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:
Showing 441 through 450 of 1,046.00-
NEW 08 LX SEDONA $16,900 - 2008 Kia Sedona
By mark - December 15 - 10:40 pmYou kidding me? this van rocks. Safety, roomy, has it all, drives like a champ. A new van like this for under 17k? Bought the leftover 08 with 30 miles on it. I cant understand how anyone cannot buy this van for the price. I think its BETTER than the 30k hondas etc.Lokks great, feels great, and you just feel safe and confident.
-
Awesome Kia Sedona - 2007 Kia Sedona
By Rasta1 - December 14 - 5:30 pmI traded in a sexy Maxima for a minivan and I love it. It is perfect for a family, has loads of room, is very comfortable, has great pick-up.
-
Love it - 2008 Kia Sedona
By Paul Erickson - December 12 - 3:46 pmReplaced our 1997 Grand Caravan with the 08 Sedona. Looked at the newer Chrysler mini-vans, and they are truly dreadful (thats why we kept the 97 for so long.) Thought I would have to spend $$$ for Honda or Toyota, but I am very happy with the Sedona. I have never checked fuel economy. I drive it 1 mile to the train station for commuting, otherwise use it to carry lots of people and big things. So fuel economy does not matter much for this vehicle.
-
The Secret is out.... - 2003 Kia Sedona
By Larry Wygant - December 12 - 10:00 amThe price for the package you get in a Sedona ,Wow ,wait till the word gets out .This auto has plenty of power , passing ability ,driver comfort ,the visibility is great from the drivers seat and the passengers seat. Will respond when it is called to pass ,it will sprint to 100 MPH with little or no effort..Very stable on the road ,handles cross winds . Has all the features needed ,to satisfy Honda owners..
-
Unbeatable Value - 2004 Kia Sedona
By Derfo - December 5 - 6:33 pmThe Kia Sedona cant be beat for its combination of value, features, and 10 yr warranty. I compared the Sedona to a fully loaded Honda Odyssey at $32,000. I paid $20,700 for my Sedona EX, including a manufacturers rebate of $3,000. I added a very nice aftermarket 11" DVD/MP3/VCD player, seat heaters and a remote starter for less than $2,000. The $10,000 difference was too much for me to justify. Most people that end up buying Kia are looking for a big warranty and big bang for the buck. I am very happy knowing that my car will be fully warrantied until it is paid off. I think todays Korean cars are right where the Japanese were in the 80s: unbeatable value, performance, and reliability.
-
Nice!!! - 2016 Kia Sedona
By James Beach - November 28 - 10:05 pmOwned less than one month. Very happy with the car. I get 17.1 MPG city and 25 MPG in the mountains, very little highway miles at this point. Update: Six plus months now; with two great vacations. Very happy with the Kia Sedona. 28-30 HWY MPG. The middle seats kneel forward allowing for the folding raised platform I have that supports a full-size tri-fold mattress with storage underneath, push button side-doors, wonderful for camping and cargo. I am very pleased with the high quality of the Kia Sedona.
-
Great Buy And Full of Value And Safety - 2008 Kia Sedona
By Douglas lower - October 28 - 1:00 amI previously owned a 2006 Sedona and loved it. I traded it in on a 2008 Dodge Gr Caravan SXT. I was very unhappy. I purchased a new 2008 Sedona LX w/rear DVD system. It comes very well equipped in LX trim. Extended wheelbase is the one to choose over the short. Safety features are the best in the industry. I would prefer power seats, but it was not worth the extra money of the EX. The powertrain is fantastic, powerful and smooth. It possesses confident handling. Braking is excellent. I chose Midnight Black w/Beige interior, the interior color is very soothing to look at. My 2006 was White w/Grey. I became tired of the grey w/the grey skies of Seattle. I love all the room, especially the headroom. PLEASING !
-
Great vehicle for the money - 2003 Kia Sedona
By fancypnts4 - October 24 - 10:00 amOverall, this is a great van. 5 Star safety crash test rating and you can get one fully loaded for less than the stripped down model costs for the others. Cornering is not the best, but other than that, this minivan is great!
-
Great Budget Van - 2003 Kia Sedona
By Wild One - October 24 - 10:00 amIf needing a new car with more room and are on tight budget this is the car for you. If rides and drives nice. For the money you can not beat it. Comfortable to drive and ride in. My child who just turned one hated riding in the car, since we have purchased the van he loves it and we have been to IN and back to MD.
-
More than expected - 2008 Kia Sedona
By Jeff733 - October 19 - 11:56 amWhy buy one of those Japanese brands, when you have equal quality, less the damage to your checking acct. This car has blown my wife and I away (plus 2 kids). We traded 04 xterra and are pleased with our decision. We have a fully loaded EX, Black, leather int, ALL packages. We went to see it and were surprised at the luxury the Sedona has; the standards and extras were bonus. I cant imagine what car an negative reviewers drove, but this car is mostly quiet, smooth, and Fast! The sports mode, "stick-shift", adds to the fun! plenty of room, great visibility, great handling. Very nice! why bother with the Japanese high priced vans?
