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:

• 

  Great Deal - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By jamesh - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I am a new owner so I cannot say much about the vehicle other than the great value that I got in this purchase. I purchased an EX model fully loaded and paid $21K. All the other vans I looked at were all $30K+ for the same features. And on top of it all the 10 year warranty.

• 

  We Love our Sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By SheriO - September 17 - 10:00 am

  The Sedona is everything and more then we thought it would be. I cannot believe all the features is has for the price. The ride is unbelievable. I am afraid of getting a speeding ticket, it just flies when you drive it and it is so smooth. I would not hesitate to look at other KIAs when I need another vehicle.

• 

  Awesome! - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By John - September 12 - 4:50 am

  We wnet from an entry level SUV to the Sedona. NO COMPARISON! The Sedona was less to purchase and MUCH more in comfort. It is roomy with a number of great features. Such as the power seats, ability to remove seats and haul "stuff", leg room, captains seats in second row and a very quiet ride!

• 

  Consumers Beware! - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Consumers Beware!!!! - September 3 - 6:36 pm

  My van has a thumping noise caused from the struts. What bothers me the most is that Sedona vans have been known to have this problem since 2002. Had I known this I would have driven right by this dealership on the day I bought my van. Now, I am stuck. Kia is aware of this noise and has established it as an "irritant noise" and not a safety issue; therefore, at this time nothing can be done until Kia develops a replacement part (which will be covered by warranty, given the warranty does not expire before the part is invented). Great van -- if you dont mind a brand new vehicle that makes a thumping noise. Before you buy a Sedona do your research -- talk with other Sedona owners.

• 

  Dealer Good, Van Lousy - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Doug Smith - August 30 - 5:20 pm

  We have had numerous repairs for our 2002 Kia Sedona EX. However, the dealer has been great about doing all repairs under the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. Sometimes repair work is slow, but the dealer always tries, and never charges anything. Biggest problems with the car are bad gas mileage (but the heavy weight makes it a nice interstate cruiser) and weak A/C. Strange problem we have had is bad transmissions. Would not go in reverse at all, two repairs with rebuilt KIA trannys did not work, but the ultimate new KIA tranny at 40,000 seemed to work. However, we are having the knocking again now, at 50,000, so we may be up for another tranny. Great dealer, lousy vehicle.

• 

  Cant Beat The Price! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By slapshot - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Sedona now for about 3 months and we LOVE it! No one else can hold a candle to Kia in what you get for the price. Other vans are thousands more, and they nickel and dime you on options. My biggest concern, of course, will be reliability and ongoing quality of materials. That said, interior and exterior finishes seem solid and well thought out. We hope that our Kia will be with us for a long time to come!

• 

  2010 Sedona Brakes - 2010 Kia Sedona
  By kia2010owner - August 24 - 3:52 pm

  The rotors on my Sedona 2010 always stress on a downgrade. The whole system vibrates and sounds like it will fail. Car has less than 35,000. Dealer told me it is the way I drive. I live on flat land with little or no traffic to stress system. One "Goodwill Warranty" machined front brake 7/7 and rear brake 6/6. Within 3 months I had to drive the same grade...huge vibration. Immediately took car to dealer...Insisted I needed to replace all rotors (approx $500.)..Took to my local brake specialist...$70.00 ..machined left front rotor...pads good. Did not need to replace rotors. Again 6 months later brakes vibrate on a downhill grade. Anyone else experiencing this?

• 

  Worth the price ! - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Phil533 - August 24 - 6:40 am

  We now own two 2008 Kia Sedonas and you cant beat them for the price and value. My relatives own Honda Odysseys and while they are slightly better mini vans, I dont feel they are worth the price difference. The Sedonas are fun to drive, are loaded with safety features and a great value for the money. My only question will be long term reliability.

• 

  Very good buy for the money - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By wade0 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  A well built mini van, waited too long for a Honda, so decided on the EX with all the options for under $24K on the road. Thought I could have gotten a better deal but what the heck. The dealership seems to be on my side as far as any work to be done (a couple scrapes to be taken care of) so well see what happens there. The van rides great otherwise, hope the warranty holds true. One question? Can I get some other place to change the oil without warranty problems? The salesamn told me I had to use Kia filters.

• 

  Only had it a month ... - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By dheff - August 16 - 7:33 am

  But I love it. Great value minivan. No ego, no flash, but its great for the kids and groceries. A little slow to blow hot air on cold mornings, and the turning radius is ridiculously wide. Other than that, no complaints. Purchased Dec. 2005 with 9k miles for $14,500. DVD, sunroof, EX model with ABS.