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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  Yes to Kia! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Tawetze - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The best van weve ever bought especially in comparison to the Ford Windstar. So many features for a good price. I recommend the Kia Sedonna to anybody. You wont be dissatisfied.

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  exceptional buy - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By appassionata - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Wow, when our 2000 Chrysler Voyager began five and diming us after 40000 miles, we decided to cut our losses and trade in. The Kia was 5,000 LESS than our stripped Chrysler. I would recommend this car to ANYONE!!!

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  Great buy for your money - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Elle - April 28 - 12:43 am

  Were expecting twins next month and couldnt avoid the inevitable minivan purchase (2 carseats in a Sentra just wouldnt cut it!). My father was the one who steered me towards a Kia based soley on its reviews and warranty. I test drove all the major brands and to my surprise, the Kia stood far out in my opinion. You get a LOT for your money (especially with the rebates) and its actually comfortable to drive. Some of the vans out there seriously make you feel like youre driving a bus! I would recommend the Kia Sedona to anyone looking for a minivan, even recommend the brand to anyone just looking for a car! I was always a Nissan person, but Im glad I opened my eyes to Kia.

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  Love it so far! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By jamieay - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Paid $18,400 after rebates for my new 2003 Kia Sedona EX. Traded in a very problematic 1999 Ford Windstar. If youre looking for a new van, PLEASE go look into the Kia Sedona. Its 95% of a Sienna or Odyssey at 70% of the cost. Very comfortable, *excellent* fit and finish, good sound system, and a much more comfortable driving position than my old Windstar. To get an Odyssey at the same price, it would have to be 3 years old and have 50,000 miles on it. Transmission is extremely smooth. Each seat has its own AC/heat vents that can be directed and closed. BTW - My drivers seat also squeaked - fixed it with a thin coat of grease on the seat tracks.

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  Economical surprise - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Farm Boy - April 22 - 11:33 am

  I have had reliability and economy problems with Ford, GM, & Chrysler. Honda and Toyota are extremely expensive. Decided to try something else. We decied to go out on a limb and try the Kia. What a surprise! We love it. Good economy, handles great and more reliable than other brands I have owned. The first vehicle I have owned in years that I can drive all day and not get a back ache. And all this for $8,000 less than a comparablly equiped Honda or Toyota. I would recommend it to anyone. Any one interested in a minivan should give the Sedona a good hard look. They are great vans.

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  Great Van - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By TPoston - April 8 - 6:23 pm

  We drove a rented Sedona in 2008 to Florida. Good van for long trips and we were impressed. We kept waiting for a 2008 with a few miles on it to become available. Finally did in May and we snatched it up. Bought the van for a little over $15K with 11K miles on it. Pick up is as good as my 2006 Monte Carlo. Great ride and comfortable as I am 53". The only complaint is no MP3 jack and the stereo really needs to be better quality. Got used to RDS display on the Monte Carlo and miss it. Other than the radio, its been great for hauling my german shepherd and my toddler granddaughter. Also theres no outside temperature guage which i find odd.

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  Great Value - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Bill B - March 11 - 9:13 pm

  Steering Wheel buttons rubbing off. Bumpers withstand very little without paint chip. Typical lack of room in regular sized minivan and/or SUV

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  Kia has winner in the Sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By HappyWithSedona - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Kia Sedona EX, all options for $21,500 Everything is perfect.It drives great & is very quiet. As a service to those who are in the market for a minivan, I offer the following to consider: #1. You would have to pay $7,000 to $10,000 extra to get a comparable mini van from Honda, Toyota, Dodge … #2. The only real question mark concerns the quality and reliability of the Sedona. To put my mind at ease, I talked to 3 different Kia mechanics, from 3 different dealers, and they all said the same thing…The Sedona is the first vehicle Kia has produced that meets the Japanese in initial quality and reliability.

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  2004 kia - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By haughtt1 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  WE used this site to look for a new mini van..even though you recommended others, we found the kia to be extremely comptetive in its class.Excellent value with quality inside and out. Also the best warrenty..We could not justify spending 3-5,000$ more just to have a Honda or Toyota sitting in the garage,or getting a stripped down version of a caravan instead of a loaded sedona..Thanks

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  dont pay more for a name brand - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By dino1 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Sedona for six months now, and we love it! No problems at all.At first we were a little leary about buying a Kia, but with all the great extras you get(moonroof,cd player,power everything)then the warranty, and of course the huge savings over the other guys, we would be stupid to get anything else. Although it does use a lot of gas!