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:

• 

  Service Stinks - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By David Louis2 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  After 30,000 mile service by dealer Transmission began to slip on second shift after making a left hand turn. Dealer stated it is normal for transmission to slip when aceleriting after making a left turn that it is serching for a gear.( BS ) Dealer was suposed to drain radiator and flush,then fill with new antifreez. after ariving home I checked under hood and radiator cap had never been removed,still had dust and dirt on cap with no signs of ever being removed. Was told tey drained radiator, and flushed and refilled through the reserve tank. MORE BS. I love the vehicle but hope I can find a dealer who will listen to me and fix my problems.

• 

  2004 Kia Sedona for Better or Worse - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Galeana Kia - January 3 - 10:30 am

  I have owned this Kia for over 2 years and it is a great auto to own; for the money you could not buy a better van with all the equipment on it. The gas mileage is the only problem I have had to date; I get 10 to 12 in city and 15 to 16 on highway. They say everything is ok with the car but still gas mileage doesnt lie. Other than that it is a GREAT CAR!

• 

  what I like about my van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By john bourque - December 23 - 8:46 am

  We have an EX fully loaded. We use it for long distance travel only because we take a lot of trips that are over 500 miles or more. You said gas mil. is bad, but traveling on the highway at 65 to 75 mph, we get at least 25 mpg We never really use it for city driving. What made us choose this type of van was the seats were more comfortable than other vans we tried ( we have leather) and the road side assistance / 5 year-100000 mile warranty cant be beat. Besides I think it is a better looking minivan than Honda, Dodge or Ford. It does ride heavy, but it rides smooth and is a very quiet vehicle.

• 

  NEW CAR REPLACEMENT - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By groth - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Sedona in Oct 2001 and it had an oil leak which the dealer could not fix after 5 attempts. Would you believe they gave me a new one without hesitation? Great customer service and Ill buy another when the warranty runs out!

• 

  NEW 08 LX SEDONA $16,900 - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By mark - December 15 - 10:40 pm

  You kidding me? this van rocks. Safety, roomy, has it all, drives like a champ. A new van like this for under 17k? Bought the leftover 08 with 30 miles on it. I cant understand how anyone cannot buy this van for the price. I think its BETTER than the 30k hondas etc.Lokks great, feels great, and you just feel safe and confident.

• 

  Awesome Kia Sedona - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Rasta1 - December 14 - 5:30 pm

  I traded in a sexy Maxima for a minivan and I love it. It is perfect for a family, has loads of room, is very comfortable, has great pick-up.

• 

  Love it - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Paul Erickson - December 12 - 3:46 pm

  Replaced our 1997 Grand Caravan with the 08 Sedona. Looked at the newer Chrysler mini-vans, and they are truly dreadful (thats why we kept the 97 for so long.) Thought I would have to spend $$$ for Honda or Toyota, but I am very happy with the Sedona. I have never checked fuel economy. I drive it 1 mile to the train station for commuting, otherwise use it to carry lots of people and big things. So fuel economy does not matter much for this vehicle.

• 

  The Secret is out.... - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Larry Wygant - December 12 - 10:00 am

  The price for the package you get in a Sedona ,Wow ,wait till the word gets out .This auto has plenty of power , passing ability ,driver comfort ,the visibility is great from the drivers seat and the passengers seat. Will respond when it is called to pass ,it will sprint to 100 MPH with little or no effort..Very stable on the road ,handles cross winds . Has all the features needed ,to satisfy Honda owners..

• 

  Unbeatable Value - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Derfo - December 5 - 6:33 pm

  The Kia Sedona cant be beat for its combination of value, features, and 10 yr warranty. I compared the Sedona to a fully loaded Honda Odyssey at $32,000. I paid $20,700 for my Sedona EX, including a manufacturers rebate of $3,000. I added a very nice aftermarket 11" DVD/MP3/VCD player, seat heaters and a remote starter for less than $2,000. The $10,000 difference was too much for me to justify. Most people that end up buying Kia are looking for a big warranty and big bang for the buck. I am very happy knowing that my car will be fully warrantied until it is paid off. I think todays Korean cars are right where the Japanese were in the 80s: unbeatable value, performance, and reliability.

• 

  Nice!!! - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By James Beach - November 28 - 10:05 pm

  Owned less than one month. Very happy with the car. I get 17.1 MPG city and 25 MPG in the mountains, very little highway miles at this point. Update: Six plus months now; with two great vacations. Very happy with the Kia Sedona. 28-30 HWY MPG. The middle seats kneel forward allowing for the folding raised platform I have that supports a full-size tri-fold mattress with storage underneath, push button side-doors, wonderful for camping and cargo. I am very pleased with the high quality of the Kia Sedona.