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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  Exceeded Expectations - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Dave W - July 22 - 8:28 pm

  At 26K now and continue to be very pleased. Very good performance for a mini van. Enjoy the comfort, room, and features. One warranty repair to the brakes at 11K, otherwise just routine maintenance.

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  Brand New! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By CUL8R - July 16 - 10:00 am

  After test driving the Toyota, Honda and KIA, talking with all the dealerships, researching, and seeing the reviews on this site, in my AAA magazine and Consumer Reports Auto Issue,we were convinced to try the KIA, especially with the warranty they have and the safety rating.We got a fully loaded EX for only $21,000 total- everything.We could only hope for 1/4 of the items we wanted/needed on a Toyota and Honda at $22K.Weve had our Kia for less than a full week, but I love it and am glad we made the decision to buy it. The 3.5L/V6 engine is snappy(its only a 3.0 on the Toyota ya know),its quiet, comfortable, and smooth.So far,so good.

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  Long Distance Machine - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By K Kelly - June 23 - 10:00 am

  We love driving long distances in our van. We have made several trips from NY to FL and have been sastisfied with its performance in all road conditions. It carries a large load while mainting an excellent ride. Gas mileage doesnt vary much traveling with a load at high speeds. One of its greatest features is that it burns regular gas. Service has been excellent at Atlantic Auto Mall. Prior to this car, we drove Ford Taurus wagons for more than 15 years.

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  Nice Van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Thomas - June 23 - 10:00 am

  This van has been a great vehicle.

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  Great Kia - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Dan - June 21 - 6:10 pm

  We bought this van to replace our 1997 Nissan Quest and this van surpasses the Nissan by a very large margin. We like everything about this van aside from the fact that the gas mileage is not up to par. But that is because of the extra weight but I will gladly sacrifice a little mpg for the safety in rain snow and windy conditions.

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  Outstanding van for a low price. - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By superpowter - June 21 - 6:56 am

  Great car, comfort and performance all together, smooth ride, had a couple of issues with sensors they were fixed by my dealership for free (got a 60K miles warranty on a pre-owned car). This is my second sedona LX 2006, I bought in less than one year.

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  Great Buy - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Bill G - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I must admit I was leary about buying a KIA but I must say I am very pleased with my vehicle to date. Ive only had Sedona EX one month so far and have put on 1200 miles but his has been superb. The mpg is low...Im averaging about 19-20 city but what minivans or SUVs get great mpg anyway? The mpg has to do with the vehicle weight [on average a 1,000lbs heavier than other vans] and I am more than willing to sacrifice paying a few more $ on gas than give up a 5 Star saftey rating. I did a lot of reasearch on mini vans and this is by far the best value IMHO.

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  Great minivan. - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By YY - June 16 - 6:47 am

  We have been very impressed. Ride is excellent. Handles like a car. Looks as good as a SUV. We had a 2012 Honda Odyssey Elite previously (lease). This Sedona SX is better. Ride is better. More tech inside. Definitely enjoying the surround view camera, the vented seats, the automatic high beam (useful when driving on a mountain road not having to worry about flipping the lights when paying attention to the curves). These are features not available on another 8 seater minivan currently. Also we like the fact that Kia comes with a much more reasonable warranty. Honda and Toyota both has only 3 year 36K mile warranty - this is low in the industry. And ... to those who says Honda and Toyota dont break ... guess again ... they do! Our 2012 Honda Odyssey had transmission problem - fortunately just before the warranty is up. That is the reason we are not keep it beyond our lease. Very glad with our 2016 Kia Sedona SX right now (8 passenger tech package). The only grip I have is: why Kia doesnt make a 8 seater loaded and with the panaramic sunroof? Our $40K Sedona is loaded - but has no sunroof? Fortunately my wife hates the Sun and does not like to have sunroof. I on the other hand would wish that being available as an option. The SXL comes only in 7 seat. Why? Otherwise we would have bought a SXL. Update: Apparently the SXL comes in 8 seat now. Wish we had known about that. Vehicle still running great. We had been very happy about the purchase. Drives better than our prior 2012 Honda Odyssey with a more upscale interior. I am also happy to read that Kia now has better reliability than Honda according to a 2016 Consumer Reports article.

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  Our Best Car Ever - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By J. G. Capron - May 25 - 9:13 am

  We are thrilled with the Kia. Plenty of power when needed, and exceptional handling. Very comfortable seating and plenty of cupholders and storage space. A wonderful car for us and our dogs.

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  BEST VAN I EVER DROVE - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By HYUNG KIM - May 22 - 2:00 am

  THE SMOOTHEST CAR I EVER DROVE AND BETTER THEN JAPANESE VANS.