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 for the price and tows a boat too. - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By ronwass - March 30 - 1:10 pm

  Let me first state that I LOVE minivans. This one is very comfortable except for one thing: The gas pedal is too close to the drivers seat. We take it on vacations with 5 people to the beach, etc, and you cant beat a minivan for that. I got the towing package for a bike rack, and, surprisingly, two years later I bought a boat which the car tows nicely. Reliability has been excellent. I have had two warranty repairs, and had the brakes done once. The car is heavy and handles as such. MPG is bad of course, but I paid literally half what I would have paid for a similar Honda in purchase price, so Im still ahead on gas. Good luck.

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  Transmission problem - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By PhilP - March 27 - 3:33 am

  Love the vehicle but have started having transmission/starting problems. Would not start in Park, dealer adjusted cable, now having trouble getting into Drive. Maybe dealer tech needs training. I am bringing it back to get fixed again. Only have 17K miles. Also drivers side passenger door sometimes will stay in open position and sometimes not, dealer lubricated but still is intermittent. I think it may be that the mechanics need more training.

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  Did I mention... - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By beamin2 - March 26 - 6:08 pm

  I had a BMW 5-series when I first got this van to drive my kids around. They (I have 3) were getting into fights in the BMW. This van solved the problem, with captains chairs in the middle and the third row in the back. Two years later, the BMW is gone, since I was never driving it. Either I had the kids, or was parking in a garage, or the weather was bad.... pretty soon, I was driving the van all the time.... ;)

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  Great value for money - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By beamin2 - March 17 - 11:11 am

  Bought this van in 2009 with 64k+ miles on it, for less than $7k. Have put on 25k miles in the last two years. I have probably spent $3k in repairs on it (struts, an airbag sensor, brake pads, regular service), but even for $10k its been a great value. And edmunds still values at 6k. :) Beats not having a car payment, and not afraid to get some beach sand in it!

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  My 1st Kia - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By rwanek6 - February 26 - 1:00 am

  Have owned this car for over a year. Outstanding in every sense of the word except for the poor gas mileage. Have taken it on three trips so far and comfort and driving experience outstanding, very disappointed in gas mileage with or without a full load of people and luggage. Outstanding exterior appearance.

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  MY PERSONAL OPINION - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By ORLY - January 27 - 10:00 am

  BETTER INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONFORT THAN CARAVAN, CHEV. VENTURE AND 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA. FOR THE PRICE OF THIS MINIVAN AND THE WARRANTY, BELIEVE ME IT IS THE BETTER CHOICE, THE OTHERS IS JUST BRAND.

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  Kia Sedona 2002 - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By rodneygm - January 27 - 10:00 am

  for the price........this is by far the best van.

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  IN STYLE - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Dave Muncy - January 24 - 11:43 pm

  I bought this van because of the looks, reputation, crash test rating and warranty. Eight months down the road, I still like it very much. The stability and handling are excellent, I like the fact that it weighs so much. Very well put together, and comfortable interior. The ride is quiet, power is surprising for a 6 cylinder-195 horsepower engine.

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  Still trouble free at 47K - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Tim - January 22 - 7:23 am

  I looked at several vans before buying the Kia - comparable vans were $5-10K more and with less warranty. Ive driven my van 47K in 3 years. Only trips to dealer were a couple of minor recalls and to replace the switch for the power seat recliner. Kia knew this van was a little portly (4800 lbs empty) but I like heavy duty features (HD chassis, aux transmission & oil coolers, dual piston brake calipers). I get 17/24 MPG. Maintenance has been oil changes, tores at 30K, front brakes at 45K. Overall van has been comfortable and reliable.

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  Suits us Well - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By CYO - January 5 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our Sedona for just over 10 months now and we are very happy with it. Weve had a few little things happen (the cup holder wasnt working right) but that is all. I would say that the Sedona is more truck like than car like. For example, cornering, fuel economy, ease of handling arent all that great when you compare them to a car or car-like minivan, but if you compare them to a truck (why not, they are just as heavy), they seem about average. I feel this is a small trade- for the price (some people may even prefer the truck like feel). In order to pay the same price for comparable options we would have had to buy something 3-4 years old!