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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  Great Van, Great value - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By acher - February 11 - 4:03 pm

  Purchased a new Kia Sedona ex with all the bells and whistles. The more I drive the Sedona the more I love it. Jd power rates the quality better than Honda Odyssey. Ive done a lot of research before I purchased the Kia. You are not going to find a better van which is safer, great value for the dollar than the Sedona. Plus the sports triptronic transmission is a nice feature. The Sedona also puts out 250 horse power, giving it a lot of power for a minivan. Gas mileage is on par with toy/Honda. The interior is very nice in leather with the heated seats, dvd player, sunroof, automatic door opener, abs, ets system, 5 star crash rating and the list goes on. Plus a great 10 yr warranty.

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  The BEST purchase EVER! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Megan F. - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Just to sum this up in a nutshell, this was the BEST purchase we ever made! We researched every mini van on the market, and test drove several different makes. The KIA drove the best, and is so comfortable! The best part, the price, unbelievable. We couldnt be happier!

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  Kia Sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By beano1 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had this van for over a year now and I love it.Only problem was a defective heater fan and it was replaced.Have had excellent service in NH. where I live.

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  Great value - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By markymark - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Great looking & value for the money. We got the EX because of all the extras...and its not that much more. This one has everything you need. Got DVD, sunroof, ABS (a necessity), spoiler, leather seats as options. Never thought the spoiler would add so much, looks great. If you want a great minivan with value for the dollar...this is the one. Try to find something else with so many features, warranty and safety. It rides great, looks great and my family loves it. Very quiet, no rattles or shakes, excellent shifting transmission...very responsive. Engine is solid...there when you need it.

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  Good deal - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Paul - January 14 - 6:56 pm

  It was this or the Grand Caravan, I like the stow and go of the caravan but the 2006 Sedona had stow in go in the back and the seats folded down. The caravan also had many bad consumer reviews. I was amazed at the power and roominess. I got a great deal on it by playing 1 dealer against the other. Saved about $3,000 over the price of a caravan and about $9,000 less than new. It only had 15k miles. Sure beats buying new.

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  Most practical vehicle I have ever owned - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By ramguy7 - January 1 - 11:36 am

  Have owned luxury vehicles and several trucks; the minivan is the most practical, and one of the most comfortable overall, I have ever owned. I am sold on minivan ownership; it can be a luxury car most of the time, then when necessary remove 2 rows of seats, and you have a truck with more space than my Ford Ranger 4x4, which I also was very fond of.

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  Buick ride & quality at a Kia Price! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By smulvey - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I replaced my Buick Park Avenue with 125,000 miles , with this KIA. The Buick suffered a sudden crack in the transmission flywheel. I found no difference in ride quality and the fit and finish frmo my Buick to my KIA. The acceleration is excellent too. My Buick got about 30 MPG and my KIA get 25 MPG. But with the extra seating options and front and rear a/c I love the KIA more. I like the fact I saved more than $ 15,000 off the Buick Price. I saved so much money I bought my wife a car too! A KIA SPECTRA !

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  safety - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By armleg - December 20 - 2:00 am

  only have driven a few hundred miles but it performs very well.milage is somewhat less than my previous 2 montanas but still acceptable.

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  Rocket Van! - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By DrJones - December 10 - 7:26 am

  1st time van owner. Plenty of room, I actually enjoy pulling out the captain seats to vacuum it out cuz its huge in there! Easy to back into parking spaces, good visibility, big tires, stable ride. A/C and vent controls and rear passenger vents are way nice, front split temp controls are cool. I love how this car gets up to speed so quickly, I mean, I am ultra confident getting onto the freeway. Transmission shifter is nice on hills, although I dont often have to lock into gears. Easy cruise controls, nicest ones Ive used. Nice sounding horn also, not a whimpy "beep", but a nice rich sounding honk!

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  VERY HAPPY - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Harvey&Tina - December 9 - 10:00 am

  THIS VAN IS VERY COMFORTABLE. IT HAS ALL THE THINGS THAT A FAMILY NEEDS TO COMPLETE THEIR DAILY TASKS.