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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  Better than a Sienna - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Laz - January 18 - 4:06 am

  We recently had an accident in our 2004 Toyota Sienna and got a new minivan. The Sedona was a top contender because of its excellent safety ratings, outstanding warranty and value. So far great experience, I like it better than our Sienna. It has plenty of room all around, seems very solidly built (no problems so far, the Sienna had problems right away), offers a decent driving experience (hey, its a minivan) and was a terrific value. Not only $4,000 cheaper than the Sienna but fully loaded and 0% financing. There are a few issues, some inherent in minivans, some are just minor annoyances, but overall a great family vehicle. If you are on the market for a van make sure you check it out.

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  oh no! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By shugar - January 18 - 2:00 am

  i have had stalling problems from start. to meet requirements for lemon law, i had to wait. won case, but was awarded another kia, to cost me an additional $7,000.00. even thou i cant afford this, it is being imposed on me or i need to go thru other channels. dealership lied and manipulated and manufacturer is not fair to deal with either. would not buy another, even thou i actually like the van!

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  Great Deal - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Moms Taxi - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Kia for 3 weeks but I love driving it. It handles great and getting the kids in & out is a breeze. Plus, we got a great deal on a fully loaded EX. The leather & wood trim make me feel as if Im driving a more expensive mini-van but at a bargain price. Also, by purchasing in March Im getting the "3 year free maintenance" which is oil changes, etc for 36 mos.

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  KIA SEDONOA EX - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By thompson - January 11 - 10:00 am

  so far we have not found one thing that we do not like about the SEDONA, its braking is exceptional on wet pavement,the EX is sharp inside and outside. It has proved to be an excellent choice for a disabled person, with all the hand pulls and extra power outlets in back. the removable seats, we are VERY pleased with the choice we made. the price and the gas milage doesnt hurt a bit either.

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  My vans better than your van! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By mysedona - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Cant believe that anyone would pay more money for a Chrysler, Honda, or Ford minivan.Have had my Kia since July, put on over 6,000 miles.My friends who drive Lexuses are envious! Drives like a dream, very pwrfl A/C and heater.Great sndsystm, very comfy seats etc.The Kia didnt offer a DVD systm at time I bought mine.For about $1200 we had screens inst. in the headrests, a dvd player inst. under the driver seat, cordless headsets for the back put in using infrared sensor.I can control the systm from the front with our hand- held cntrl.We get the luxury of driving a Kia, having a sunroof, and a dvd system and I paid less than I could of with any other minivan!

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  Best Van For The Money - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By bonnie - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Its everything the research says. It lacks a few of the gadgets that the more upmarket minivans have, but it has everything you truly need. The engine is remarkably smooth, the ride very good, the build quality much nicer than expected. And you simply cannot top the warranty! I dont know why anyone would buy anything else.

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  moms sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By dan - December 30 - 2:00 am

  My mom loves the van to death, first she had a chrysler town and country that was a 1999 she paid more for that van than she did for the sedona. The ride, performance and also the longgevity of the vehicle is going to be much greater. The reason I say that because My mom had the chrysler van for 1 year and the trans went out. Then again about 30,000 miles later thats when she decided to trade that thing in on a sedona van. No problems what so ever and she is 100% satisfied about the van. Knowing that the van is 5 Star rated even makes it more fun to drive.

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  2003 Sedona Lx - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Mike2222 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Only had it a few weeks, but so far its a great vehicle and its fun to drive. Great price, nice rebate, good looks, crash test leader...Only negative is the poor gas mileage, when the sticker says 15 town 18 highway thats what it means! No more no less!

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  The Perfect Minivan? - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Gabriel - December 20 - 2:23 pm

  After spending 2 months researching and test driving minivans, we bought the 2006 LX Sedona. It is far superior to the outgoing model. It has everything you could need in a modern minivan. The excellent standard safety equipment was a major factor in our decision. The engine is strong and fuel efficient. The minivan has a firm, but not harsh, ride that makes it feel nimble and handles like a much smaller vehicle. The interior materials are very good and only slightly less than Toyota or Honda. Great value at $23,665, that is $3K-5K less than Toyota/Honda. Ill put the $3K-5K into my kids college fund instead. Simply a must for anyone shopping for a minivan.

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  Sedona EX Gas Monster - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Edgar Torres - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this van with the only problem being the horrible gas mileage.