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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  First Trip - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By MEHTXO3 - July 8 - 10:00 am

  We got the EX. Rode really nice on summer trip. Kia quality on this vehicle is good

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  I think I made a mistake - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By MaybeAMistake - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Like others - we purchased the Sedona because of the price. My wife and I have had it in the shop at least 3 times for the air conditioner. Now, the steering column makes a clunky noise. They ordered a "new steering column". Then... THEY SOLD OFF KIA - the next nearest dealer is about 90 minutes away. Im not feeling too good about the purchase. Also, the windshield cracked and cracked quickly.

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  Dont Buy a Kia - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By barb niccum - July 3 - 2:36 am

  We have owned/leased/operated 9 new cars. Most we have traded in within a few years. A few we have kept past their shelf life; but with great results. Bottom of the list? you got it. My 2002 kia sedona mini van. Purchased brand new in may 2002. Fast forward 7 short years; yes only 7 short years…to a complete and utter piece of junk. Evidently there is a ‘line’ that runs the length of the van that holds and circulates your engine coolant. Well its a very bad thing when the line rusts completely through and you leak said engine coolant. You would think that there would be light for this type of complete malfunction…but the only light is the one telling you that your motor just burned up.

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  best vehicle - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By red sox fan - June 27 - 2:00 am

  just a great vehicle

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  Very nice little minivan - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By stockey - June 26 - 1:20 pm

  Very sturdy and trouble free van, nice build quality inside compared with cheap American minivans. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By SENIOR DRIVER - June 15 - 10:00 am

  HAVE OWNED IT ONLY A FEW WEEKS. TOOK ONE ROAD TRIP. 23 MPG IN 800 MILES. IT IS WELL-MADE AND VERY QUIET. NICE PERFORMANCE WITH THE 3.5L SIX. HANDLING IS VERY GOOD.

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  60,000(miles), The Magic Number - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Rob - June 7 - 9:53 am

  We had this LX since 6/2004(15k)& only one mechanical problem before hitting 60k miles. The starter went bad and was replaced under the warranty. At 60,000 miles, however the check engine light came on and the van started driving really rough. 14 diagnostic codes fired,the crank shaft sensor went bad, causing the van to downshift while driving($550). The power steering "pump" went bad, making the van impossible to steer($800). And the mechanic says that all of the belts are on their last leg. Reading about future value of Sedonas, your best bet is to sell before 60k and run into the ground past 75k. These vans Im sure have improved quality, however this van has not held its value at all.

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  Kia forever - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By tommydriver - June 1 - 11:57 pm

  Was anti minivan until I traded in my too small baby jag for a family friendly Sedona in May 2010. Since then we jave put almost 15000 miles on it. Havent regretted buying it yet. I have used it as a cargo hauler and people hauler. Took it cross country from Illinois to California and loved driving it the whole three days. Very comfortable and roomy for the whole family, good gas mileage, and ate up the Rockies without even breathing too hard. I will be replacing this with another Kia when its time for a new vehicle. They may not be the most exciting, but theyre always the best bang for your buck.

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  Super minivan - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Dont dodge kia - June 1 - 2:00 am

  After 4 months and 8,000km we have experienced no reliability problems with the van.The only irritating things about it are that the drivers seat makes a clicking noise when breaking and that there is a lack of carge space in the back . Other than that its a great van , its very comfortable on all roads given that the suspension is 4 wheel independent , engine noise and wind and road noise are almost non existent unless you accelerate hard you hear some engine noise but its not anoying. Drives as easily as a Mazda Mpv.

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  Never buy another Kia - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By taxilady7 - May 26 - 8:54 pm

  This 06" kia Sedona was used with 70,000 miles. The first thing I had to replace was the sway bar and ended up getting it from a junk yard becasue the KIA parts are so very expensive. Then I replaced the brake pads and had a lot of trouble with scrapping noise! I finally replaced the rotors, did not help! I finally found out the rotors were worpped and it was causing the pads to go bad! DO NOT GET brake pads from any NAPA stores! They did not work on these Kias. The biggest options I have had to over come is the turn signal blubs blowing, the head light blubs continually blowing. I found out what was the problem with turn signal, the socket had to be replaced.