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 every penny - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By ML - October 14 - 3:16 pm

  My wife and I have owned a Voyager and a Caravan. From the start it was one problem after another. We made the decision to try the newly remodeled Sedona. It has been by far the best minivan we have owned. The ride is very nice and the interior is roomy and very comfortable. What you get for the price beats anything out there in my opinion.

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  So Sad Sedona - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By familyof7 - October 12 - 5:53 am

  We bought the Sedona with only 14 miles on it hoping it would be a vehicle to depend on should my husband ever get deployed. Lo and behold I was moving home from NC to UT and it died at highway speeds just before Albuquerque NM. Weird I thought for a van that only has 17000 miles on it. Turned off the key turned it back on drove a mile or two and again...it died. I about got hit by several semi trucks that travel the I-40 west. This is not a reliable vehicle. It was towed three times before they found the problem and that was because we sat at the dealership and told them how to fix it. They replaced four blown fuses, fixed a throttle cable recall, and ended up replacing computer.

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  Best bye buck for buck - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Richard Knowles - October 9 - 2:36 am

  I think Kia went the extra mile on there Sedona. Every avalable space inside has a purpose with three glove compartments and a safe, cup holders ,C D holder,etc.With the V6- 5 speed this van has plenty of power.Handles very well in the snow and has a passing gear at 60 miles per hour that you still have power to pass on the highway.The only thing Kia could do better for this van is to inprove the gas mileage.

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  Outstanding Van for an Outstanding Price - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By GVGiant - October 8 - 12:03 am

  I purchased the Sedona mostly because of price - it already was at the top end of what I could afford. But having at least comparison shopped the other vans, and having driven it now for a few months, you will not do better at any price. The look of the new Chrysler is downright repulsive, and you have to spend thousands of dollars extra to get the only competitive powertrain of the bunch. The Toyota is priced hopelessly high, the Nissan has given too many people trouble, and our local Honda dealers do not have good reputations. But even without all of that, there is nothing this van lacks. It gets far better mileage than my last one as well. Maybe THE best value in the industry.

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  Not worth the money - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Beach_Baby - October 6 - 4:53 pm

  Of course a new van is gonna be nice and not have problems, but after a year the transmission was making noise and not performing well. Than 4 years later, the power steering pumb and something else is out, tranny is bad and motor acts up. Only has 32,xxx miles and should be running great! It doesnt. It was the main transportation for my handicap grandmother, who now has to relay on finding other people to take her places like her doctors apt! The van sits in the street broke down, and we still owe $3,000 on it. Cant trade it in, cause we owe more than its worth. Quilfys for a Clunker, but we ow money. So we are stuck with this piece of junk KIA. Never get another one!

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  Johns Folly - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Gorda - September 27 - 3:26 pm

  Overall this vehicle is fun and functional. I opted for base model without all options. I wanted the flat floor and cargo capacity. I normally dont carry more than one or two adults. I love the heavy duty tires 225x70x16 and six bolt wheels. Will carry a fantastic load. Very fast.

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  Cautiously Optimistic - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Smitty113 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought the Sedona EX, loaded, about a month ago. So far, we love the van. We researched mini vans for approximately four weeks, looking at most models. Our final three were Honda, Kia and Chevy (due to supplier discount). We ultimately decided on the Kia because of options included at a reasonable price, the great exterior look with the two-tone paint, the safety rating and the warranty. Other than the lack of gas milage, we think the van is great so far. The Sedona is about as sporty as a mini van can get with the two-tone paint and the rear spoiler.

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  Spotty quality. - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By njw1224 - September 20 - 12:36 am

  Terrible gas mileage - about 12 city, 16 or 17 highway. Eats front end tires quickly due to the heavy weight. At 49,000 miles Ive already gone through 2.5 sets of 60,000 mile tires on the front. Ive had to have the front brakes worked on twice, already replacing the brake rotors - not covered in warranty. A/C isnt very cold anymore, and the engine (or tranny?) is getting very noisy at only 49,000 miles. Im expecting something to go wrong within the year. Also - BEWARE - make sure you do all of the required servicing at the required mileage intervals or your warranty may be void. Check with dealer. There are a number of services that need performed at various intervals.

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  its a keeper - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By arhowell - September 19 - 3:06 am

  I have to say I love this van. It drives great, it has a lot of pick up and go and it looks great. This is my third van I owned and my favorite. I had a Ford before and a 2004 Kia Sedona. This model is so much better than the older one by far. Im keeping this one for a long time

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  2nd Sedona owned, love it - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By James Hancock - September 16 - 7:10 pm

  On board GPS would be nice. Have to move up to top price model to get it.