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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  Crash Test - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Chris Chappell - July 9 - 1:16 am

  My wife and I bought a 2005 Sedona that has 16,500 miles on May 21. Three days later while driving home from work I had an accident. A lady in a Lexus pulled in front of me and I slammed into her going approximately 50mph. After recovering from the initial shock of it all, I got out and found, to my surprise, very little damage to our van. The lexus was totaled. The van sustained damage to the front end and radiator, but had no intrusion into the engine. I was also very pleased with my lack of any serious injury, an air bag burn to my hand was all that happened. And now I have become a believer in the Sedona and its high crash rating.

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  New Kia Customer - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By ChuckT - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Have about 700 miles on our new Sedona and are very pleased. The price was unbeatable. Only problems so far are a low "moaning" noise on occasion when AC is on and the motor is idling, and the remote lock system sometimes requires shutting one or two doors several times before getting an "all shut" signal. Have yet to return to the dealer to have these looked after.

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  Has been great for us - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Deanne - July 3 - 2:56 pm

  We love our Kia Sedona van. It handles well and is very comfortable...granted it has a bunch of bells and whistles. We have had relatively few problems and if I were to purchase a van again...it would be a Sedona. The gas mileage in town is not great but I like it on the highway. I especially like the tire monitoring system, the back seat folding down, the back windows able to go down and how much power I feel I have versus our Grand Caravan we had prior to this.

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  NOT a good minivan option - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Jesse R - July 1 - 10:16 pm

  First warning if you are researching here: The only reason the average rating for this van is 8.0 is because the vast majority of the ratings are from 02 and 03. That said, I bought my Sedona about 1 year ago, with 50k miles. I am trading it in for an 07 Town & Country. Why? 1. Alternator died 2. bearings and axle on passenger side died 3. Tension pulley for serpentine belt fell off 4. Tranny is beginning to shift wierd (see other ecent reviews about the tranny issues with Sedonas) 5. Several squeaks and rattles that drive me nuts. 6. sticky difficult sliding doors Overall, I cannot own it any longer as I do not trust that it will serve any better than it has in the first year.

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  MY 2001 KIA SEDONA LX - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By LAM THANG - July 1 - 10:00 am

  HAD PROBLEM WITH PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR WEATHER STRIPPING. AIR CONDITION PROBLEM. VAN VIBRATES WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 70 MILE. IT STUMBLES ONCE A WHILE WHEN GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON INDICATES PROBLEM WITH SYSTEM. BRAKES SQUEAK WHEN VAN IS SLOWING DOWN TO COMPLETE STOP. WIPER BLADES WORN OUT. GAS MILE PER GALLON. HARSH RIDE.

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  Fabulous vehicle - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Peter - June 28 - 1:20 pm

  Had for over one year, two huge road trips. On 12,000 mile trip at the moment. Getting 24.5 mpg. Looked at Pacifica, didnt like. Turning circle much better on Sedona, didnt like transmission knob. Sedona can be shifted manually, was great in the Colorado mountains last week. Sedona looks and operates more like a SUV than a minivan. Zero problems. Update January 2018: The Sedona still has not had one problem. It has nearly 29,000 trouble-free miles, and has averaged 23.9 mpg in all types of driving. For some reason car reviews knock the Sedona for bad mileage. Lead foot maybe? Normal driving gets excellent mileage. Plus its quick. Car and Driver clocked it at 7.4 seconds 0-60. I had an upscale 2015 SUV as my last car and it didnt handle as well as the Sedona, was less comfortable, had much less cargo space, had poorer visibility, and on and on. To me, the minivan makes a lot more sense than an SUV -- unless you plan to go off-road, which few people do. There are other good minivans to buy, but I wouldnt trade my Sedona for any of them. Plus, it has the best warranty in the car business. Easy decision, at least for me.

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  Purchased used 2 years ago and already vechilce needs work on engine - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By lyns2 - June 23 - 8:42 am

  I purchased this van 2003 Kia Sodona 2 years ago and right after I paid it off the engine had problems it has blown head gaskets and will cost me $2200.00 to get back on the road.

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  Satisfied With My Sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Huffman - June 13 - 10:00 am

  My Sedona is a 2002,purchased new.It currently has 9456 miles on it.I did have a problem within the first month of purchase.The alternator failed and the dealer had no replacement in stock.My vehicle was in the shop about a week waiting for parts.They finally took an alternator from one on the lot and replaced it.I have had no more problems with this vehicle.Im satisfied.

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  Kia Sedona - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By coastie13 - June 3 - 4:36 pm

  I find everything Ive wanted in a minivan. Someone really listened to what the owners were looking for in a van. I would and have highly recommended the car to all! And as a bonus the price is right.

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  great van - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By T windham - June 1 - 6:43 pm

  Great van for the price. I like the room, the storage, and the overall fill when driving. We were able to get the DVD system, however I had to give up some of the other things I had in my other van (NOT A KIA).