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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  One Great Van - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Odyssey No Way - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my new van. I used to own a 00 Ford Expedition. It was a gas guzzling nuisance. I test drove the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Crysler T&C, Ford Windstar and the Mazda MPV and was pretty close to buying one of those but was never enthused about any of them. I cam across Kia because my mother bought a Volvo and Kia was right next to it. I figured what the hech and went to test drive one, I signed the dotted line that day. Loved it the first time I rode in it. Price was never the reason I purchased since my two previous vehicles were at the 38K mark. I just loved it!

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  This thing wont die! - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By eagleboyrox - April 11 - 8:23 pm

  I have an 05 Sedona and this van is surprisingly the most reliable van I have ever seen. Kias cars are crap but this van has 306,234 miles on it right now and still runs like the day it came off the showroom floor. The engine is so quiet you cant hear it run and the transmission still shifts like it should. I love the room inside and the seats are easy to remove. Ive even hauled my jetski in it a few times! I keep the oil changed with 10 w30 Mobil 1 synthetic. That may also account for the great gas mileage I get in this van. It only uses a quarter tank up and back from my house to my mothers house which is about 80 miles away as long as you keep the mph fairly steady. Keep that in mind.

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  Economically Great - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Kelly Hall - March 29 - 6:53 pm

  This minivan has all the features you need with several cupholders, compartments, and evan a locked compartment under the passenger seat.

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  Engine Light - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By jacques - March 24 - 8:50 am

  Only problem we have is the engine light that keeps blinking (three times already), and every time you need to drive it to your dealership or get it towed (once). Had the same problem with the sliding doors in very cold weather. Cant find air bags for the rear end! Do you know anyone who has installed some? Thanks

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  Good Van For Price - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By jam - March 23 - 6:06 pm

  Plenty of power. Good handling. Excellent seat comfort for long drives. Great options. Can hold 7 adults. Average fuel economy. Built in garage door opener. Rear air/heat that can be controlled by the person setting in the back seat.

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  Great van with little problems - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By Landric - March 22 - 2:06 pm

  I bought this van in 4/10 as a new 09 and got a great deal. Ride quality is nice, the engine is smooth, quiet, and powerful, and the interior is well though out with the exception of the armrests, which are mounted too low on the seats. So far its only got 1600 miles on it, as we mainly use it for family outings and not day to day driving. In that time its been back to the dealer twice because the check engine light came two different times and the battery died once. Kia roadside assistance picked it up when the battery died, and both of the check engine lights turned out to be sensor problems. Hopefully all that is sorted out. I love the van, but not the hassle its been so far.

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  Got what I paid for - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By meare1 - February 26 - 4:27 pm

  Used to have a Dodge Caravan, compared to that JUNK, this Kia is MUCH better. Yes, it has had the trips to the dealer, (2) for warranty related work, but compared to the NON-warranty trips I had with the Dodge, I would NEVER buy Mopar AGAIN!! Not a bad van for the money. I bought it used with 24k and have since gone past the warranty and just bought new tires for it.

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  Wait and see - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By F Smith - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2002 Sedona EX in May 2002. I love the way it drives. It handles well and is tight and solid. However in the last five months the dealer has had the car almost as much as I have. For several different evelectrical problems. So far they have replaced the alternater, radio, keyless entry receiver, and the power seat switch. It took three visits to the dealer and a total of 8 weeks. They provided a rental car so I didnt loose anything. But at this point its going to take a while to build any kind of confidence in the car. I hope I dont have anymore problems becuase I really like the car, and dont want to get rid of it.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Edgar Viera - February 11 - 3:40 pm

  Very comfortable ride, good leg room, logical positioning of instruments, excellent a/c. Killer warranty (10 yrs/ 100,000 miles) Overall, a lot of car for little money.

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  POOR BRAKES BUT GREAT VAN!! - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By ftwcowgirl76 - February 8 - 2:30 pm

  I am a courier so I put a lot of miles on in a short time. I have had to replace the brakes 3 times in less than one year. The first time because one of the brake pads just fell off the vehicle! It now has 66,000 miles and I am already having to replace the rotors and the brakes again. Very poor quality in the brakes! Service engine light came on once already and had to be taken in for that. That time was the solenoid. Now its on again and will have to be taken in again to be fixed. Dont know yet what that problem is. And come on.. do you really need 12 cup holders in a vehicle that seats 7 only?!