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:

• 

  Excellent car,very comfortable riding - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By charles frank - June 30 - 2:00 am

  We love our 2003 KIA Sedona Van. Went on a trip and it rode beautifully. You can feel the quality of this vehicle on the road. We averaged about 23 miles a gallon on the trip. We love all the extra conveniences built into this van. Thanks Kia for a great van and very reasonably priced. We recommend this van to all our friends and many have bought the same van especially because of the affordable price. Try it, youll love it too.

• 

  Best Mini out there period. - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Stevenkwon - June 28 - 5:00 pm

  This car is the quintessential, fully functional, total comfort and with all the bells and whistles. Guys.. and Mothers or soon to be parents... THIS IS THE BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK! Kias SEDONA Mini van stands apart from the over priced tins out there period. With a totally fully equipted one you still walk away with enough money saved or in my opion enough money for the Plasma 40" flat screen or a down payment on a cool sexy Mercedes SLK, CLK

• 

  Surprise, surprise! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Jochabar - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I looked at all the vans on the market before deciding on a Kia. Never thought I would buy a Kia but was impressed by the overall value and quality of this van. Since we bought the van I have not changed my impression a bit. The van rides great and looks good too (for a van). The interior features and quality are outstanding. Comfortable and functional, this van is hard to beat.

• 

  Solid Minivan... - 2011 Kia Sedona
  By wskrides - June 28 - 7:55 am

  Traded in an 04 Odyssey which was a reliable tank of a minivan for this 11 Sedona. Got $3K off in rebates/incentives so the deal was sweet for a minivan that doesnt have nearly the bells & whistles and frills of the new model Odyssey and Siena. But it gets the job done by transporting our 5 member family quickly & safely to where we need to go. First thousand miles have been smoooooth...

• 

  moms bus - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By sawatpv - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I have traded my mercury villager LS for this Kia Sedona ex. I love everything about it except for the blind spots and gas mileage. this van has a lot of power, very comfortable. this is wierd but I get better gas milage when I use the techron. any other gas I get poor mileage on it. thanks to edmunds I got this van for 18,000 before taxes and lic. fee!

• 

  Nice minivan! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By RoboScar - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Kia Sedona in November 2001. I did have one problem about two weeks later when the moon roof decided to open on its own. I took it back to a Kia dealership and it was repaired quickly and Ive had no other problems. Oh, the dealer who sold me the Sedona said it had anti-lock brakes and when I got mine home, it was brand new, including the wrapping paper, I found out this EX version did not have anti- lock brakes. Grrr. But, I am still happy with my Kia Sedona.

• 

  Update to original review - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Cathy - June 15 - 2:43 am

  I believe I reviewed this car back when I bought it 3 years ago. We still like it. When all of the seats are in there isnt much space, but I typically only need one of the back seats in, so we have plenty of space. Its very comfortable, even on a trip. I have heard lots of complaints about road noise and vibrations which I never notice because I am too busy listening to the radio . We have been back to the dealer a few times for for some annoying little things like broken cup holders and a seatbelt sensor that stopped working (the seat belt worked fine). We drive the van pretty hard I have replaced two tires, but brakes, spark plugs, etc. are still going strong.

• 

  So far replaced 75% of the van - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By hyundai5 - June 14 - 5:26 am

  It all started not 7 months after I purchased it with the battery, then plugs @ 15,000 miles they blamed the condition of the plugs on champion? Each 3 months it was something else, this year the entire transmission. And the 5th set of rotors 3rd set of belts 2nd ac sys. Control panel have so many claims on this van, its almost getting to be routine, like changing your oil, I like the engine but if that so much as misfires Im done with it! It has always had a problem firing upon starting, gonna have the plugs looked at again wrote them a letter, they sent me a 500.00 check, all I wanted was an extended warranty I feel I deserve that after 26 unscheduled repairs in 4 yrs!

• 

  Newly bought - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By John - June 12 - 11:53 pm

  My buying experience was the best I could expect. I have driven the car 200 miles since buying it yesterday and love the feel of the wheel and the comfort. I look forward to filling it with my family members!

• 

  2003 Kia Sedona EX - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Doug - June 12 - 2:40 pm

  The South Koreans have nearly hit a homerun with this one! Good build quality, fit-and-finish, looks, comfort, and rock solid value all make the Sedona minivan a good choice for todays families. There are just a couple of refinement issues, but they are negligible. The one thing that DOES suck, though, is the mileage. Youre doing well if you get 22 mpg on the highway, cruising at a constant speed on flat land. Trouble is, we have LOTS of hills/valleys here in Cincinnati, so mileage here tends to be awful - normally around 15 mpg in the city. The 3.5-liter V6 has plenty of power to get us up those really steep hills, but its a thirsty engine. Overall, Im pretty happy with my van.