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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  Dont buy this car unless you are sure!!!!! - 2012 Kia Sedona
  By abeinoregon - July 17 - 11:09 pm

  The quality of this car is much worse than I expected. Seat material is thin, electronics unresponsive and unpredictable and the brakes are a safety hazard Kia will not own up to. They allow small pebbles from the road to get into the calipers and impede proper braking application. They call this an environmental situation and will not address it as a design flaw. The dealer wont fix it on his dime either. I have only 1800 miles on the car and it has been in twice for repairs. I live on a paved road! I cant afford to keep paying for brake repairs. Be ready for some disappointments if you buy this car and have previously owned a quality built vehicle,

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  Brand New! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By CUL8R - July 16 - 10:00 am

  After test driving the Toyota, Honda and KIA, talking with all the dealerships, researching, and seeing the reviews on this site, in my AAA magazine and Consumer Reports Auto Issue,we were convinced to try the KIA, especially with the warranty they have and the safety rating.We got a fully loaded EX for only $21,000 total- everything.We could only hope for 1/4 of the items we wanted/needed on a Toyota and Honda at $22K.Weve had our Kia for less than a full week, but I love it and am glad we made the decision to buy it. The 3.5L/V6 engine is snappy(its only a 3.0 on the Toyota ya know),its quiet, comfortable, and smooth.So far,so good.

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  I got a lemon! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By sprinkles - July 14 - 10:00 am

  it was a nice van until it got a oil leak that the dealership couldnt fix even with kias help. you might get all the goodies not included w/other vans but better check the mechanics, in other words, its cheaper for a reason.good thing its got a really good warrenty cause its going to be worked on a lot if this is the way the whole thing was made.

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  Long Distance Machine - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By K Kelly - June 23 - 10:00 am

  We love driving long distances in our van. We have made several trips from NY to FL and have been sastisfied with its performance in all road conditions. It carries a large load while mainting an excellent ride. Gas mileage doesnt vary much traveling with a load at high speeds. One of its greatest features is that it burns regular gas. Service has been excellent at Atlantic Auto Mall. Prior to this car, we drove Ford Taurus wagons for more than 15 years.

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  Nice Van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Thomas - June 23 - 10:00 am

  This van has been a great vehicle.

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  Worse Van Ever Had!! VERY COSTLY!! - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By ftwcowgirl76 - June 23 - 6:56 am

  Wrote previous review praising van. Now want to shoot it! 89,000 miles and 4 sets of brakes in two years. Solenoid replaced, check engine light due to recall for exterior lighting/brake lights/switch. That was fixed. Check engine light comes on again along with oil light. Before could stop and check oil, van starts dying. Got oil in it & it starts making loud noise. Now finding out that timing belt went out & probably destroyed motor. If motor destroyed, then will be letting it just go back. Not interested in continuing to pay on something not reliable and that costly to maintain. Have to pay $100 deductible every time I take it in for anything covered under the warranty or recalled.

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  Great Kia - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Dan - June 21 - 6:10 pm

  We bought this van to replace our 1997 Nissan Quest and this van surpasses the Nissan by a very large margin. We like everything about this van aside from the fact that the gas mileage is not up to par. But that is because of the extra weight but I will gladly sacrifice a little mpg for the safety in rain snow and windy conditions.

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  Outstanding van for a low price. - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By superpowter - June 21 - 6:56 am

  Great car, comfort and performance all together, smooth ride, had a couple of issues with sensors they were fixed by my dealership for free (got a 60K miles warranty on a pre-owned car). This is my second sedona LX 2006, I bought in less than one year.

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  Needs some improvements - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Deanna - June 21 - 6:43 am

  A/C went out in 2 months. Dealer did an excellent and fast job getting it fixed. The transmission was acting up so they reset the computer and that fixed the problem and improved gas mileage. Its starting to act up again. Time for them to reset. The fold down in between front seats needs to be improved and the cup holders are terrible. Your cups get stuck and tear open spelling your drink every where. But I would rather have the Kia overall. I did own a Dodge Caravan and a Ford Windstar. Hands down the Kia Is very comfortable and very quiet!

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  Dont Do It - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Unhappy buyer - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle because of the price & now know I would have been WAY better off to pay more for a better brand. A/C has been fixed 2 times & it took 3 trips to dealer to diagnose bad evaporator. It made horrible noises & needed a crank shaft pulley replaced. Also, the windshield cracked with no sign of impact...another complaint Ive seen in other reviews. Worst of all, it has begun to rust. It was repaired once & now is rusting again in another spot. When I called Kia to request help getting rid of my lemon, they told me to use the state lemon law...in other words, they wouldnt do anything on their own, it had to be legally.