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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  piece of junk - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By opencarry - March 8 - 9:06 pm

  Bought it in 08 with 15k on the odometer.... 3-4 sets of brake pads pr year, Throttle positioning sensor replaced, Camshaft positionong sensor replaced, power steering pump dissintegrated, ac compressor..shot, timing belt, L front strut..toast, unable to maintain allignment, 5 sets of tires up front, gas mileage sux!!! 13mpg - 18mpg., underpowered, delayed gear shifting, 4 sets of headlights, power seats malfunction, front bearings, seizure of R front wheel. Aaand regular maintenance costs. We are a fam of 7. demand are high but the vehicle has been maintained. All was well untill 75k. After that, should have dumped it.... never again.

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  Go for it ! - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By jmankowski - March 7 - 5:20 am

  Been driven a year and not been to the shop!

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  Kia Sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By TBbeck10 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Nothing too fancy, but reliable and a good value.

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  Much better than expected. - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By quinn3 - March 3 - 10:35 pm

  I bought it used in 2007 with about 12k miles on. It has been an amazing ride. Great acceleration and braking. I can get the middle seats out easy and the rear seats fold into the floor to fit a 4 x 8 piece of wood in there. It also held it value very good. Im looking to buy another one but dont like the 24k price tag and its hard to find a used one with only 12k or so miles on it.

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  Beware of faulty brakes - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Unhappy Kia owner - March 2 - 1:13 pm

  Within a few months of buying our Sedona we began having brake problems. The brakes would grind when stopping. We took it to be repaired and they fixed it at no charge. The same problem happened again within a short time and the brakes had to be replaced for a second time. We read on the internet that the brakes were too small for the weight of the vehicle. This was a design flaw. A third time we had to take the van in for brake repairs and this time the dealership told us that they had a brake kit that would permanently fix the problem. They put in the new brakes but since the van had 50,000 miles on it they made us pay over $400.00 to finally fix the problem. We are furious about this!!

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  Great Van but where is the 25 MPG - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By trove - February 27 - 8:23 pm

  We love the van but the best mileage we have gotten is 19.1 on a level road. We average about 16 MPG which is almost the same as we get with our Avalanche. Our old Grand Voyager would average over 17 MPG and get almost 23 MPG on a trip. Comfort is excellent but the second row seats are a little tall for an adult as a taller person will hit their head on the roof. A couple of minor problems but the dealer bent over backwards to make them right. All in all an excellent value for the money. We would put this side by side with any minivan made. Also dont forget this has the highest safety rating on any minivan made.

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  Suprisingly Competeitive - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By falsesmall - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This van definitely competes with the upper classmen in this field and would do so even at a higher price. I would guess this is the best car for the money bar none. Loaded with standard features, handles well for a van, very peppy and quiet engine accompanied by a smooth shifting transmission. Looks good in and out. Would not hesitate to buy this car again.

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  jose99 - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Jose99 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased our Sedona EX back in November I am concerned about the locking mechanisms of the Van. We brought the vehicle back to the dealership one week after we purchased . one of the storage compartments will not close. Now i have to wait 2 weeks or more to get the parts in I am not happy with the dealer at all this is a new car and should be fixed on the spot

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  PROUD KIA SEDONA OWNER - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Cheryl Johnson - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I AM SO PROUD OF MY SEDONA. I FEEL AS IF I KNOW A SECRECT THAT THE OWNERS OF WINDSTARS, CARAVANS AND OTHER MINI VANS DONT. YOU CAN OWN A QUALITY PRODUCT AND NOT HAVE TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF EXTRA DOLLARS TO GET IT. MY SEDONA IS CLASSY, SPORTY, ROOMY AND RIDES LIKE A DREAM. THE BEST PART IS YOU DONT SEE THEM AT EVERY STOP LIGHT. I FEEL PROUD TO BE DIFFERENT. I LOVE MY KIA!!!

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  Great Van, Great value - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By acher - February 11 - 4:03 pm

  Purchased a new Kia Sedona ex with all the bells and whistles. The more I drive the Sedona the more I love it. Jd power rates the quality better than Honda Odyssey. Ive done a lot of research before I purchased the Kia. You are not going to find a better van which is safer, great value for the dollar than the Sedona. Plus the sports triptronic transmission is a nice feature. The Sedona also puts out 250 horse power, giving it a lot of power for a minivan. Gas mileage is on par with toy/Honda. The interior is very nice in leather with the heated seats, dvd player, sunroof, automatic door opener, abs, ets system, 5 star crash rating and the list goes on. Plus a great 10 yr warranty.