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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Bullit proof - 2004 Kia Sedona
By ajkolaniak - February 8 - 10:00 amThe Kia Sedona is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have purchased six new cars in the last eight years, and this is the most reliable. I currently have 45000 miles on the van, with out any mechanical failures. This can not be said about any new vehicle I have ever purchesed.
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Kia Sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
By john goin - February 8 - 10:00 amI have had five. No problems. They keep getting better.P
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Love my Kia - 2005 Kia Sedona
By Low my Kia - February 5 - 11:40 amWe bought the Sedona because the price compared to other brand names is so much less for what you get. It didnt take me long to find out that not only did I save money, I also got a lot of great things in this van for my money. The seating room isnt the largest but it is just fine for me my wife and three boys + a guest or two. If you are a large person then getting into the third row will be hard, but for the average built person it is no problem. The engine handles great and with over 33K mile on her we have had no problems at all. The cargo space in the rear is ok but could be larger. Other than that I am sold on Kia for life.
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Sedona Arizona and Sedona the Mini-Van- LOVE BOTH! - 2016 Kia Sedona
By Mike Elrod - February 4 - 6:22 pmI think this automobile is well thought out and well-built, so far a joy to own and operate! I like the interior style and trim. Maybe I will get asked for an update on my review in 10K miles and I will have a different opinion. For now, it has enough good stuff to make me feel like I was smart to buy a Kia, and this was a good pick. It seems solid plus I also like that JD Powers has been tracking quality metrics and it has trended up and up and is right up there with the the top the 4 BEST in class. That means Kaizen and Six Sigma. That means serious business. Update 3-17: Not even 3k miles yet, still love it. Update 9/17- Just over 5.5k now, I like the GDI motor. Have been camping a couple of times, that is one of the reasons we wanted a mini-van. It holds a lot of stuff!
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2006 Kia Sedona EX - 2006 Kia Sedona
By Chad - January 25 - 4:43 amGreat standard features and option packages. Great basic warranty. Hyundai and Kia have it right! Much better than Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Fuel economy could be a little better. A little bit too much road noise and ride could be a little smoother. Cup holders rattle a little. A few things could be a little better but overall a great value.
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What a Wonderful Vehicle, K, K, KIA!! - 2003 Kia Sedona
By Davidm - January 24 - 2:00 amAll I can say is KIA! This is a WONDERFUL vehicle & I cant say enough about it. This minivan is loaded & when U add features, nothing else even comes CLOSE to KIA on price, affordability and quality. Other comparably equipped vehicles are $3000 to $7000 more. I previously owned a 2002 KIA Rio Cinco which I simply adored & traded in for the Sedona. Just to show Kias quality, I had 40,000 miles on my Cinco & all I ever did was change the oil. THATS IT! The new 2003 Rio Cincos have all the features that the 2002 model lacked. What a GREAT vehicle. I used to be Mitsu proud but now I am ALL KIA! For price, quality and overall value you cant beat KIA!
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What a Wonderful Vehicle, K, K, KIA!! - 2003 Kia Sedona
By DavidM - January 24 - 2:00 amAll I can say is KIA! This is a WONDERFUL vehicle & I cant say enough about it. This minivan is loaded & when U add features, nothing else even comes CLOSE to KIA on price, affordability and quality. Other comparably equipped vehicles are $3000 to $7000 more. I previously owned a 2002 KIA Rio Cinco which I simply adored & traded in for the Sedona. Just to show Kias quality, I had 40,000 miles on my Cinco & all I ever did was change the oil. THATS IT! The new 2003 Rio Cincos have all the features that the 2002 model lacked. What a GREAT vehicle. I used to be Mitsu proud but now I am ALL KIA! For price, quality and overall value you cant beat KIA!
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Number one - 2003 Kia Sedona
By fifty5 - January 13 - 10:00 amHavent owned any others but really like the van and its appearent value. Dont regret its purchase for an instant.
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SEDONA GOOD BET - 2004 Kia Sedona
By MR JAE - December 15 - 10:00 amI have had the sedona for 14 months put on 7500 miles. The only problem i had was the rear door would not open from the inside. But that was easy to fix. The minivan comes with 5 years or 60,000miles bumper to bumper. This is a good all around minivan. I have the EX model it has everything except leather seats. If u are looking for a minivan take a close look at this one.
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a good van - 2003 Kia Sedona
By mrbobo - December 12 - 2:00 ama good van to drive and have fun with the kids love all the cup holders and places to put their toys
