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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  Sedona: Not the quality I expected - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By badexperience - August 15 - 1:03 am

  I researched minivans for 6 months prior to buying a Sedona. I really wanted a van that would last me for several years. We purchased our van from the dealer in Feb. 2004. Our problems began about 6 months later. It started randomly locking its doors. My husband was locked out once with it running and had to run home 3 miles to get the spare key. The air conditioning would every once and awhile turn hot and the car would randomly not start. They replaced the computer chip for the locking mechanism, the alternator, and the radio (it would also randomly go on and off). I have had the vehicle serviced under warranty issues approx. 7 times since Dec 2004. I am frustrated with this vehicle.

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  Good Mini Van - 2012 Kia Sedona
  By prodriver82 - August 7 - 3:45 am

  Im not a soccer mom writing this review. After reading reviews for several mini van makers, and having a friend who just retired a Kia Rio with 346,200 miles on it, that swayed me to the Kia Sedona. Yea, its not a Honda or a Toyota. But it is a surprisingly great family ride. Im only sorry that Kia has decided to make 2012 the final year for production for the Sedona.

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  Great Buy - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Joe79 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I did so research on Vans before I bought it and this is definitly the best bang for the buck. The interior is very nice and well designed and the kids were so quiet on the trip home, it was unbelieveable

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  gas mileage - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By larry seedle - August 6 - 10:00 am

  just poor gas mileage but van is ok. they need to ork on the gas mileage. and more room in the back.

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  dont understand what this is - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Hank Bossung - July 26 - 7:30 am

  Great van. Price was good with rebates, much lower than competition. No problems with vehicle whatsoever other than having to have a windshield wiper replaced.

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  Solid vehicle, great price - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Kevin 73 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Very good min-van for the price, solid build quality. Powertrain is good, gas mileage is sub-par, could use sixteen inch wheels and tires. But overall, so far our van has been a very confortable riding reliable vehicle, especially the great deal we got on it, other dealerships want at least four to five thousand more for the same. Me and my wife are very pleased with it.

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  Never Again! Read before you buy! - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By B. Nichols - July 18 - 5:50 pm

  Like everyone else, I read the reviews before buying my 2005 Kia Sedona. Sure there were SOME bad reviews, but they were small compared to all the positive ones. Besides, it was a new vehicle year with a new design so we bought one. Here we are, just 47k short miles later. The A/C has gone out entirely (needs new $470 compressor), the engine almost dies (shudders) when you press the pedal to go. And now the check engine light has come on!! Its on its second front brake job. Whats next! I bought a 2002 GMC truck (w/13k miles) the same time and have not had a single problem with it. If you buy one, dont plan on keeping it long. Were trading this in on a new GMC!

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  Sedona Big on Comfort - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Sedona in AZ - July 18 - 8:20 am

  Performance when not in the shop this van drove and handled great but only gets 13/mpg. Serious problems with the quality of all interior materials: plastic (crumbles), carpet and cloth headliner (tear easily). I question quality of materials used on motor and other parts, within 4 years Ive replaced all the motor mounts, timing chain, transmission, CV boots and both power window motors and both sliding doors quit working. Van is really roomy inside. Front seats very comfortable, back are seats okay somewhat stiff. Seats are really heavy but easy to get in/out. Lots of headroom in this van. You do feel quite a bit of vibration through the floor from the road and it is a bit noisy inside

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  Great Car for Great Price - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By JamesJay - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a good car! We had a suburban and had to down size -- thats what we thought. Of course we gave up room, but this car made up for that in so many ways. I love the warranty. In the Suburban we were spending thousands a year to fix it -- it was a 1999 too. Now weve got a 2003 Sedona with a great warranty. After trading in the suburban, we only had to borrow a few thousand dollars for a new car. Its a great buy.

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  Great Value - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By dstan02 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  First mini van for us. Van is fun to drive. I get great gas milage at around 27 mpg.