only real problem is the driver seat dowsnt go low enuff down

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  So far so good - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By scott - June 25 - 11:43 pm

  Currently have 2500 miles and not one complaint. Drives better than our previous 2003 Odessey and 10K less. KIA/Hyundai is challenging overpriced Hondas and Toyota who are living on undeserved reputations and ripoff dealers. This is not the KIA of 5/10 years ago. Dont be afraid to buy. Shes a little thirty with that powerful engine and all the room, but if want great mileage, buy a small Mazda 5 or something similar.

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  Not so good on gas in the city yet! - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Gregory Gould - May 9 - 8:53 pm

  Had my car for only 5 weeks now, but I am only getting around 13 miles to a gallon in the stop and starting of small town driving. I hope this is just the engine break-in period and my mpg will improve. Also I am getting a wind noise from the back windows. I checked them and they dont seem to lock very tight. Also my kids complain about the head rests and how unless they are in the up position they are very uncomfortable.