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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  Watch out Kia Motors does not honor warranty - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Chris Brady - November 27 - 5:36 pm

  From the beginning, this van consumed oil excessively. Kia dealers refused to address the problem. Not a lot of space for groceries. Internal pieces are cheap and they fall off.

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  Kis is Worth its Price - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Carlos Valle - November 6 - 11:26 am

  The AC compressor has already been replaced once and the dealership and Kia know its defective because of its coil. The noises inside the van are ridiculous when driving through uneven surfaces. When test driving, make sure you take rough roads to drive on. Once the plastic coverings of the inside of the van are taken off, the feel and interior noise increases dramatically.

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  Very poor reliability - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Lori - November 4 - 11:36 am

  I bought the 2003 Kia Sedona in November 2003 and was happy with the interior specs it provided. Other than that, I have been very unhappy with this car. It has been in the dealership service department on an average of every 4-5 months since I bought it. Beware of this car! Below is a list of the problems I have had. Thank goodness they have a good warranty. I will get rid of this car as soon as the warranty runs out. Problems: speedometer broke; back heater did not work; rear defrost strips peeled off; rear power outlets did not work; alternator went; battery was replaced; front defrost broken; power steering went; power driver seat broken; fuse box cover broken; remote entry sloppy.

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  BIG MISTAKE TO BUY - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By BWRS88 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  AFTER 9 TRIPS TO THE DEALER IN 16 MONTHS, IVE GIVEN UP AND IM GETTING RID OF THIS PIECE OF JUNK. I DONT KNOW WHAT IS WORSE, THE DEALER OR THE CAR. 4 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED IT, IVE HAD NOTHING BUT CONSTANT PROBLEMS STARTING WITH THE A/C NOT WORKING TWICE, STRESS CRACK IN WINDSHIELD, TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT,COOLING SYSTEM, DRIVER SEAT COMING LOOSE. NEED I SAY MORE!

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  Great Buy And Full of Value And Safety - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Douglas lower - October 28 - 1:00 am

  I previously owned a 2006 Sedona and loved it. I traded it in on a 2008 Dodge Gr Caravan SXT. I was very unhappy. I purchased a new 2008 Sedona LX w/rear DVD system. It comes very well equipped in LX trim. Extended wheelbase is the one to choose over the short. Safety features are the best in the industry. I would prefer power seats, but it was not worth the extra money of the EX. The powertrain is fantastic, powerful and smooth. It possesses confident handling. Braking is excellent. I chose Midnight Black w/Beige interior, the interior color is very soothing to look at. My 2006 was White w/Grey. I became tired of the grey w/the grey skies of Seattle. I love all the room, especially the headroom. PLEASING !

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  Very Disappointed! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Leslie - October 26 - 2:03 pm

  Our 04 Kia Sedona has been reliable for the most part. We have had a few major problems with the air conditioning. The size of this van is very small and is not a 7 passenger van but more of a 6 passenger van. I cant fit all my groceries in the back cargo space. 13 mpg is not acceptable. The third row and second row seats are very hard to remove. The driver and passenger seats and head rests are very uncomfortable.

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  My Kia - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By KayJac - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Great mini van! Low price with high perks and a great warrenty.

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  Great vehicle for the money - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By fancypnts4 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a great van. 5 Star safety crash test rating and you can get one fully loaded for less than the stripped down model costs for the others. Cornering is not the best, but other than that, this minivan is great!

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  Great Budget Van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Wild One - October 24 - 10:00 am

  If needing a new car with more room and are on tight budget this is the car for you. If rides and drives nice. For the money you can not beat it. Comfortable to drive and ride in. My child who just turned one hated riding in the car, since we have purchased the van he loves it and we have been to IN and back to MD.

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  More than expected - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Jeff733 - October 19 - 11:56 am

  Why buy one of those Japanese brands, when you have equal quality, less the damage to your checking acct. This car has blown my wife and I away (plus 2 kids). We traded 04 xterra and are pleased with our decision. We have a fully loaded EX, Black, leather int, ALL packages. We went to see it and were surprised at the luxury the Sedona has; the standards and extras were bonus. I cant imagine what car an negative reviewers drove, but this car is mostly quiet, smooth, and Fast! The sports mode, "stick-shift", adds to the fun! plenty of room, great visibility, great handling. Very nice! why bother with the Japanese high priced vans?