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 will pay for that warranty - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By KILLE IN ACTION -KIA - April 9 - 9:40 pm

  Own a 2002 KIA Sedona EX. I complained about lights going dim while under warranty. Kia checked, said everything within parameters. Guess what, 3000 miles out of warranty alternator died. KIA says its on you now. 63,000 miles and they want $565.00 to repair; that includes alternator, belts and labor. Its not a repair you can do either, seems AC lines are in the way. Do you think KIA planned it? Ask them about changing spark plugs the rear 3, seems you need to remove the air intake manifold? That will require new gaskets? Not sure of that cost. I hope to dump this Sedona by then! Think twice before you buy, they will get you to pay for that supposedly free 5year/60000 bumper to bumper warranty. RIPOFF.

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  Kia Sedona is worth looking at - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By mary2907 - April 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a great family van. We just recently purchased this van and we could not be happier. Luxury interior and lots of special features have surprised everyone we have shown this van to. Dont shy away from this van because of the reasonable price. It is just a great van at a great price. We now own 2 Kias (the other is a Sportage) and were very happy.

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  Why pay more? - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By George E. Edrington - April 7 - 10:00 am

  After extensive study I found I could buy more value with less dollars. Why buy a name like Honda and pay $5,000 more? I still get 10 yr 100,000 mile warranty and more features.

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  GREAT MINIVAN - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By familyof5 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This minivan is amazing. The options, features and factory warranty that you get for the price are what convinced us to buy this vehicle. We had a Pontiac Montana for three years before buying a Kia Sedona and are very happy with our purchase. I did a lot of research and test drove several makes of vans before we decided this was the one.

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  It covers alot - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By abaxter - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Its so nice that its easy to put on miles and not know it.

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  Almost a 10 - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Elfpeople - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Have this car for over a year and Im still in love with it. Its lived up to all my expectations and then some. Its easy to handle, great on gas and the maintenance is a dream come true. The only thing that I would change is the positioning of the second row passenger side seat. It should be closer to the door for easier access.

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  Nothing but trouble - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By DC - March 29 - 2:46 am

  We bought our Sedona in November 2006. Since then its been in the shop 5 times. Not acceptable in a car purchased "new." First was a knocking sound when the engine was shut off, I was told it was a flap in the engine that didnt close properly? Next was a slider that stuck habitually. Then a fuse in the dash went out and my ABS malfunctioned. The brake light still doesnt shut off properly, I have to kick it, and its been in for repairs on that twice. Because its a large car assembled with the brakes of a smaller car, it wears through brakes super fast. My two year old car is on its third set of brakes. No wonder it has that warrantee, you need it. Im now looking elsewhere.

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  The suckish minivan - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By syopot2004 - March 25 - 11:37 am

  I bought this van in 2006, and after that I have brought this van to the service center for a thousand times already. Under chassis failed already, ball joint, tie rod end and so many to mention. During that time I had only 30,000 miles with the odometer. At 40,000 miles the oil seal failed (so many to mention). Now at 50,000 miles coolant leak. Keep it coming Kia.

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  great looking minivan - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Al - March 25 - 6:47 am

  We bought our van right when it came out. Its been a great since. Couple little issues such as rear blind hook, sliding door squeaks. Well built and great value. It feels like a big SUV when were driving and it has all the amenities like many luxury cars.

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  I probably just had a lemon - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By ldurbin03 - March 24 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought an 04 sedona with only 129 miles on it. Since then Ive put about 1400 miles on it, and had to gas up about 7 times...on a 20 gallon tank. Kinda hurts the budget spending that much on gas. Took it to the dealer, they said there was nothing wrong, so unfortunately, pretty much have to get rid of it. I figured I pretty much got messed over by a lemon...oh well, my dealer has done what they can to make it right by getting me into a good optima