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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  Went from Honda to Kia - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By db1959 - March 23 - 7:30 pm

  I had an Odyssey from 2003 to 2006 and bought a 2006 Kia Sedona in late 2006. It had 4500 miles when I bought it. I like the comfort and ride, both compare favorably to the Odyssey. Recently while driving the drivers side view mirror fell out and was broken upon impact with the street. I had never had any contact with the mirror or its housing. The dealer first told me it would be covered under warranty but after it was replaced he called up the VIN and noted it had been put into service on 6-21-06 and as such fell out of the 12 months so wanted $42 for the mirror. And they did not take American express so they took the mirror back. Made for bad PR IMO.

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  Walk away dont ever buy - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Momof4boys - March 13 - 5:00 am

  I bought this van new just because of the middle windows went down.. Wow was that a huge mistake. At 15,000 miles we couldnt even get the thing to start and forget about the 100000 mile warranty they didnt want to fix a thing. At about 25,000 miles the engine started to go and made all sorts of noises. This was one of the worst vans I have ever owned.

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  kia sedona - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By 4gs - March 4 - 10:03 pm

  We have had a terrible experience with our Kia Sedona. It gets terrible gas mileage. We had some work that needed to be done that was covered under warranty, and they did not fix it. It is a very heavy van and does not ride very smooth. Would not recomend it to anyone.

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  My first and possibly last - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By RJR - March 1 - 10:53 am

  The appearance and interior space was a big plus when we purchased our van. However, after only 60K miles Ive decided this is my last Kia. In the past I have owned a Jeep Cherokee and a Nissan Quest. I guess once you get use to an automobile that doesnt send you to the shop on a routine basis you get a little spoiled. Our Sedona has sent us to the shop for a loose drivers seat (twice, plastic hardware), a bad seatbelt, constant sqweeking noises in the rear door, airbag, two AC fans, the Oh Crap handle in the passenger seat came out of the roof, the console makes constant noises and now it is making a cracking noise in the front end.

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  Old Codgers Comfort Zone - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Marion - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Sedona In 2004.It had 22K miles on it, Now has 106K miles. the only thing I have replaced are tires, brake pads, battery, and recently the alternator, which are normal replacement items. The van is dependable,and performs very well.

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  Engine stall while driving - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By Ching - February 27 - 4:27 pm

  At only 800 miles since bought new, the car engine stopped and the steering wheel locked by itself while driving with my 2 year old son and 9 month pregnant wife. The car had to be towed to the dealership and I was told it needs a new computer. Now I am waiting for their final response to see if it gets repaired. Dont know how much I will trust its safety in the future travelling with my family. Very Disappointed!

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  LOVE IT - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By C Hyde - February 26 - 4:56 pm

  I absolutely love this van. Funny thing is, I never looked at a Kia van before I walked in and bought this one. I have the EX model. Nicely well equipped. This has so many options, I guarantee I still havent found some. One of the options that blew me away was the "heated windshield wipers"! I was told that these are an awesome feature for winter (which is horrible in Ohio) because they keep your wipers from sticking to the window! Awesome. I love my Sedona and will definitely be buying the new and updated version that was just displayed at the 2005 auto show. (LOVE the middle windows that roll down!) In summation: BUY ONE! (you wont regret it!).

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  Best decision in a long time... - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By AF_Dad - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Extensively researched minis for a WHILE, and simply could not find a better value. Got an EX loaded to the gills with every option and paid less than a stripped Odyssey. With a much better warranty to boot. Build quality similar to my old Cherokee, which is saying something. Totally satisfied so far, but of course time will tell the rest.

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  Wow - Look out Honda and Toyota - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Dan J - February 24 - 3:00 pm

  Kia took a major leap forward with the 06 Sedona. We were only considering the Odyssey and Sienna when, on a whim ($1000 cash back, 3.9%, 60 month finance), we decided to check out Kia. Glad we did. The Sedona is packed with features at a very competitive price. Its fun to drive and they took into account rear collision safety (for front passengers). Its now in the same class as the top dogs in a very competitive market.

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  First VAN - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Tarak - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I got this van in unreliable price with lots option. This is my first van. I had FL trip. No problems found. Running smooth & fuel average is 21 miles on highway. Dont miss to buy this van with low price & more option. dont spend more money towards other van.