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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  CUVs are for chumps - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By ahightower - July 21 - 3:06 am

  If you need three rows of seats every day, and do not have $65K for a new Suburban, minivan is the ONLY way to go. We had downsized from 2005 Yukon XL to a 2014 Pathfinder, and that was fine for a while. But when surprise baby #4 came along, we realized the limitations of the CUV. Access to third row was a daily nuisance (constant flipping and folding of seats - easier in the Pathfinder than most of the competition, but still a thing that has to be done), and most importantly, cargo space in the way back is very limited. We took our annual Florida trip with two adults, four kids. Luggage stuffed to the gills, and a cargo platform hanging off the trailer hitch for extra capacity. We had some serious saggy butt. It handled alright, but clearly was not designed to actually carry a full load of people AND stuff. This was the trip that convinced me it was time to return the lease a bit early and get into a van. Wife wasnt quite ready to go dork mobile, but she eventually admitted if there was a really nice van than looked okay and had all the features she wanted, she would consider it. The Sedona and new Pacifica made her very short list. 3 minutes walking around the Sedona and marveling at the space and luxury finishes, and she was sold before I could even test drive. This one evidently has a bit less room behind the third row than Odyssey and Sienna, but it is downright cavernous compared to even the biggest CUVs (Chevy Traverse). And loading the baby is so much easier with sliding doors. These are all things I knew, but Mrs. Cool needed to live with her Pathfinder for a few months before coming around. We went for the SXL Tech 8-seater in dark blue - its actually a really nice looking vehicle, and not just "for a van". Ive stored away that 2nd row "jump seat" to create an aisle for two of the big to easily walk through to the third row. But I did want that 8th seat, just in case we have an extra passenger (grandma) for a long trip, or perhaps we will want to fold half of the third row to max out cargo space for beach gear next summer. And, I didnt really need the sun roofs, which we never used in the last car, and which they say compromise headroom in the third row where two of our growing young teens reside. Also didnt really care about the "lounge seats". One of them just has a baby carrier on top, and honestly theres not enough leg room back there to really utilize the "ottoman" feature for a teenager, unless he scoots all the way back and steals all the leg room from the third row. Just not something we would ever get any use out of, while the 8th seat has potential uses. Anyway, this is quite simply the most luxurious vehicle weve ever owned. The interior materials are beautiful, and I hope they are durable as well. Id prefer darker leather, but other long term tests I read say they hold up well. The gadgets are "Sofa King" cool - Ive never had many of these features before. Xenon headlights, automatic high beams (this really works!), radar cruise control (again, this actually works great - it cant do stop and go traffic, but it will take you down to about 5 mph and back up again), blind spot monitors, birds-eye-view camera for parking. I dont love the chrome wheels, although they look sharp its going to be a lot of effort for the boys to keep them clean :) The bluetooth audio doesnt seem to work with the newest iPhones, you have to plug in to USB to get any sound from your phone. Nor does it read texts as it says. Wish it was apple car play instead of UVO. But the navigation is decent. I thought Nav was stupid, since that is free on everyones phone anyway. But having it integrated into the dash is nice, and its directions on the info screen between the gauges driver side is cool. When we get the XM activated, will see how good it is at traffic. Cooled seats are a Texans best friend. Im 63" and have plenty of leg and knee room, even with the bulky baby carrier behind me, and his seat scooted forward a bit to give the third row boys some extra space. Wife is 51", so memory settings for seat and mirrors were an essential feature for us. We had the dealer install remote start, and it works fine with the factory key fob, though it will only run for 30 seconds once a door has been opened. We had been used to starting up the AC and taking our time loading groceries. Instead, you have to jump up front and hit the ignition if you want it to keep running, but thats a minor complaint. The ride is very quiet, and it really smooths out with a full load. Enough power, transmission is responsive. Steering is very light at low speeds but firms up nicely for the highway. The price was very fair, lots of features for the money. I am a little bit hesitant about Kia long term reliability in general, but we will be covered b2b for the duration of the lease, so I was willing to give it a chance. Overall, we are both very pleased with this vehicle.

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  very unhappy - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Henry - July 18 - 5:50 am

  I have driven many minivans, most drive more like a car. This one feels more like a truck. Vibration at low speeds and an engine hum all the time. Pick up isnt very good. Turning radius is very poor, but above all gas performance is extremely bad; like 13 miles to a gallon. I wish I would have paid a little more and gotten another brand.

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  Many problems in the beginning - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By lilteddy78 - July 15 - 10:00 am

  When we first recieved the van we were ok until we hit 700 miles. The check engine light came on and would not go off even with the dealer working on it. It took 6 dealer attempts to finally fix it. Then the passenger window came loose. Then the horn would not work. We finally have a working van after 4 months of having it. I am not impressed with the gas mileage. I get below 15mpg even with freeway driving. I think the highest Ive gotten was 17mpg and Im not sure how I did that. Overall nice van but would like them to improve the gas mileage!

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  Skeptical at first, not now! - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By hb4bama - July 15 - 2:23 am

  Love this car. Was a little scared to purchase a Kia, not now, I love it. Read that the fuel efficiency wasnt too good, have taken it on two trips now and averaged over 400 miles to one tank. I love this car so far. Would recommend to anyone.

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  Great Deal for The Money - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By gvtrai58 - July 9 - 6:00 pm

  I purchased a 2007 Sedona (20K miles) about 6 months ago and would do it again. I would have had to buy a 5 year old Honda or Toyota to get the price I did. I bought this thing because I heard kids prone to car sickness do well in minivans. And my 3 year old used to vomit on any trip over about 30m. Well, it worked. The kid doesnt vomit on trips anymore. The vehicle really has a nice ride to it. I am fairly impressed with this vehicle as far as value for the money. My kids call it Daddys truck and I dont really feel like telling them that its a minivan. On the other hand I am not embarrassed because I have another vehicle that is the opposite of a minivan.

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  Initial Review of 06 Sedona LX - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By akolive - July 6 - 11:23 pm

  A great driving experience. Almost too much power. I suspect that will be nice when we tow our future pop-up. It is roomy though a bit less than the Senna or Odyssey. For the price, that is OK. I think KIA needs to work on being a little more consistent with their controls. They have dials for temp control up front and push buttons for the rear, for example.

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  beutiful - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By bilybob - July 6 - 2:00 am

  PERFECT i wouldnt change a thing it drives great and great sound system great warranty greatlots of room

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  Good So Far - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By M. K. Chisholm - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Only 7800 miles on my van. Comfortable/feels solid. Steering pulls to right. Van struggles to stop due to heavy vehicle weight. I dont have ABS. Engine makes "whirring" noise...Kia mechanic said "its normal...power steering making that noise"...it is annoying, especially when vehicle is cold. Van handles good in bad weather. Removeable seats are heavy. Lots of interior room. Interior plastic scratches easily. Roof rack is cheap/weak. Hopefully this van will pass the test of time (build quality). Overall, this van performs as advertised and it appears to be the best minivan value for the dollar.

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  My Sedona - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Billyio - July 1 - 5:53 am

  Only real problem is the driver seat dowsnt go low enuff down

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  2007 Kia Sedona - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Peter Bennett - June 29 - 11:00 am

  Was aiming for Toyota Sienna but got bogged down with extras I didnt want or ask for. Also liked Kias five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and ten-year power train warranty. I also liked saving $4,000 over the Toyota/Honda version. So far we have no complaints, very satisfied.