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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  New Kia Customer - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By ChuckT - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Have about 700 miles on our new Sedona and are very pleased. The price was unbeatable. Only problems so far are a low "moaning" noise on occasion when AC is on and the motor is idling, and the remote lock system sometimes requires shutting one or two doors several times before getting an "all shut" signal. Have yet to return to the dealer to have these looked after.

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  Has been great for us - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Deanne - July 3 - 2:56 pm

  We love our Kia Sedona van. It handles well and is very comfortable...granted it has a bunch of bells and whistles. We have had relatively few problems and if I were to purchase a van again...it would be a Sedona. The gas mileage in town is not great but I like it on the highway. I especially like the tire monitoring system, the back seat folding down, the back windows able to go down and how much power I feel I have versus our Grand Caravan we had prior to this.

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  Fabulous vehicle - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Peter - June 28 - 1:20 pm

  Had for over one year, two huge road trips. On 12,000 mile trip at the moment. Getting 24.5 mpg. Looked at Pacifica, didnt like. Turning circle much better on Sedona, didnt like transmission knob. Sedona can be shifted manually, was great in the Colorado mountains last week. Sedona looks and operates more like a SUV than a minivan. Zero problems. Update January 2018: The Sedona still has not had one problem. It has nearly 29,000 trouble-free miles, and has averaged 23.9 mpg in all types of driving. For some reason car reviews knock the Sedona for bad mileage. Lead foot maybe? Normal driving gets excellent mileage. Plus its quick. Car and Driver clocked it at 7.4 seconds 0-60. I had an upscale 2015 SUV as my last car and it didnt handle as well as the Sedona, was less comfortable, had much less cargo space, had poorer visibility, and on and on. To me, the minivan makes a lot more sense than an SUV -- unless you plan to go off-road, which few people do. There are other good minivans to buy, but I wouldnt trade my Sedona for any of them. Plus, it has the best warranty in the car business. Easy decision, at least for me.

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  Kia Sedona - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By coastie13 - June 3 - 4:36 pm

  I find everything Ive wanted in a minivan. Someone really listened to what the owners were looking for in a van. I would and have highly recommended the car to all! And as a bonus the price is right.

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  Best Car in 35 years - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By L. Tullar - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned and driven hundreds of vehicles in 35 years of driving. I presently own a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado [150,000 miles], a Ford Taurus [100,000 miles], a Jeep Wrangler [80,000 mi, an XKE Jag [60,000 miles] and a 66 Austin Healey [57,000 miles]. This is the 1st vehicle that I have driven 20,000 miles without a single problem of any kind. The Chevrolet pickup was built like a tinker toy while the Sedona was built "like a rock." We have not had to return to the dealer for anything. I am so thrilled with the reliability of this vehicle that I am going to buy a Sorento this year. Chevrolet and Ford have a lot to learn from Kia.

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  Luxury on a budget - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By xVRM - May 21 - 10:00 am

  LX trim has all the features I wanted, none that I didnt want. Sage Green is a nice color you dont see every day. Price unbeatable. Design is so clean and ride is luxurious. Comfortable and fun-to-drive. Im SO sold on this vehicle!

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  2004 Kia Sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By floridamcmarion1 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our Sedona. The value is great, and its an overall awesome minivan.

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  I love my Sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Kelley - May 18 - 6:36 am

  Absolutely no problems. Plenty of power and very comfy to drive. Lots of room for family and lots of stuff. We take it and all our stuff to the beach whenever possible.

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  Super minivan - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Monica Valentine - May 8 - 1:43 am

  I had a Sienna which was stolen and gave me problems and a few big repairs. This Sedona is nicer, faster, more features and has a better warranty. I have a fully loaded model and its always a pleasure to drive. Kia is not messing around and this van will steal a lot of Honda and Toyota sales. After my friend saw and drove my Sedona he ran out and bought one for his family and dumped his SUV!

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  Love this car - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By tomtom - May 7 - 2:00 am

  great in all areas