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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Shouldve bought one sooner! - 2003 Kia Sedona
By jabbott83 - January 26 - 10:00 amWe just purchased our Sedona on May 31st and I cant believe we waited this long! KIA would not have normally been our first choice since they are relatively new to our market, but after much research and a few test drives, KIA Sedona won hands down! The ride is awesome, it is stylish, well equipped and the safety ratings are wonderful! I dont mind the lower gas mileage because I know that it is caused by the reinforced body for safety. You cant put a price tag on the safety of yourself or your family!
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New to Kia - 2006 Kia Sedona
By Adrian McGee - January 19 - 9:00 amHey, I just bought my Sedona two months ago and I have been having problems with my sliding doors. After I close the passenger side door, the door will open by itself. I have been to the dealer three times so far. And the gas mileage is way off on the screen above the mirror. My gas light comes on when the screen will say I have about 40 more miles. Is it just me or what?
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alot for your money - 2004 Kia Sedona
By baseballmom1 - January 15 - 1:00 amTHE BEST THING I FOUND ABOUT KIA IS THAT YOU GET ALOT FOR YOUR MONEY NOT ONLY WITH THE SEDONA BUT WITH ALL THEIR CARS. I LOVE THIS VAN. IS HAS FRONT AND REAR HEAT AND A/C I GOT A DVD PLAYER AND THE KIDS LOVE IT. IT CAME WITH 2 HEAD SETS! THE WARRANTY IS GREAT. THE DEALERSHIP THAT I BOUGHT IT WAS WONDERFUL!
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Great Van at a Great Price - 2003 Kia Sedona
By Brandt1971 - January 14 - 2:00 amWe purchased our van a few wmonths ago and this is a wonderful van at a great price. we have the LX model and this comes with excellent features. Rear air/heat six speaker stereo, dual sliding doors and excellent capacity to store and carry everything from passengers to equiptment. Great pick up with the 195HP engine and a quite smooth ride. the only negative would be the gas usage. For this price and all the options. I would recommend this van to all families on a budget looking for a great deal!
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Love Kia - 2008 Kia Sedona
By maryhelpful - January 13 - 10:26 amMy recent Sedona is my second one. I love the Kia. It takes care of my family of five and beyond normal servicing, I rarely have taken it to the dealership.
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Excellent Value - 2002 Kia Sedona
By bendersx6 - January 12 - 10:00 amI actually traded my Toyota Sienna CE for the Sedona EX. It had everything I ever wanted in any vehicle at a price that was still $3000 less than my very basic Sienna CE. Ride, fit, and finish are on a par with the Sienna, and the kids think it look really cool...now theres a real plus!
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sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
By goer - January 12 - 2:00 amTwo days after purchase, noise when air conditioner is on. Sounds like compressor. Well see how good that warranty is when we have it checked. Lots of extras included in price.
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So Not a MiniVan/Soccer Mom...til Now! - 2010 Kia Sedona
By J.Zof - January 11 - 4:26 pmWeve only had the van for about two weeks now and so far love it! Its like they say, never want one, till you own one! With 3 kids this is the perfect car for us. I was sad to get rid of my CX-7 but am so happy we did - not just for the room alone. The ride is smooth and surprisingly quiet. The leather seats are very comfortable! DVD with wireless headphones = awesome! And getting all in & out is stress free. Looked at the Sienna & the Odyssey - so nice, but expensive at the mid-range model. We got this fully loaded for about the same & neither could touch the cash incentives or the warranty! We hope weve made a good investment & are able to ride this car into the ground. A Kia? who knew?
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Not happy! - 2002 Kia Sedona
By Austinsmommy - January 10 - 10:06 pmMy van is in the shop for the 4th time since I bought it. The A/C went out (fuse) shortly after I bought it, visor mirrors broke easily a couple of times, fog lights blew, check engine light comes on all of the time, Mass Air Flow sensor went out (expensive!) and now the A/C is messing up again, check engine light is on again and it wouldnt start yesterday. The paint is peeling on the side mirrors already (and I have kept it in a carport). Once it left me alongside the road for a wrecker to tow. What is the deal? Cant believe such a new vehicle has so many issues.
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Great value - 2008 Kia Sedona
By David - January 9 - 2:28 amThe engine and acceleration on this van are great! We have 136,000 miles and have had NO engine problems. Weve changed the battery, but thats about it. Im very satisfied with the overall quality of all the parts that matter- engine, etc. But, the inside of the car feels a little cheap. It feels "plastic-y". But, we bought this car for overall value so were very happy with a peppy, great motor and drive, and dont really care about the feel of the inside controls.
