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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  Pass on Kia - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By usdiver123 - October 7 - 6:16 pm

  We chose the Sedona due to the warranty. I just didnt know how much we would have to use it. This bucket of junk has been in the shop on average once every 5 months. The Korean made tires have dry-rotted after less than three years of ownership. The gas mileage is horrible. Stay away form KIA.

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  great - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By whelgedalen - October 4 - 2:44 am

  bought new in 2002, even though i try not to buy the first model year for any vehicle. my mileage has been a consistent 28 mpg hwy with 6 large people and luggage. plenty of power.

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  First-timer for a van and Kia - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By DavisFamily - October 1 - 9:10 pm

  We bought the Kia because of the 5-star rating. We liked many of the features and loved the way it handle. It was more affordable than any other van we had researched and offered more than enough comfort and safety for our family. However, this being our first van, we are still undecided if we would purchase another Kia. Its interior design is questionable-like the hazard button-it took me forever to figure out how to change the radio and climate without hitting it with the side of my hand. The back seat has a middle seatbelt that comes out of the ceiling and doesnt fit anyone right that uses it. And whats up with the conversation mirror-everyone is so tiny its of no use!

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  fun fun fun - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By big rob - October 1 - 10:00 am

  looked at other vans and found that the sedona was close anough to the other name brand vans. liked the extra features that come standard on the ex. anti lock brakes are a must!!! have enjoyed this van very much. have a great ride.

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  Save $$$ and enjoy the ride! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By ubgood - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Well I went to the cheapest Van, as I was told by the missleading Ads (dodge) but did find out after looking at the numbers that the KIA van is better, cheaper, and yes, I can enjoy the saving, therefore more vacations money! $21500 for everything, compare with $31000, your choice!

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  Buy a Kia and save $20,000! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Christian-S - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Between the 0% financing, not having to spend $1000.00 to purchase an extended warranty, and the difference in price compared to the Honda Odyessy ($30,000.00) I figured I saved about $20,000.00. Everyong can talk trash about the Kia Sedona if they want but so far so good. The professional reviews dont do it justice. Its got plenty of power, lots of room, numerous creature comforts, and is thousands less than the competition. The only thing I would change on this vehicle is the funky way the rear seats fold out of the way. Its a secure method but just flaky. Other than that its a bargain.

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  Entertainer - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By keydriver - September 28 - 12:00 am

  I have had my Sedona only 6 months and so far it has been almost perfect. I have no kids, but often carry music equipment. It was easy to remove the back seats to give me extra room. The driver seat adjustments have made it very comfortable to drive. I had a minor accident last month and rented a smaller, sportier hatchback while my van was in the shop, and couldnt wait to get my Sedona back, not just for the room, but for the comfort and the way it handles. My only concern right now is the fuel mileage which is probably due to the weight of the van coupled with the size of the engine, but the price, warranty, features, handling and comfort make up for that.

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  Buy this van, save thousands, be happy. - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Mrodz - September 22 - 11:10 am

  Great van, period. Not just for the price. Nicely designed. Gets frequent second looks. Great acceleration for a van. Feels powerful, yet smooth.

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  Best Minivan weve owned - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By CAS - September 18 - 11:46 pm

  This thing really moves. The double power sliding doors, and the stow and go seating has been awesome. We bought ours with 58k miles, and weve put on 11k. So far not a hint of troubles. Weve had a five vans in our child raising years, and this one blows the others out of the water.

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  Dangerous Vehicle - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Joe - September 16 - 6:16 am

  I have owned my 2006 Sedona LX for just over 2.5 years (45,000 miles). Approximately, 14 months ago, at 22,000 miles, the car started sporadically dieing while driving. The acceleration/speed would completely go out. This has happened twice while driving on the freeway and four times in total. Fortunately, no one has been injured. Each time I take the vehicle to the dealership and they assure me it is fixed. However, the problem keeps recurring. Kia Motors has done little to address this other than to claim they have fixed it just to send my family and I out to break down again. Kia obviously has little concern for consumer safety and no sense of business ethics.