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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  Not so good after all.... - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Aaron - August 14 - 3:10 am

  My wife and I bought our Kia new in 05 with the hope that we were getting a decent vehicle...WRONG! Overall its okay. However, the rear brakes make a groaning noise that the dealer cant seem to fix. The horn works intermittently. Every so often the A/C stops working. There is not as much cargo room as I had initially hoped. Unless you are a child, getting into the back seat requires you to be a contortionist. The paint must be the lowest quality possible, it gets scratched just by looking at it. The fuel mileage isnt horrid, but you can get comparable mileage from a Suburban. Which is what we are looking into trading in for. Do yourself a favor, avoid Kia.

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  LOVE my new van....BUT...... - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By r2pnknhds - August 13 - 10:00 am

  This is our first van. I researched and researched before purchasing. I absolutely LOVE IT and you cant beat it for the price and warranty. I couldnt imagine buying the "Brand Name" vans and paying $30k+ for the stuff I have in my sedona. We just bought it a week ago, at 655 miles the engine light is on! NOT HAPPY! Have an appt for service already...never thought Id be in this position.

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  Happy and driving - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By KIA - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I shopped around and read as much as I could before buying. I looked at everything and only drove the ones I liked. The Sedona has the best looking interior of any mini-van, it has the best price and best warranty. This is a great van other than the poor gas milage and smallish space behind third seat. I drive it a lot on long freeway trips to Vegas, I always arrive fresh and never fatigued.

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  I love my Sedona - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By sedona - August 12 - 10:26 am

  When I test drove this vehicle I couldnt believe how smooth and quiet the drive was, very surprising for a minivan. The interior is very roomy and comfortable, you can stretch out and really relax. The 2nd row seating is very comfortable. I got this van because I needed more room for my grandbabies, and it really gives me the room that I needed, plus the comfort. It has a lot of power, it can get up and go when you need it to. I love it.

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  Gas guzzler - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Andrea K. - August 11 - 12:10 pm

  Bought this van used and had nothing but problems with it. Air conditioning never worked;had a tiny leak that no one could ever find. Engine missed and jerked whenever the weather was humid and cool;basically all Spring and Fall. Again, no mechanic could figure out what was wrong. Rear heat antifreeze pipe rusted and broke. Sliding doors were heavy and hard for kids to pull shut. The MPG was horrible!!!! I got 13 MPG in the city!!! This van was constantly out of alignment and the tires always wore unevenly. It just wouldnt stay in alignment no matter how many times I had it done and bought new tires. The van was a piece of junk and Im so glad to be rid of it.

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  Kia yeah right! - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By foryrord - August 8 - 10:06 am

  I will honestly say I never thought Id ever own a Kia. A minivan maybe but "no not a Kia". Well this minivan is the real deal. Lets start with Toyota and Honda, well thats if you can push your way to the front of the line at the stealership and deal with the "our way or the highway" attitude. Well I did some research and bypassed the the red dots all together and went to the local Kia dealer and test drove the Sedona LX . Bought it! Bottom of the line and still exceptional in every way. Build quality and performance are remarkable; very quiet on the highway. My only complaint so far is with the exterior its kinda bland but not ugly.

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  Worst vehicle have ever owned! - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Ryan - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Have owned the vehicle for 5 years and have had nothing but problems for 4. Back up sensors constantly malfunctioning, tires shot after hardly any miles, doors freeze shut all winter, AC has gone out twice, bushings replaced twice, ignition issues, too many problems to list. Is in the shop at least every two months. Shop plugs it into the computer, doesnt show code and they cant replicate the problem.

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  very dependable - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By lisaannbird - July 31 - 2:00 am

  van is ver practical stereo system quality is fair needs bigger wattage to roomy in side for sound

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  Where do I start? - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By shamgar - July 30 - 8:58 pm

  I am always amazed to see newer Sedonas on the road. I cant understand why anyone would buy one of them anymore. My car had so many problems during the warranty that I was one of 10 people across the U. S. to participate in a J.D. Powers interview at my local Kia dealership. Several engineers from Korea were there also to examine my car along with J.D. Powers staff. The whole thing was taped for whatever reason. Front brakes including the rotors have to be replaced every 20K. Front tires and struts, and engine mounts, ditto. Horn was replaced at least six times. A/C proportioning valve had to be replaced. Rear deck lid struts went out quickly.

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  RC - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Roger Clark - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Almost 20000 miles with no problems. I am suprised by the power which is more than enough but lots of fun for a van.