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 Value - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Drdavid7 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a great value with style. Attractive and affordability without a few "extras" that the more expensive models offer. Well worth the money saved!

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  Good value, but peculiar seats - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By FDR - November 29 - 8:13 pm

  This is my second Kia (first was a 98 Sephia). In both vehicles the drivers seats are too short from front to rear. Other than that, the ride and seating are great. My kids (teenagers of substantial size) enjoy riding in any of the rows. The sliding door windows are also a little strange, and create a very irritating buffet at highway speeds if just one sliding door window is rolled down. Gizmos work as advertised. I bought sans roof rack in order to take advantage of the big owner loyalty rebate, and I am waiting for the dealer to let me know if the rack is in. It might be a little too mannerly, as I found myself going way too fast on the NJ Turnpike, feeling like 20 mph less.

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  Time will tell - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Skeptical at first - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I just paid $22,700 for a loaded Sedona EX, it has everything but the trailer hitch. After doing an unbelievable amount of research, this is the car that stuck out. For what you get, this is absolutely unbeatable. Price any other vehicle with leather, full electric, etc etc and the difference is very large. Time will tell, but if it turns out to be a reliable vehicle, then this car will have no equal.

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  Quiet, tight ride - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By sarakr - November 15 - 8:33 am

  Our family has been very happy with our van. We have been surprised at the quality and reliability of he vehicle. It handles very well and has fabulous acceleration. We opted for the power package with power sliding doors and back up assist. The van is an excellent value for the money.

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  Better be no troubles for 3 years - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By TouringNY - November 11 - 6:31 pm

  Leasing for 3 years, right now near end of model year Kia is giving incentives to lease, you should make sure before you go. what kinda sucks is the 8-passenger SXL takes away the sunroof that I wanted, makes no sense. paying so much and not getting a sunroof cause its only available on the 7 seater? My wife has trouble finding a comfortable seating position, she feels her old Odyssey seat was better. kids feels seats in back are comfortable. The power is supposed to be same as Odyssey but I cant help but feel it is more sluggish to accelerate. The surround view camera is only available on the highest level and seems on par with luxury car makes (Infiniti is what Ive experienced so far).

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  New Owner - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Brenda - November 11 - 5:43 pm

  Recently purchased Kia Sedona. Always owned cars, never a van. The inside still has the familiarity of a car. My children enjoy it, especially the DVD. I dont have 100 miles yet, so I really cant comment to much on the performance/mileage. The ride, so far, is nice, smooth and pretty fast.

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  Good Price, LT reliability TBD - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By NYC - November 4 - 6:56 am

  Sedona is a lower initial cost minivan vs. competition. The 10yr/100K warranty provides some insurance if you are concerned about Kias long term reliability. The Sedona is a great family minivan; functional. Very powerful engine, smooth drive, shifts well. You can buy a new 2008 LX for under $16K with negiotiating. I drove Hondas for years, still do, but the Sedona pricing was too good to pass up. I need to have $7K in repairs to break even with purchasing a Honda or Toyota. Great value.

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  Problems with Warranties - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Earl Hayes - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Has anyone had problems with noises in the front end? We are wating for a Arbitration Department to contact us as we cannot find out where the noise is coming from. According to the dealer, Kia is trying to find the source, but at this time there is not a fix. If they cannot find a fix, how do we know it is not a safety hazzard. The dealer stated it is not a hazzard. The dealer gave up looking for it, but they know the noise is there. We were suppose to be contacted today, but so far, no calls or letters. Is this warranty any good. I guess time will tell. We have other rattles, but the dealer said to wait on them to find the main noise.

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  Flimsy accelerator - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Eddy Ramos - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Every this about this van is very good except the gas peddal. It is very light and should be replaced.

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  It wouldnt die! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By therangerman - September 24 - 2:44 pm

  Living in Canada, our winters are hard on cars. This van would not die! I bought this van with 250,000km on it and I ran it until 450,000km it was still running strong but I hit a moose going 110km an hour and it destroyed the van. Every year we would haul a 4500pound trailer all the way around Ontario and it never really hurt the van. Even though every year the rear heater lines would rot out there was nothing really done other than regular maintenance. The a/c stopped working after hitting my second deer. But other than those things you could run this van through hell and it wouldnt even get a scratch I even took it muding once. good job Kia you built a bullet proof tank