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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  Pass on Kia - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By usdiver123 - October 7 - 6:16 pm

  We chose the Sedona due to the warranty. I just didnt know how much we would have to use it. This bucket of junk has been in the shop on average once every 5 months. The Korean made tires have dry-rotted after less than three years of ownership. The gas mileage is horrible. Stay away form KIA.

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  Worse Van Ever Had!! VERY COSTLY!! - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By ftwcowgirl76 - June 23 - 6:56 am

  Wrote previous review praising van. Now want to shoot it! 89,000 miles and 4 sets of brakes in two years. Solenoid replaced, check engine light due to recall for exterior lighting/brake lights/switch. That was fixed. Check engine light comes on again along with oil light. Before could stop and check oil, van starts dying. Got oil in it & it starts making loud noise. Now finding out that timing belt went out & probably destroyed motor. If motor destroyed, then will be letting it just go back. Not interested in continuing to pay on something not reliable and that costly to maintain. Have to pay $100 deductible every time I take it in for anything covered under the warranty or recalled.

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  Dont Do It - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Unhappy buyer - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle because of the price & now know I would have been WAY better off to pay more for a better brand. A/C has been fixed 2 times & it took 3 trips to dealer to diagnose bad evaporator. It made horrible noises & needed a crank shaft pulley replaced. Also, the windshield cracked with no sign of impact...another complaint Ive seen in other reviews. Worst of all, it has begun to rust. It was repaired once & now is rusting again in another spot. When I called Kia to request help getting rid of my lemon, they told me to use the state lemon law...in other words, they wouldnt do anything on their own, it had to be legally.

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  Security is mostly a superstition - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By hoodwinked - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car for 18 months it has been in the shop for cracked windshield, new radiator fan, new cat converter, blown speakers, lose passenger floorboard... IT has never been fixed when promised. I was verbaly attacked by my service manager for a negative review of service (go figure)the first 30k service is $600.00 the spark plugs last only 30k and cost $25.00 each. Next time its Honda or Toyota

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  Do not rely on 2015 Kia Sedona Brochure - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By jbrucelee - May 10 - 8:25 pm

  I leased 2015 Sedona EX Premium Package based on the information in regards to features and options shown on the brochure I picked up on the dealer in mid-January. At the night I picked up the car to home, I found out that there was no 110v inverter and no Drive Memory Seat. It is clearly shown on the brochure that 110v inverter is the standard features on EX trim and Drive Memory Seat is included in EX Premium Package. You can still see on the downloadable brochure from Kia’s website at http://www.kia.com/us/en/forms/brochurerequest/sedona/2015. Kia said no fault on them because window sticker is the one I had to rely, but the sticker doesnt show all. This is Fraud.

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  Worth the savings?? - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By DomesticDog - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Price over all else was the the deciding factor in this purchase. The moment we drove the van off the dealer lot the "check engine" light was on. After three trips and three weeks in their service department, the problem was fixed.There have been other problems as well including: Oil leaks, intermittent A/C clutch noise, loose rear-view mirror and numerous squeeks and rattles (nine months of ownership and six trips to the service department). I would gladly add $50-$100 to my monthly payment to be driving a Honda or Toyota. remember, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!.

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  Shake Rattle and Roll - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By john schuler - April 14 - 9:58 pm

  Between the highway noise and the rattling it is the worse car we have ever owned. We owned it for a little over a year and put on 17 K miles (mostly highway miles.) Went to trade it in at a Kia dealer and lost over $15K in value. Was looking to trade back to a Sorento which we had and traded in for this vehicle. As far as options goes it has it all. Would never own another Sedona.

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  Disappointed Consumer - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Lisa Grimmer - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had my sedona 2 years, and I have had to take it back in 6 times for repairs. 3 times were for check engine light, which is still not repaired. Both of the sliding doors had to have the rollers replaced, and the passenger side mirror is stuck. All of the repairs have been under the warranty, but what happens when the warranty ends?

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  Awful Gas Mileage - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Buckeyes97 - February 20 - 8:50 am

  First and foremost, I want to address the horrible fuel mileage issues with this van. EPA says 18/25 city and highway. I am averaging no better than 18.2 MPG on highway trips. I could have bought the more pricey and more refined Honda Odyssey when considering the cost of fuel for this Kia. Im gathering that the Honda van is getting almost 10 MPG more on the highway. Wow! Im almost sick. That said, the vehicle seems ok otherwise. I am sure it soars above anything GM, Ford, or Chrysler would produce. It does have an air leak somewhere on the passenger side that is somewhat noisy. It also has a noisy ride which I do not thing is totally due to the cheap Hankook tires.

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  Kia Lemon - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Sheila Rice - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased one of the first off the assembly line and have hated it every day since. This vehicle has been nothing but problems since the beginning. I would not recommend even my worst enemy to purchase a Kia!