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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  Bad experience w/ Kia vehicle & service - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Laura - February 6 - 3:36 am

  I bought Kia Sedona 2007 due to my past good experience with products from Samsung and I was fooled by 10 year 100,00 miles warranty. The vehicle broke down within 1 year and took them 4 months to find what was wrong. Before they found out the root cause, they blamed me for putting a wrong type of gas in the tank. They told me that their vehicles do not take gas from Costco, Wal-Mart or Quick Trip. This 10 year, 100,000 miles is not the sign of their confidence on their products, but a fake cover over their bad quality products and services. I almost had heart attacks dealing with their people. I hope you do not have to go through what I have gone through.

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  BUYER BEWARE!!! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By kreeate - February 3 - 11:14 pm

  Despite spotty reviews, we bought our van in 2005 because of the safety ratings. I now feel sick that we wasted so much money on this vehicle! I drive very little so the mileage is still low and we kept up on maintenance. Despite that the power steering has had ongoing issues, no air conditioning, the power accessories dont work, the electrical system has issues, the drivers side window leaks, one exterior door handle doesnt work,the cheap foil covering the inside handles flake off and cut our fingers, and the transmission is now going out. Once we were driving and parts from the inside wheel started falling out and bouncing down the road. We have wasted thousands in repairs. Do not buy!

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  Save money...and enjoy it! - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By scottyace - January 24 - 3:10 pm

  I have owned a Honda Odyssey and a Town & Country, and this is a much better value, and is as good as the Honda and a whole lot better than the Chrysler for overall performance and comfort. The ride is terrific, and the new body gives more room than in the past. We traded our overpriced (way, way overpriced) Town and Country for this, and we are thrilled. It compares very favorably to the Odyssey (we owned one of those before the T & C), but with more options...fully loaded for around $30,000. Drive the Toyota, the Honda, even the Chrysler, but stop at Kia last...compare apples to apples, and you wont be sorry.

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  Just bought one on the 26 of Dec 04 - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Paul - January 16 - 1:33 am

  Just bought this ex model on the 26 of dec 04 and am so far impressed with it. The only thing I would recommend is that ABS should be standard equip. on all models, not sold as an option. So far very impressed with the entertainment system. This is our first minivan, so my wife and I really dont know what to expect in ride and comfort. I have noticed that the ride is stiff kinda like a truck, but that is o.k. for the money we paid we did get alot for what we have. Cant tell you much about the gas mileage cause we are still on the 1st tank of free gas. Driving around in D.C. traffic i am sure i will not get what the manf. recommend though. Enjoy the van. great purchase.

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  Not with your money - 2011 Kia Sedona
  By teac - January 12 - 4:14 am

  I purchased a Sedona new in june 2011, from day one I had nothing but small problems with it and the dealer just didnt seem to know how to fix it. First the radio had a mind of its own, when playing the cd, it shutoff and played the radio, when playing the radio it changed stations, some times it even shut off completly.Eighteen months later and a total of 12 days in the shop and a replaced radio(so they said) it was still broken. Some of the other problems bad idle pully, bad batteries, loose ground wires preventing the windows or locks to work and one dealer wanted 450 to fix. nothing but headaches finally traded it in at 18 months and loss $8000 in the process.

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  Do NOT buy a KIA ! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By williamsabode - January 11 - 2:27 pm

  I would like to know who writes these reviews. As I said, Do Not buy a Kia. You will probably need every little bit of the so called associated warranty as there is not much on these sedonas that you wont have problems with. Hey Im not banging on the Sedona just to be contrary but you will have nothing but problems with these things. There is not enough space here to list them all but just so you know what we dealt with from the get go has been; rotors, doors (Front, Back & sliding), engine, alternator, heater control, brakes, electrical, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc....... you name it. Please talk to someone who has owned one (at least a yr) long enough to know something. Wish I had !

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  Like it so far - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By satkal - January 2 - 10:00 am

  It has been just a couple of days since we bought and it has been fun so far.

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  Poor vehicle/Poor Customer Service - 2010 Kia Sedona
  By seemang - December 31 - 10:00 am

  KIA is dishonest. Standard options dont come standard. 15 mpg instead of 21 mpg. The engine light came on at only 500 miles. It handles poorly. Acceleration is weak. It has the feeling of a 4 cylinder. It doesnt have all the options that its competitors have. The options they do have dont have the functionality of its competitors. For example, it has radio controls on the steering wheel, yet you cant change the station or go to the next song on the wheel. You still have to go to the radio. ***Spend a little bit more upfront for a more reliable minivan. Itll be cheaper in the long run.

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  Interior Needs Do Over - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Kia Mom - December 30 - 6:23 pm

  My new Sedona is a great car for the money. So far, much more reliable than my 2000 AWD Caravan. But the interior needs a little more thought in the layout. It is a great handling car and much more fuel efficient.

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  You get a lot of bag for the buck. - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Ron Harris - December 27 - 2:00 am

  We looked at the economy Chevy minivan and the LX Honda Odyssey and we still could not afford to buy them (even with a GM family discount). We needed a vehicle that could carry two children and ALL the stuff that goes with them. Once I read about the Sedonas crash testing and that it was affordable we decided to test drive one. It was perfect for what we needed. Finally, a company out there realized that there is a market for a affordable minivan for budget minded families. Thank you KIA.