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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  Kia Sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By PAL - February 8 - 6:36 am

  Its nice to drive and solid. Consumes more gas and getting only 14 mpg. Brakes are very bad and make a weird sound within 10 miles. Tires are very bad.

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  Beware of faulty brakes - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Unhappy Kia owner - March 2 - 1:13 pm

  Within a few months of buying our Sedona we began having brake problems. The brakes would grind when stopping. We took it to be repaired and they fixed it at no charge. The same problem happened again within a short time and the brakes had to be replaced for a second time. We read on the internet that the brakes were too small for the weight of the vehicle. This was a design flaw. A third time we had to take the van in for brake repairs and this time the dealership told us that they had a brake kit that would permanently fix the problem. They put in the new brakes but since the van had 50,000 miles on it they made us pay over $400.00 to finally fix the problem. We are furious about this!!

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  Get your motor runnin (if you can) - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By eatjustone - January 31 - 11:13 pm

  If its to good to be true than it is! 4,000 miles on the Kia and its had 2 recalls and now the check engine light is on. I have waited 8 weeks for a call to tell me my warranty recall parts are in. I know Korea is a long ways from here but I assumed they would mail the parts, not deliver them with a bicycle! Be warned, a pretty package and cheap price dont make up for the headaches you may encounter.

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  WHAT THE BLEEP HAPPEND TO THE MPG ?!!?! - 2012 Kia Sedona
  By amfrost - November 13 - 5:46 pm

  The sticker states that this minivan get 18 city and 25 hwy, which I expected after purchasing the vehicle. After 2 months and over 1200 miles the best Ive been able to get out of it is 16.5 MPG. For a 21.1 size gallon tank, I become extremely aggravated when I cant even drive 300 miles before Im in need of a fill up. I felt that this was a rock solid value when I purchased it. Everything else about the van meets or exceeds my expectations. But if I wanted such horrendous gas mileage performance I should have just purchased an SUV!

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  UPSET Coustomer - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Upset Kia Owner - October 20 - 7:16 pm

  I would tell anyone not to buy a KIA. I bought the van new and it has been in the shop more than it has been on the road. Brake problems, Belt tensioner, and MULTIPLE electrical problems. Turn signals work intermittently. Head lights keep blowing out. Air Bag Warning Light on more than it’s off. Keyless remotes both failed. Heater fan quit working in the middle of a snow storm. Wipers quit working during a rain storm while driving down the road. I don’t trust the thing to drive out of town. I can’t trade the thing because the value has dropped to the point that now Im upside down in value. This van was the worst new vehicle Ive ever owned. Dont buy a Kia!

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  Automatic Door Issues - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By maememories24 - August 2 - 4:32 pm

  We bought the van used in Dec 2010 with 25K on it. Two days after we drove it home it was back in the shop for issues with the hatch not closing, come to find out there was a recall on it. Two weeks later it was back at the dealer for issues with the sliding doors not closing and jamming up. We have now had the vehicle 8 months and from May - August it has been at the dealer WEEKLY for the same door issues. They can not seem to fix it and when they say they do you no sooner get home and the doors do the same thing. The passenger side door has actually opened up while in drive! Be very cautious when purchasing this vehicle. I will go back to my trusty Honda, I gave Kia a try and they failed.

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  I think I made a mistake - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By MaybeAMistake - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Like others - we purchased the Sedona because of the price. My wife and I have had it in the shop at least 3 times for the air conditioner. Now, the steering column makes a clunky noise. They ordered a "new steering column". Then... THEY SOLD OFF KIA - the next nearest dealer is about 90 minutes away. Im not feeling too good about the purchase. Also, the windshield cracked and cracked quickly.

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  60,000(miles), The Magic Number - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Rob - June 7 - 9:53 am

  We had this LX since 6/2004(15k)& only one mechanical problem before hitting 60k miles. The starter went bad and was replaced under the warranty. At 60,000 miles, however the check engine light came on and the van started driving really rough. 14 diagnostic codes fired,the crank shaft sensor went bad, causing the van to downshift while driving($550). The power steering "pump" went bad, making the van impossible to steer($800). And the mechanic says that all of the belts are on their last leg. Reading about future value of Sedonas, your best bet is to sell before 60k and run into the ground past 75k. These vans Im sure have improved quality, however this van has not held its value at all.

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  not as expected - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By nan - April 11 - 9:56 pm

  We rode in 2 Sedonas EX that provided great ride over bumps, etc. However, due to color etc. we bought a different color Sedona EX and find the ride over cracks in the road etc. very uncomfortable. Rides well on smooth roads, but otherwise, like an old truck. Very disappointed in the quality of ride.

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  Run Away Fast!! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By RUN AWAY!!! - March 26 - 9:26 am

  When will the nightmare that is my car experience with a Kia end? We bought this car used. It only had 23,000 miles on it and had heard it was a very safe car and a good deal. My advice, if it is cheap, its cheap for a reason! Since owning this car three years ago, we have had to repair the brakes every year without fail. Replaced the rotors twice, the front bearings, failed wire in seatbelt and airbag, serpentine belt (along with every other belt in creation), power steering (ouch$) and the alternator. Of course all after the warranty was up and guess what, if you buy it used, you dont get the powertrain warranty! We were not told this info. So any faulty parts we must pay for. Run away!!