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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  So far so good - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By scott - June 25 - 11:43 pm

  Currently have 2500 miles and not one complaint. Drives better than our previous 2003 Odessey and 10K less. KIA/Hyundai is challenging overpriced Hondas and Toyota who are living on undeserved reputations and ripoff dealers. This is not the KIA of 5/10 years ago. Dont be afraid to buy. Shes a little thirty with that powerful engine and all the room, but if want great mileage, buy a small Mazda 5 or something similar.

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  Awesome Van - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By austincarguy - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Not only is thsi van fun to drive, good looking and powerful - it is one of teh safest minivans made! I am VERY happy having bought this Van, and am having LOTS of fun with it! I iwsh it were a little more fuel efficient, but then I may not be able to tow. LOVE my Kia Sedona!

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  Have had problems with my Kia Sedona LX - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By R.J. - June 15 - 1:06 am

  Yes the Kia is very comfortable and has lots of nice gadgets, the kia does drive well and gains speed pretty quickly, aside from that I have had more of a headache with it then what it is worth: I have had to take my KIA in 3 times already within 2 months time. The power sliding doors do not open so I have to manually pull them open, my Kia will start only when IT wants to! First I was told it was the junction box that needed to be replaced and now it is supposedly the "body control module" that now needs to be replaced. As a mother with four children I am very busy with school, sports, work, etc. I absolutely need a reliable form of transportation this van is NOT reliable!

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  Disappointed - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Brian - June 14 - 10:20 am

  I am disappointed with the 2004 Kia Sedona. Very poor gas mileage, about 12 mpg in town. Quality is poor. Rear hatch has a clunk sound when opening and the windows have the same when when closing. The bench seat in the middle is a big hassle. Dealer said the middle and rear seats are interchangeable which they are not. I will not buy another Kia.

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  Love my Kia Sedona - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By jsieghart - June 6 - 4:43 pm

  I purchased my 2005 Kia Sedona a month ago and have just been more than pleased with the vehicle. My first priority was that it was safe and it received 5-star safety ratings. My next concern was affordability. I couldnt even touch a comparable mini-van for what Im paying for my Kia. Overall, I am thrilled!

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  2002 EX - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By DBP - June 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 EX with a $1000 rebate.The rebate made this deal to tempting. The Sedona rides well and has a ton of creature comforts. Everything from auto head-lights to power seats. The LX is nice too but the EX had to many extras for a small difference in price.

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  Great Van - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By daniel - June 4 - 5:46 pm

  My wife and I looked at almost every van on the market and for the money the Kia was by far the best performing, best handling, best riding van out of them all. The Sienna had a few options the Kia did not that we liked but it was not worth the extra money. We also have been averaging 18 MPG with the constant stop and go with the A/C system running and I really like the torque the Kia has. Very happy with the purchase, never thought I would go with a Korean made vehicle but they did it right on this one.

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  Gas - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By carpooler - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage is horrible. The controls above the dashboard have no illumination at night so are hard to see. You dont know if you are opening the sunroof or the rear side window. The seats are removable but are extremely heavy to take in or out. I as a female could easily remove the seats in our previous Pontiac Transport, but cannot do it alone or at all with the Kia.

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  New Owner - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By atm - May 20 - 10:00 am

  After several trips to different dealers we finally bought a Sedona. With only 300 miles on the vehicle it is a joy to drive. Weve had several other mini vans, and so far this is the only one I cant wait to get in to drive.

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  please warn your friends not to buy - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By poor and angry - May 13 - 10:33 pm

  As I pass off my paid off and still under warranty Sedona on trade in, I feel the need to warn low income people not to buy one used. We have had so many problems with the Sedona. Please trust the negative reviews (many of the positive ones were written with too few miles on the van). It may seem like a good deal for your family, but you will not be able to afford to repair it. For example, our harmonic balancer fell off the crank shaft and shredded 3 drive belts, the A/C was serviced 4 times in one summer, an engine cylinder blew, etc. Buy yourself a RELIABLE car and squeeze the kids in. You will not have transportation within a few months if you buy a used Sedona.