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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  Problems - A/C, Engine Light, Defroster - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Sue - April 22 - 11:46 am

  We are extremely disappointed with our Kia Sedona. The AC broke in 2005 - the dealer tried to repair it at least 6 times - unsuccessfully!!. They kept our van for a total of 6 weeks (29 days in a row for one repair). They replaced the condensor, along with almost every other part. In 2007, the AC did not work again. The van is slightly out of warranty and the dealer expected us to pay for another condensor after only 2 years !! The check engine light has been on constantly for 2 years - the service dept at the dealer could not fix it. The defroster is not working properly. The van has been stalling. We definitely would not recommend the Kia Sedona!!

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  Best Buy for Safety, Comfort , Handling - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Retired in Midwest - April 21 - 2:56 am

  Purchased in South & drove back to Midwest. 1st city tankful @ 17 and next 3 hwy tankfuls @ 22-23 MPG. Should improve. Handling, comfort & performance exceeded expectations. Seats are firm yet supportive. One day drove 500 miles and we were not fatigued. Visibility is good. SWB is right length for grandkids. Sedona is rated "safest" minivan of all and key influence of our purchase. Price was also a leading factor. Similar sized V6 Toyota, Honda (Sienna, Pilot, RAV4) out the door in low 20s. Ours was in lower teens. Nice riding safe vehicle. Ride quality and feel better than its MSRP. Great buy w quality & warranty TBD. Now has 1,700 miles. We do a lot of driving and feel very confident.

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  The Optimal Choice for Minivan Haters - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By Park - April 20 - 9:17 am

  My wife hated wagons and minivans and swore to never drive one. Then we had our first kid and I convinced her to go with a wagon for the extra cargo room and grew to really appreciate it. So when we had our second child a few years later, the wife readily agreed to a minivan upgrade after having had seen the light. It just made sense since having to deal with multiple child seats, strollers, kid gear, and hauling parents/in-laws with a single vehicle. But since Im the primary driver on the weekends, any old minivan wouldnt do. What I really like about the Kia Sedona SX-L is the SUV-like styling (exterior, cockpit, center console), luxury accommodations (cooled seats, soft-touch surfaces, Napa leather -- something not even offered on a 3-series BMW, but available as an expensive upgrade on the 550i), safety/convenience/technology features (360 camera view with rearward turning radius, blind spot monitoring, collision warning and rear cross-traffic alerts, proximity keyless entry/start, smart lift gate), performance (strong engine with passing power, relatively nimble handling), and value (cheaper than competition with long warranty). Theres plenty of room in the third row seats for adults to boot. Weve owned it for 13-months now without any problems or reliability issues. Things we dont like: drive-by-wire throttle input delays; tiny interior conversation mirror; occasionally laggy infotainment system; difficult to move second row captains chairs; cheap-feeling plastic chair controls; Lack of steering wheel transmission paddle controls; poor visibility of blind spot indicators in bright sunlight; lack of sunglasses holders; LED "positioning lights" only come on with the headlights; and the rear suspension bounces over bumps even when fully loaded with passengers.

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  Finally an affordable, great minivan - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Don Key - April 19 - 10:00 am

  To bad it had to come from Korea. American car manufacturers could learn a lot if they checked out the overseas competition. I have researched and driven every minivan on the market including the almighty Honda and could never justify the price tags until I read about and drove the Kia Sedona. The first weekend we owned it we put 600 miles on it. The Kia drove, rode and performed beyond my expectations. Of course only time will tell how well this van holds up but with the warranty that it has, the 5 year roadside assistance plus the $7,000.00 to $10,000.00 we saved I can sleep well at night.

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  Best Budget Minivan - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By BenInKorea - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Uninformed reviews say this is SedonaÂ’s first year. It has been manufactured in Korea as the Carnival for over five years. Most kinks are gone. A lot of research went into this one. We bought a Blue 2002 EX with ABS, Moonroof, Cloth seats, and one-tone finish for $21.8K. We took it from Omaha to St Louis for a week and back and loved it the whole way.

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  Not a bad choice - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By kialover15 - March 19 - 4:53 pm

  This is such a life saver, my grandmother is handicapped, and they had to get a vehicle that could have a wheelchair lift put in it. But most of the vans were to expensive, this one was only around $17,000. It is very comfortable, great ride, quiet, and just a nice minivan. The reason I gave the gas mileage such a low rating is because in ours, we have all the extra weight in the back from the wheelchair and the lift. It is extremely heavy.

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  Sorry we bought this beast - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By erininohio - March 16 - 6:13 am

  Bought a new 06 in 07. Thought we were getting a deal.Buy van get RIO free.Still think there was something illegal about the paperwork,since we ended up with a loan on the "free" RIO.the van has not performed well at all. Headlights constantly going out.As soon as temp drops under 40 side doors freeze shut(dealership thinks Im crazy)Third row seat keeps getting caught,have to use screwdriver to unstick it.Brakes and tires shot at 20000 miles. Alignment has never been right. Airbag had to be fixed. Light still comes on. Engine light on and off all the time. They say there is nothing wrong with it,but van keeps acting like it is going to die on the road.Value is next to nothing.

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  I love my sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By fapdaddy - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt find a vehicle with as much value.

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  Happy with the van but... - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By candy_thedog - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Has anyone had a stress crack on the windshield? We are testing this warranty, and so far, the dealer says its a rock, which didnt leave a mark, and hit in just the right spot. We will see if the dealer replaces the windshield. Thus far, the van has been great. The after market DVD has worked well, but has some noise.

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  Great Mini-van - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Socal Driver - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Have had our Sedona EX for 2 weeks and my wife loves it. Compared every mini- van on the market, and except for the bad gas mileage, this was a clear winner for us. Got every option and am impressed with the overall quality of the finish, quality of the leather, smooth power, etc. 10 year warranty was a big selling point as we plan to keep the van for at least six years and the peace of mind of the long warranty is a big factor. Also felt the KIA was a little sportier than other vans, especially with the rear spoiler and sunroof. Find myself wanting to drive it a lot, and I never wanted a mini-van to start with.