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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My Sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
By john eppich - September 3 - 2:00 amPurchased my Sedona the Saturday before Christmas, currently have 8450 miles with no problems. Great ride and plenty of power. Why pay 6 or 7 thousand dollars more for another brand of van? All kinds of goodies for your buck. My EX listed for 22,456 was able to buy for 21,500. Also runs on regular unleaded, unlike some of the others. Highly recommended!
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A BIG JOKE - 2003 Kia Sedona
By WOW - September 2 - 2:00 amAll I can say is I spent over 20 grand for the biggest piece of junk I have ever owned. Three sets of Rotors, power steering pump, rack, AC, heater, door handles, ball joints, and all the junky plastic interior. Of course I cant leave out the fact that to change 6 spark plugs it took me 6 hours to do so. Either that or pay a mechanic $800.00 bucks to do it since the back three are practically inaccessable Oh and one more thing. Metal anti freeze lines from front to back rusted out. Im thinking some type of plastic lies would be to easy to use. Bottom line is they knew what kinda junk they were building so we as consumers would have to rely on the incompitent mechanics at the dealerships
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Could this be a GREAT minivan? - 2002 Kia Sedona
By pgstein - August 28 - 10:00 amAn interesting vehicle. Very heavy, and drives smoothly and comfortably as befits a heavy. Gas mileage suffers a bit as a result (a real 20). Drivetrain is outstandingly smooth and powerful - surprisingly so. 195 horses and a FIVE speed automatic contribute to that. ABS brakes feel a bit spongy but work fine. Handling is quite neutral, with pronounced torque steer only when accelerating hard. Interior is well laid out and comfortable and only a bit cramped for very big drivers. Its an enormous amount of van for the money.
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Great Van for the $$ - 2007 Kia Sedona
By PhillyJohn - August 26 - 10:33 am07 EX with power package (power sliding doors $ liftgate.) We initially wanted an Odessey, but after driving both we went with the Kia becuase of the warranty and price, (A similarly equipped honda was $7K more.)and couldnt be happier. Its has a powerful V6 with a smooth shifting trans and handles well for the weight of the vehicle.(4600lbs.) Fuel economy is outstanding on the highway (24-28 mpg)though it suffers in city driving. 14-17 depending on traffic) I wish we would have opted for the DVD system for the kids. This is a great family vehicle! The only complaint I have is at 20000 miles it has developed a few rattles in the back.
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Unbeatable Value - 2004 Kia Sedona
By garyb - August 25 - 10:00 amFeatures, warranty, and price got us to look at Sedona. Test drive, nice interior and exterior design, quality materials, and excellent build quality sealed the deal. Nothing else comes close when price is considered.
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car good, factory? sleazy option packages - 2012 Kia Sedona
By buzzk - August 24 - 4:39 pmwe drove several of these til the dealer came up with the colors my wife wanted; on a blustery crosswind day, we compared Sedona to the 4 & 6 cylinder Siennas & the Oddysy in a 6+ mile run on I-70 & a winding, hilly no-shoulder 2-lane. the Sedona & Toyotas were very good & close, the Honda conspicuously less controllable in the twistys & harder to keep in a straight line in freeway crosswinds. We now have 20k on the car & changed to a decent tire-Cooper CS4 at 15k. Drives beautifully. OTOH the autolock/unlock is an idiotic security nightmare, hoodlums will love it, you are a sitting duck when you park
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do not buy - 2003 Kia Sedona
By kia sedona - August 21 - 4:03 amCheap for the money but costly when repairs are needed. After warranty is out vehicle will fall apart.
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Could not have wished for a better minivan!!!! - 2016 Kia Sedona
By CK - July 30 - 4:20 amWe absolutely LOVE our Sedona! We spent a lot of time looking at minivans and trying to find the right one that would be safe for our family. After driving the Sedona we knew it was what we needed. It is always a little scary buying a new car but we have had it for a few months now and are still incredibly happy with it. I actually told my husband the other day that after owning this I will probably always want a minivan it is so comfortable.
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Kia Sedona EX - 2005 Kia Sedona
By Paul F. Obenauf - July 29 - 2:10 amMy Sedona EX is exactly the minivan that we need for our travels and hauling of personal items. Visibility is excellent, road noise is minimal and it is fun to drive. Gas mileage is very bad averaging around twenty-two mpg. All controls are perfectly placed and gauges are easy to read.
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Exceeded Expectations - 2016 Kia Sedona
By Dave W - July 22 - 8:28 pmAt 26K now and continue to be very pleased. Very good performance for a mini van. Enjoy the comfort, room, and features. One warranty repair to the brakes at 11K, otherwise just routine maintenance.
