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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  You could pay more... - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By JMehling - April 7 - 9:20 pm

  Weve had this van for almost 3 years and 65,000 miles and its been everything that we expected. We got all the bells and whistles and theyve been worth every penny. I like fast vehicles and I am never left wanting for passing power. The manual control of the transmission is great, and eases the frustration that comes from the sometimes slow downshifts in full automatic mode. I feel very secure with the handling and think the steering is fine, too. I feel fuel economy is average for a vehicle of this weight and engine size. It doesnt have the cylinder deactivation like the Odyssey, but the extra money youd spend to buy that vehicle will fill up your Sedona many times over.

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  Kia Sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By OkieRed - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive been happy with the sedona overall. It served its purpose with small children. However, the gas mileage has always stunk and the trade- in value is difinately something to consider. Were about $6000 upside- down and it only has 16,000 miles in 2 years. For a mini-van, probably a good buy if you intend to keep it forever.

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  Unexpected "BEST PERFORMANCE" and Smooth Drive - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By jbburn - March 26 - 11:03 pm

  My family loves this van! I do a lot of driving - simply as routine, and long trip Chicago-Tulsa every month. This mini van is one the best and reliable vehicles I have had (Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota Sienna) Its comfortable, rides smooth and looks great too. Infinity Sound system, Rear DVD is great feature. The only annoyance has been the engine light @ Gas re-fill and rear sliding doors trouble when the weather gets cold outside. I have had 37,000 miles in 15 months already. No problems from this vehicle, nothing negative in my eyes about it. Love it and would definitely recommend

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  Pretty good mini van - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By durangomom - March 22 - 6:10 am

  I bought this van used with 12,000 miles on it, it has been a good car for us, I was very hard on the rotors, and the brakes, we had to travel down a step hill often, so the rotors wore out pretty fast, that was about 2 years, after we bought it, also around the same time, the adjusting part of the p seat went out, and we had it replaced, its a good a car, and it can take hit in the back, it was in a pretty hard finder binder, and hardly crunched up at all. I do recommend this car, for the price its perfect, and I think it is pretty fast, i dont know what some of the poster are talking about, mini vans are meant for large families, they shouldnt be like sports cars, they should be safe for kids.

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  kia sadona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Chris Loll - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my Kia, except for a few things like the lack of legroom in the last row. I cannot get anyone over the age of six to sit back there. It is very uncomfortable. I have also found that I am not getting very good gas mileage with the van. I have noticed that I am only getting about half of what was advertised when I purchased the van. Other then that my family loves riding in the van.

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  Pay more for what, exactly? - 2011 Kia Sedona
  By Father of four - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Our 2011 Kia Sedona is our second minivan (we have four children aged seven and under). Traded in a VW Passat wagon, and it hurt to say goodbye to our last car with any "coolness" factor. Our other minivan is a Toyota Sienna. The Sedona is an improvement upon the Passat in every way. Far more fun to drive, with great pickup and handling. We added leather, which makes it look sharp. The interior gives the impression of being larger than the Siennas. And other than a higher sticker price, we are not sure what advantages the Sienna offers. The Kias mileage around town is somewhat less than advertised--around 16 mpg--but it is up to the Toyotas quality in every other way. Safe and reliable.

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  Childs safety Before My comfort always - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By T - February 11 - 6:33 am

  This van is not a bad choice at all. Sure it isnt very roomy when it comes to cargo space but with the adjustments and removals available, you can make room. Its the safety that matters people. Would you rather get into a wreck with cargo space or get into a wreck knowing you have a 5 star rating? Yeah, me too. When driving this vehicle, you know you are safe and you just feel safe. You have the good view (except rear view, which is limited) . You think you have your brights running when you dont, the headlights are so good. Interior is quite amazing also. Everywhere you look you can place something, lots of storage and plenty cupholders. You get your moneys worth, ***The Warranty***

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  2004 Kia Sedona for Better or Worse - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Galeana Kia - January 3 - 10:30 am

  I have owned this Kia for over 2 years and it is a great auto to own; for the money you could not buy a better van with all the equipment on it. The gas mileage is the only problem I have had to date; I get 10 to 12 in city and 15 to 16 on highway. They say everything is ok with the car but still gas mileage doesnt lie. Other than that it is a GREAT CAR!

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  what I like about my van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By john bourque - December 23 - 8:46 am

  We have an EX fully loaded. We use it for long distance travel only because we take a lot of trips that are over 500 miles or more. You said gas mil. is bad, but traveling on the highway at 65 to 75 mph, we get at least 25 mpg We never really use it for city driving. What made us choose this type of van was the seats were more comfortable than other vans we tried ( we have leather) and the road side assistance / 5 year-100000 mile warranty cant be beat. Besides I think it is a better looking minivan than Honda, Dodge or Ford. It does ride heavy, but it rides smooth and is a very quiet vehicle.

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  NEW CAR REPLACEMENT - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By groth - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Sedona in Oct 2001 and it had an oil leak which the dealer could not fix after 5 attempts. Would you believe they gave me a new one without hesitation? Great customer service and Ill buy another when the warranty runs out!