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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  2012 Sedona - 2012 Kia Sedona
  By 2012sedona - June 30 - 7:22 pm

  We traded our 2011 Soul for this Sedona. The soul was a great little car but it was difficult for us to get in and out especially with artificial knees. We absolutely love our Sedona, we have the power package on it which gives you a lot of extras. We average round about driving 23-24 mpg. Not as good as the soul but it sure is a lot easier to get in and out of. The engine is very powerful and will throw you in the back seat if you kick the gas. It has a six speed transmission and we dont even feel it shift. At seventy mph it runs around 1600-1700 rpms. That in itself saves the engine greatly over times. With GM, and Ford quit making vans you only have a very few choices. Love it.

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  much better than expected - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Richard Henry - June 28 - 10:06 am

  Very powerful engine and good five speed automatic with manual option. Comfortable for seven and the most safety features of any van. Averaging 21 mpg on mixed driving. Great price and financing, compared to other vans.

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  Great vehicle, better then my Honda - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By The Tanner Family - June 15 - 4:40 pm

  I love this vehicle. It has the best crash rating out of all of the minivans. I love how it handles. The warranty is by far the best. It comes with all of the bells and whistles as the other minivans, But a little cheaper. Gas mileage is great. I have 5 kids, so the ease of getting in and out is amazing. I had a Honda for many years, and I like this vehicle better. I love Kia.

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  We love ours - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Kris - June 11 - 8:53 am

  Except for the low miles per gallon, we like our Sedona. We were in a minor wreck and because it is quite a sturdy van, you can barely tell. We used to have a Ford Windstar, and in that particular wreck, we would have seen a lot of crumpling. For the low price, this is an excellent choice.

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  Sedone Saved Our Lives! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By chosen4worship - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I were traveling to New Hampshire from Pennsylvania and were bumped off the road by a tractor trailer hauling a flatbed full of lumber! Our Sedona was up to the challenge, and took the blow from the steel of the flatbed extremely well. We also took out 60 feet of guardrail, and though the exterior was obviously smashed, the engine actually kept running for a short while--long enough for us to move the car to safety. It was totaled, and were going out to buy another Sedona!

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  Less Is More - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By tuckerm83 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our 2004 Sedonna for 3 months, and couldnt be happier! Its by far the most van for the money out there! We originally started looking for used vans (Grand Caravan or something along those lines), but found that a used one in good condition was about the same as the Sedonna new. It handles suprisingly well, has good pickup , and is very comfortable. If youre going to get a Sedonna, getting the EX model with is definitely worth the extra $$$!

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  One of the best autos I have ever owned - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Dave - May 23 - 2:58 am

  I bought this used in 2008 it had 47000 mile on it. The dealer gave me a lifetime repair on drive train I also bought a extended service plan. Fuel millage is 25 in town 36 highway performance is unbelievable. I own a garage at 98000 I had to replace a belt idler and front struts and the extended repair plan paid me to repair it. We now have 177000 on it and I have replace the spark plugs and did many oil change and trans service 4 sets of brakes and tires I change at 40,000 so my wife is safe. This is the most trouble free auto I have ever had except for a Ford truck I just sole at 730,000 mile and a 86 Ford truck I put 3 engine in and it is now 1.5 million miles it has been used to tow race trucks since I bought it in 1996. This KIA is right there with these 2 trucks except the Kia is a lot better on fuel and ride witch it should be. When this one were out we will buy another Kia now doubt.

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  Plenty of room - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By bigbootiejudy - May 21 - 2:46 pm

  My husband told me I could NOT have a KIA, I went ahead and test drove it and took it to his work. I showed it to him and he was surprised that it was a KIA. We bought it and love it. I traded in a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan for this Sedona (more room). The only thing Ive had issues with is the side doors, sometimes they wont open all the way, but Ill get that fixed and itll be all good. I love this van and all my friends do too. Its great if you have children and like to travel, the rear seats fold ALL the way down. I personally think its better than my moms Montana. Check ya later, soccer moms.

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  A great 1st Minivan - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By sirjohn113 - May 10 - 12:43 am

  This is a great first minivan. With our 2nd child arriving we had to get a bigger vehicle. We priced out other minivans & they all came up way out of our budget except this one. This van is affordable & within reach of the average family. With the standard features & price, made it a great buy! Its comfortable & our family loves it. Im sure you can find more refined & luxurious minivans out there, but for more money! It drives great, its fairly powerful, & comfortable on long trips. Plus the long warranty & 5 star rating from the NHTSA makes it an exceptional value. Dont rely too much on Consumer Reports or auto enthusiasts reviews, take the opinion from someone who owns one.

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  Great Fun for a minivan - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By DnK - April 29 - 10:43 am

  I bought the 2005 and only months later had to get another. I got the 2006 and have not been more pleased.