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:

• 

  good stuff - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Tominator - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Kia dealers were great, no hassle, right to the point. Service is fast, and done properly. Treated the way most buyers dream of being treated after making such a major purchase.

• 

  Good value but horrible fuel economy - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Tom in Houston - March 25 - 8:43 am

  This is a functional, well-designed, comfortable, and generally good- handling minivan. Its also a great value compared to Toyota and Honda. But the fuel economy really sucks. Im averaging 13.5 MPG overall (mostly city driving). Thats way worse than the 98 Grand Voyager it replaced. I might as well have bought a Tahoe or Expedition, which look cooler and are just as big. Also, Im on my 3rd battery in three years. Hmmm.

• 

  KIA is surprising! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By GGCOASTIE - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We have been looking at Minivans for about 2 months and have done our research and test drives. If you want to spend way to much money you can go buy another VAN. If you like spending your money wisely, than I would go test drive the KIA Sedona. This packs a punch with its 5 Star Safety rating and Rear Top and Floor Vents all around the van. All I have to say is that they are packing a punch with this van. I walked out the door with paying $17,000 for a 2004 Vehicle that has a unbelievable warranty.

• 

  I Love My Sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By D&S Blau - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Extremely comfortable van to drive and ride in as a passenger...Very quiet, handles very well in windy driving conditions...Has great acceleration...

• 

  Kianator - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Mike Rodriguez - March 19 - 2:00 am

  After my first two minivans both of which were Dodge Caravans, I was impressed with the KIA. Our first van, a 1995 Caravan Sport was needed when our twins were born. 2004 brings new requirements for family and fun. Looked at all of them and I focused on the Dodge again. I looked at the KIA for the first time and was impressed. I kept returning to the Dodge dealer to compare the two. The KIA kept drawing me back due to its quality of build, drive, and safety. In the end, when fairly compared the KIA is the best comparison for features and when the price is factored it, there is no better buy on the market.

• 

  We like our Kia - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By CT. rockman - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought ours 8/2002. Has 43,000 miles on it. In snow and bad weather the additional weight makes for better traction than our lighter Chrysler Van. Down side is the 15 -18 mpg around town. However, it does get 20/21 on road. Up side is that it is one tough van and the safety ratings more than make up for mpg for us.

• 

  Kia Sedona needs help - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By flmarijack@aol.com - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My Kia Sedona is excellant in design, engineering and convienance. Quality of components, fuel ecomony, exterior finish, and service are terrible. The interior panels rate are poor on impact resistance. The paint finish is full of orange . City is 14 mpg, Buckboard riding tires and an ear piercing noise from the rear air that Kia cannot fix. Complaints to corporate Kia landing on closed ears. I have entered this van for the "lemon law" program. I made a mistake buying this van. If you are thinking of buying this van, I suggest buyer beware

• 

  love it even with the problems - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By danielle - March 18 - 9:33 am

  I love the van but it had a vibration from new. Many parts later at 56,000 km Im getting a new transmission, which is what my husband had said it was from the day we drove it home. Ive been paying $590 per month for a vibrating tranny klunker. Other than that its comfortable with tons of room for my 4 kids.

• 

  2003 Sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By kialover - March 17 - 8:36 am

  This last October, we bought a Kia Sedona in place of our totaled 02 Rio Cinco. We wanted something a little easier to get in and out of, so we chose this van. It is a great van, smooth riding, good visibility. The gas mileage is moderate, we have gotten 17 mpg, every time with city highway mix. But we did get 13 mpg once. But that is when winter attacked and we let the van warm up for about 15 min every morn. Plus there was no highway on that tank of gas. There is one thing that we need to get fixed, and the dealership cant seem to figure out what it is. There is a weird fan spirt noise every once and a while and it revved up. Only happens in about 40 - 70 mph. It is a mystery noise.

• 

  Love my sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By rufus - March 9 - 10:00 am

  It is a great van at a reasonable price. Engine has lots of power, great pickup. Lots of extras are included. I have had it for two years without any problems.