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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  Updated Post - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By kialover - February 4 - 7:40 pm

  If you really look around on the reviews of www.edmunds.com, you may have noticed that I have written a few on the kias. We love them all, this van is no different. Granted, this Sedona has had its problems. Since the purchase of the Kia van, we have had to; replace the altinator, replace wheel barring, needs a a coil fixed ($500) and its a gas gussler. I will be the first to admit that I am byist for Kias, I love them. This van is smooth riding, great comfort. Just the older Kias had their problems. Not the new ones though.

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  Our 1st Minivan - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By KIKO - January 27 - 10:00 am

  After extensive research the Kia Sedona was the obviuos choice for my family. The look and ride are excellent. We got a fully loaded van for $23,600. The dealer, at no charge, also threw in the cargo net, sunroof deflector and pin striped the van to match the two tone. Only have 600 miles on it but we love it anyways. Time will tell if its reliable. But the 60,000 bumper to bumper and the 100,000 mile powertrain warranties will help.

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  Got a Sedona 1 - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By SDutton - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up our new blue/beige Sedona EX today with 24 mile on the ticker. I was worried about getting a Kia because of their past history of building unremarkable cars. I bought the Sedona because I was impressed by the content per dollar vs the other vans we were considering and my positive first impression. We looked at vans from Honda, Mazda, Chrysler, Toyota. Everybody wanted too much money for a van with any kind of options. Even with some rebates on the others the Kia still won out. Now the big question is, will we have to USE that fantastic warranty Kia has or will the van be reasonably trouble free. I will keep you posted.

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  New owner of a Kia Sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By day - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Reading owners manual helped us figure out the various bells and whistles. It was worth the time.

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  4 years owned and still likin it - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Melissa - January 15 - 2:06 am

  I have owned my Sedona 4 years in October. I have had a good experience with it and would recommend it to any one interested in a minivan at a lower than average price.

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  Best overall minivan - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Scott Armstrong - January 11 - 6:46 pm

  I test drove the Honda, Toyota,and Nissan. The Sedona was always near or at the top of every test I put it through. At roughly 8k less than the others fully loaded it was an easy decision. To this point I have no regrets. The van does everything it needs to do, it does it safely and I would say its the best family vehicle on the road. For those who value safety the Sedona has the best crash test rating ever for a minivan and has all the active safety equipment standard. For a vehicle this size fuel economy is decent, and power is plentiful.

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  Better than I expected - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By hotrod8983 - January 4 - 2:14 pm

  We bought our Sedona new in 02 after our Windstar gave up the ghost. After all of our shopping around, test driving, negotiating, etc. it came down to the Kia or a Honda Odyssey. Hondas warranty was a joke and their non-negotiable price was $6 grand more. We took a chance. Cant say weve regretted it. A few quirks that were expected for the first model year of any car, but the warranty covered everything. Gas mileage continues to be a disappointment, but this thing plows through the snow and tows a fishing boat with no issues. Would like to buy the wife a new one but at 185,000 miles she refuses to give it up. Perfect? No. But definitely a lot for the money.

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  Excellent for the money - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By excellentforthemoney - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Being a proud tightwad I couldnt get over all that the Kia sedona offered. First the dealer was exceptional. Secondly, the warranty, smooth ride and hidden little extras were a pleasant surprise. ( I got an LX with many EX features, free) The driver seat is not as roomy as my previous minivan. (dodge caravan) On long trips it can cramp legs and backs, however the seats do slide out indivually and the punch when you hit the pedal is there. All in all I would buy another sedona. For those prices ( 19,200) you cannot afford not too.

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  Kia Sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Carol S. - December 28 - 5:46 am

  Rides great, wonderful for road trips. Room enough to sleep with rear seats removed. Entire electrical system went out, burning smell, was in shop for over a week. Did have minor reoccurring electrical troubles that were repaired under warranty. At 60,400 miles the alternator went out, only financial assistance offered was from a kind service manager. Kia Customer Service refused any assistance. Dont know if I would purchase another.

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  But I dont want a minivan! - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By Rookie - December 12 - 1:50 am

  I am a reluctant minivan buyer. With two kids still in car seats, my wife felt it was the way to go. She was right. Plenty of room, nice 3rd row folding seats, comfort, and easy to drive. The Kia came with some nice features such as the iPod dock and good storage cubbies. The ability to roll down the back seat windows for the kids is nice too. The V6 has some good pep when needed as well. Turns out I am pleasantly surprised that I actually enjoy driving the Sedona. It’s still a van, but it’s nice to know I’ve got a highly rated vehicle for safety with two small kids. Yes, Kia has a low resale value, but that allowed me to buy this for $15k. It was a great buy.