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:

• 

  Had my troubles - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Can not complain too - December 13 - 6:50 pm

  I bought my Kia used and immediately, (I do mean immediately) I had catalytic converter issues. Dealer fixed it. I then experienced the "check engine" light coming on when it had rained torrentially. Since this little mystery, I have had NO problems with my van. I do heartily recommend buying an extended warranty. I do not love this van but it does get me to work and hauls my dogs.

• 

  Thanks went back to American companies - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By David - December 9 - 9:53 pm

  Driving this van felt like I was driving a bus. Fit and finish was fine no complaints there. Seating was made for smaller people. I am 61" and 300 lbs Wife like the seating and she only 52". Gas mileage was in line with a heavy vehicle s powered by underpower unit. What made the final draw for me was Kia dealership not backing the product. Had bad front rotors after 25,000 miles and it was not covered under warranty. Was told rotors and pads are my cost. Pads I could see, rotor no way. Brakes where not made for the weight of this van. Drove it across to Ford and trade it in. Good new the trade in value was 12,000. See my review on Sport Trac on what warranty is all about.

• 

  would buy again - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By two time kia owner - December 9 - 3:30 pm

  this is a good buy for anybody the price more than makes up for the missing features of the higher priced vehicles and you cant beat the warranty cause heaven knows if you need a minivan you cant afford emergency repairs easily.

• 

  1st Mini Van - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Corlisia Sims - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this van on 7/27/02 as it currently has 1300 miles on it. I have not had any problems except for a little rattle coming from the drivers side dash area. Its a great van compared to other vans Ive drove and researched. The price is great. The gas miledge is poor. I guess Im use to driving my BMW which I can go 400 miles before I have to refill compared to 200 on the Sedona LX. Hopefully this Kia will hold up. Never thought I would be buying a Kia use to BMWs, Toyotas. But when I saw the KIA SEDONA I know I had to get it based on the price and the standard features!!

• 

  Excellent Value - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Washington - November 30 - 10:00 am

  We love the Van - its a great volue and after one month would consider buying another KIA Vehicle. We spent a month reviewing the Honda, Toyota and Mazda vans and found them to be as much at $10,000 more in price. So the seats fold down in the back and the sliding doors have auto windows. - this was not worth the difference in price. The van has a lot of power the 3.5L engine moves in a heart beat and with 7 adults it can move. KIA has the best value and van in the market. The warrantees are excellent. I recommend a Buy!

• 

  great milage/great value - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By smulvey - November 30 - 10:00 am

  my 10th new car, best i ever bought. paid 21,000 with tax and still saved $ 4000 from cost of dodge van with v6. tires are heavy duty, 44 PSI rated. WIth 42 PSI i am getting 20 mpg with air conditioning on, even when stuck in traffic jams! would reccommend to anyone that wants a safe ,fun, long term relationship. last van was 1999 GMC Safari. Kia is far more comfortable and just as powerful.

• 

  Traded in an F150 King Ranch for the Sedona - 2011 Kia Sedona
  By tomerikac - November 29 - 5:06 am

  Thats right. My wifes 2002 Kia Sedona was starting to get a little old in the tooth. But instead of trading it in on the 2011, I decided to trade in my 2006 King Ranch for it. Hey, the King Ranch was beautiful, but the Sedona gets 10 more mpg, hauls the kids AND the groceries and doesnt cost so much to maintain (tires, repairs, etc.) So she drives the new Sedona (safer and more dependable than the 02) and I carpool in the old Sedona. The o02 had a $1000 repair (AC) a few months back, but that has been the only repair in over 9 years. My wife LOVES the 2011...the kids too!!!

• 

  DO NOT BUY! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By buc - November 26 - 2:46 am

  What a piece of @#$%! We bought the vehicle for $25,000 and had $13,000 in warranty work done on it. It was in the shop over 60 days.

• 

  Great Van - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Jean Kihl - November 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a great van for the money. The features on it are excellent. The comfort & realiability are awesome.

• 

  KIA, A Great Buy, A Great Van - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Lady Catherine - November 25 - 10:00 am

  We love our mini van. It has everything we wanted and the price was fantastic. There are just us two "old folks", but we both certainly enjoy driving this auto. The layout of the van is great for carrying all our grandchildren around with us, and for toting groceries and all our other purchases. And so many great features!!