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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  Best minivan that i have ever EVER owned - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By leefarm - October 31 - 10:00 am

  this is the best van that i have ever owned . i like everything about it , but it could hvae a little bigger gass tank or beettter fuel mileage. all in all this is the best . and the price is great for all the options.

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  amazing vehicle; equal to any Japanese - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By curtis forbes - October 27 - 12:26 pm

  Nice to drive, solid, quiet and with more features than my Denali. A real bargain that thankfully hasnt caught on enough to increase the price. Easily worth thousands more than the asking price.

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  Kia Mini Van - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By streamer54 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I drove my dodge mini-van for 163,00+ miles. It was time for a new one, but you just could not beat the price of the Kia and I still got all the bells and whistles I wanted.

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  Outstanding! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By hoyahenry - October 21 - 8:23 am

  When the deal fell through at Honda, I researched and discovered the Kia and an extra $7K discovered my wallet! Std features are: fog lgts, tranny cooler, long wrnty, cd/cass, pwr front seats, rr window controls in the rr front, 4 glove boxes plus cd storage. The missing minivan items are: power rear doors, (magic) seat, entertainment system, traction control. For those who think $10K is better to have than such "features", I unequivocally recommend a test drive.

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  Nice Van! - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Richard and Margie - October 18 - 4:20 pm

  We are a retired couple and were planning to purchase a van as a utilitarian vehicle to haul stuff from home improvement stores, pull a trailer, and take our grandkids to various events. We also owned a 1998 Toyota Avalon that we planned to keep for longer trips and as our "going out" car. We spent nearly six months comparing vans on this website and on safecarguide, and then driving them. Safety and value were very important to us. We decided to purchase a new Kia Sedona. Not only did it cost less than some late model used vans at Carmax, but the warranty and roadside assistance gave us assurance that the manufacturer was standing behind the sale.

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  2006 Kia Sedona LX - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Wyndham23 Graham - October 11 - 5:10 pm

  Review by Wyndham 23, age 14. I find that the new Sedona is a huge step up from the previous models. The ride is comfortable and smooth and it handles like a car rather than a van. The 244 horsepower V6 engine gives it a nice boost. The design is highly similar to the Honda Odyssey but far cheaper and has an excellent warranty. All of the seats recline and it features tri-zone climate control. There is comfortable seating for seven with plenty of room. The 3rd row folds flat into the floor easily. The Sedona is sure to lead the competition against the Chevy Uplander and the Dodge Caravan, both who dont feature nearly as much comfort, power or reliability as this great vehicle.

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  Trip Car - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Colorado Mountaineer - October 4 - 10:00 am

  We selected the Kia over other makes result of maintenance reviews. Our 2008 Sedona has 39,000 ( used)is a great van with plenty of space and lots of comfort for our family. Took road trip of 3.000 traveled wonderful. 25 mpg on road. Easy to drive and plenty of pep. The seats are very adjustable with good support. Lots of storage in cabin and rear of two back seats. Air and heat in compartment very good and door windows give lots of air inside.

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  Reliable soldier - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Laszlo Pocsi - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I owned my Sedona since new in 2006, has over 60k miles in it. Mine has been a trooper. Its a typical minivan - cavernous, comfortable, safe, practical. It is the top of the line model with leather, DVD player, back-up radar, etc. I towed heavy things with it, I packed it chock full of stuff and/or people many times, and it performed great. The safety rating is top-notch, which was a huge selling point for me. Gas mileage is not great by at around 17.3 mpg its OK for a big vehicle. We had to replace the audio under warranty, one bulb went out in 6 years, other than just scheduled service. Its a bit noisier than I like, but I love it. Better yet, my kids love it. The power doors are great!

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  love it - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Ron - September 26 - 8:03 am

  Many more standard items and features than the higher priced competition. The only option we got was the power doors and tailgate, everything else we wanted was standard equipment. Love the warranty, where are the other manufacturers? Dont they have confidence in their product?

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  2016 KIA SEDONA EX rules the roost. - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Dave - September 22 - 9:49 pm

  This is our first experience of what was called a mini van, but what now is called a MPV, ( multi purpose vehicle ). We only considered the safer MPVs, Honda, Toyota and KIA, the others were considered too much of a health hazard to their passengers. All 3 we tested drove very well, the KIA Sedona just has had a firmer, more confident driving experience. The fuel economy of the Honda was the best of the bunch, but was let down by the poor access to the 3 row seating, very dated interior, and the price would be considerably more to get some the basic standard features of the KIA. So our choice was between the Toyota and the KIA in the end. The Toyota is good, just dash board looks and feels, if come from a different generation in the past, and price for a similar spec was nearly $5000 more than the KIA. The Sedona just has a modern design, inside and out, taken the best features of some the others, and made them better still, then backed by a ten year warranty, became a easy choice.