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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Great value on the EX - 2014 Kia Sedona
By arizonajim - May 9 - 2:58 pmWe have only had the Sedona for 2 weeks, but we really like it. It feels great, has plenty of power, and cost a lot less that the Toyota or the Honda vans. The pedals adjust for my wife, who is 5 feet tall, and she loves it. It has leather, power seat with memory, and everything I want. It has a sun roof, which I didnt want. If it missing anything, I cant imagine what it might be. It has back up camera, back up warning, blue tooth.
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great van - 2004 Kia Sedona
By michelle grube - May 8 - 10:00 amwe had the best expierience with the whole package. We went in the showroom and purchased this van and we love everything about it. We will tell everyone about lokey clearwater. thank you.
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Not Great - 2006 Kia Sedona
By cleo - May 6 - 10:23 amMy family has been driving the Sedona LX for 2 years now. With less than 30000 miles, it has been in the for power steering line problems 5 times. Finally the line was replaced. One dealership added power steering fluid 3 times (why on a brand new car with less than 6000 miles??) Problems with the rotors. Both passenger doors freeze when the temperature drops. This happens consistently, not just when the car is wet. Very aggravating trying to get 3 kids in the van in winter with doors frozen shut crawling over the front seats. Gas mileage is terrible 13-15 in the city. Due to the size of our family (3 car seats), got a minivan (reluctantly). We should have went back to an SUV
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A pleasure to drive - 2006 Kia Sedona
By Faye lloyd - May 5 - 3:06 pmThis is the second Kia Sedona that I have owned...I find that it is very reliable with no problems at all. It is a very comfortable van with lots of leg room.
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Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Kia Sedona
By Jay Thomas - May 2 - 8:33 pmI traded my 5 year old Chevy Venture for a new 2007 Kia Sedona EX with all options. I have not been disappointed. This van rides quiet and feels extremely solid on the road. Powerful and smooth. The build quality is excellent. Fit and finish are superb. Fuel economy has been much better than expected. Averaging around 20.5 MPG combined city/hwy and got 23.3 mpg on vacation this summer. Not bad when you consider 75 mph with four people and a weeks worth of luggage. Changed the oil myself. Very easy to do since the oil filter is located on the top of the engine. I highly recommend this van.
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Good Minivan,Eexcellent Value - 2002 Kia Sedona
By bluedevils - May 2 - 10:00 amInterior - quality materials, convenient, well designed, comfortable seats, upscale feel with leather. Excellent stereo. Powertrain - Responsive in spite of 4800 lb weight. Very few warranty issues. Solid, reliable, well-built vehicle. Enjoyable to drive and travel in this vehicle. Smooth and quiet. Fuel economy - we get 20 mpg overall, 22-23 highway @ 75mph, 17 mpg city. Value - outstanding value. Loaded for low $20s Features- Lacks some key features in this segment: foldaway 3rd seat, all wheel drive, power sliding doors, etc. Has some nice features that others lack: moonroof, pwr passenger seat, pwr rear windows, Homelink, etc Excellent warranty & safety ratings.
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bad quality - 2002 Kia Sedona
By richcor - May 2 - 10:00 amAfter 7,000 miles the van started to experience problems, Alternator problems,broken plastics, transmission oil leak,air conditioning(3 times), Speed meter fluctations, driver window fault and now the van is shuting down the engine while runing.In puerto Rico the warranty is 36,000 miles and now Im stock with a van that is a safety concern
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awesome truck for the money - 2005 Kia Sedona
By john botts - May 2 - 10:00 amthe sales people were great and so is the service department
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minor things but a GREAT buy! - 2002 Kia Sedona
By jase - April 30 - 2:00 amHi, Compared to other models, we saved close to $5,000 with $1,000 rebate. The main reasons that we bought Kia Sedona are the followings: Safety (5 stars!), price, and Warranty 10 year/100,00 miles! You just cant beat that. Now the test, my wife is the main driver for the van, and she just LOVES it. Now the minor negatives. Everything was ok until after 3 months there was rust right above the license plate holder. The rust was dripping down from where the bolts were. I think it was coming from the non-stainless bolts. Another thing is the dome light. The light doesnt come on when the wether is cold.
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Okay, but... - 2002 Kia Sedona
By chief503 - April 30 - 2:00 amWe bought this van new in 02, really like most features. Engine light came on and the dealer can not fix it. Through arbitration with BBB, I am receiving a new one. Factory and dealer had problems following through with their written deadlines. Selling new van when it arrives, not because of the van but because the dealer and factory are hard to work with.
