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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  Worth what I paid! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By DC7864 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I had it just over a month with 1200 miles on it. Good van for the the price. 50% larger cargo space will really make the daily duty more functional as van. There is a background acceleration sound coming from AC pipe vibration every 3 to 5 minutes when cruising. Very annoying when driving. For such a heavy vechicle (over 4800 lb) KIA should use larger tires than 215/70R15. With full load there is only about 500 lb of safety margin. Sienna and Odyssey has over 1000 lb of margin. Only time will tell the car will worth the money for the next 5 years. I brought the van after I saw many good comment, hope everyone is right about this van.

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  Sedona on Course! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By JOrlando540 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Sedona holds road just fine Interior has lots of goodies including first aid kit under seat. Only problem is fuel consumption. On 1600 mile trip to Fla averaged 15 MPG.

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  Waiting for results - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By RF - September 6 - 12:06 am

  This is my first minivan purchase; everything else I have owned has been a car, but starting a new family persuaded me into the "Family" car. Overall, I love the van, the features, and space. Comparing it to other competitors, I found that it felt more solid and car-like than others. The price was also significantly lower for equivalent features. Theyve built a winner I think. A couple of problems that still need to be fixed though. At 1200 miles, the check engine light came on because of misfiring. Ever since then it has been back in the shop every 750 miles or so, and they still dont know what is wrong with it. Hopefully gas mileage will go up after this problem is fixed.

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  expensive repairs - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By resimc2 - August 24 - 5:16 pm

  I made a major trip ( 6000 miles back & forth & the van was wonderful).Very comfortable driving & interior. Once it crossed the 60,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty it started to have every major problem. # 1 some kind of pulley broke inside ( total cost $ 1300), then alternator ( cost $ 600), then seat belt ($ 125), then steering shaft ($ 200), then engine light ( minor issue but I didnt fix it).The plastic on the sides of the doors is kind of weak), bumpers are thin & fragile( I didnt fix it) finally a trauma to the backlight will cost $ 250 to replace. This vehicle is expensive to repair. Gas mileage is not great but not that terrible anyway.

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  Kia Sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By cbaldwin - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Excellent minivan for the money. Drives great and has adequate room for our family of 4.

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  Great for a minivan - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By acs938 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Sedona because we needed the practical family vehicle. It came fully loaded with leather seats for under $23,000. It fits the five us nicely, but is lacking in the trunk space dept. like all other minivans. It has a very smooth ride and I like the pickup and handling. Sleek style too! Used it to go on a road trip, and logged in 1200 miles within the first week, nice and comfortable.

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  2004 Kia Sedonna Review - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By P Kucharski - July 16 - 5:20 pm

  I currently have 13,000 miles on this vehicle and have had virtually no problems with it. I love the ride and functionality of this van. It is on par with any other van on the market and at a much better price.

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  high valued minivan - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By george - May 29 - 10:30 am

  I have the new Sedona Kia for 5 weeks and 1800 kms. and find it a nice van to drive around. No problems at all with quality. Gas mileage not great in city but reasonable on highway. Compared to my previous 2001 Xterra, the mileage on this Kia is a lot better. The Xtera is a lot noisier and too high to climb in and out. Love the features inside and more than enough room for my family of 5 including a baby and a toddler.

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  My other car is a Camaro SS - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By LuvMyKia - May 23 - 11:33 am

  My other cars are a 1999 Camaro SS and a 1996 Impala SS, so I am used to vehicles with power and good handling. Within its limits (it is a minvan) the Kias handling is excellent and the engine makes good power under all conditions. Amazing for a 4500 lbs minivan. My whole family loves this vehicle.

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  SMART MONEY - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By MOOCH - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I had no intention of purchasing a Kia Sedona, when visited my local dealership to trade in my 93 Villager. I had test drove many minivans and was not impressed with them including the much acclaimed Chrysler mini-vans. My Kia dealership is also a Honda dealership. They always have a good selection low mileage used vehicles. I tested a 2000 Dodge Caravan for 24 hours, I was not in the least bit impressed. The vehicle was cheap and bland. The dealership offered me a 2000 Kia Sedona demo, my wife and I were impressed with the vehicle. I could not believe that a vehicle could cost thousands of dollars less than its competitors and be superior in many ways.