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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Kick Ass Van! - 2003 Kia Sedona
By UsedToLikeDidge - August 13 - 2:00 amI am still in awe of this van. I truly love every aspect of it. The stereo rocks, the ride is perfect and it looks great! With the price, quality and warrantee I dont see a reason to buy anything else.
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Nice Van - 2016 Kia Sedona
By Melvin Arendt - August 4 - 4:29 pmGreat Van has everything you could want in a new used Van. KIA has one of the nicer vans out there. Now if it holds up mechanically all will be good.
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Love my Sedona - 2009 Kia Sedona
By LovemyKia - July 27 - 10:33 pmWhen I became pregnant with our 2nd child our Toyota Yaris wasnt going to cut it with 2 car seats. We needed something bigger and safe! The Kia Sedona fit our budget and gave us more room. We have had our Sedona for 2 months now and I wouldnt trade it for the world. We bought a 2009 so we got an awesome deal since its 2010. Coming from a Toyota family I as pretty nervous but its a GREAT minivan and I feel safe with my family in tow since its a 5 star rated vehicle.
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The Best Buy for a new Mini Van - 2003 Kia Sedona
By HappyInNewJersey - July 27 - 10:00 amCant beat the options and value for the price. It doesnt have all the luxuries like auto sliding doors and an entertainment system. But, it wont cost you $35K either. The standard LX has everything you need and the EX looks good with the added 2 tone body style and mag. wheels.
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Kia driven for 133,000 - 2004 Kia Sedona
By russ75 - July 6 - 4:31 amI bought my Kia new in 2004 and have riven it for over 133,000 miles. Overall the car has performed well without unreasonable mechanical problems; except, the lines for the rear heater have rusted out twice. The first time I paid over $600 to replace them and Kia just said, "Gee, I am sorry to hear you had that problem." Reviews that criticize Kia for not doing something better for their customers are correct. Also the rear window defrost has failed. I have not experienced any problem with rust on my Kia and I live in Michigan. As my car has aged, in the recent months it has experienced a series of problems; for which I am considering replacing it. Everything gets old eventually.
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Love It. - 2003 Kia Sedona
By Kelli - June 26 - 10:00 amWanted a Sienna, But for approx 8,000 less and more features, we decided to go with the sedona. Gas mileage is not so great , but it will take a lot of miles to burn the 8k difference in price. Also the Kia dealership was easier to deal with than the toyota dealerships. This van along with its warranty will eventually take huge market share from toyota, honda, etc.
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Piece ocrap - 2005 Kia Sedona
By mvrab - June 20 - 1:51 pmTwo failed power seat switches. Cheap Paint. Rattles till your teeth fall out. The Chevy Vega of the minivan world. Steering wheel placement requires either you have 2 long legs or 5 long arms...zero ergonomics...rather negative zero ergonomics. Geez, Im 511"...pretty average for the US.
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Sedona - Nice Ride - 2005 Kia Sedona
By philberto - June 15 - 7:03 amWe were looking for an economical replacement for our ten year old Dodge Caravan. We looked at all of the contenders out there and felt that many of them were overpriced for some of the most basic of features. Playing the option package game can add thousands to the sticker price just to get one or two features of interest. We also found it frustrating to get the color options we wanted. Build quality and design left a lot to be desired when we looked at the choices. Then we looked at the Sedona. One look was all it took. All the basic features we were looking for were there. The price was great! Its built like a tank. It is very comfortable and drives real smooth and quiet. It has power!
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Update to review of 07/11/2009 - 2004 Kia Sedona
By Frugal Driver - June 13 - 10:00 amStill very happy with vehicle. TIRES: OEM spec. 215/70/15 with a passenger grade is rubbish. Upgrade to 225/70/15 in a light truck/SUV tire. Currently using Michelin LTS MS. Ride quality and rubber longevity greatly improved! Transmission: buy dealer fluid for this van, have independent change it. This vehicle has a tranny cooler, so if you are hauling in hot weather, you are fine. Gas mileage: 14/16 city, 20-24 highway. That including towing 3500 lbs (as rated) and carrying weight.
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Honda? No Way! This is a great Van! - 2002 Kia Sedona
By value - June 9 - 2:00 amRuns great looks great the family loves it and so does my wallet. Unbeatable warranty. The only thing I would change is the gas mileage.
