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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  Great Buy - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Bill G - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I must admit I was leary about buying a KIA but I must say I am very pleased with my vehicle to date. Ive only had Sedona EX one month so far and have put on 1200 miles but his has been superb. The mpg is low...Im averaging about 19-20 city but what minivans or SUVs get great mpg anyway? The mpg has to do with the vehicle weight [on average a 1,000lbs heavier than other vans] and I am more than willing to sacrifice paying a few more $ on gas than give up a 5 Star saftey rating. I did a lot of reasearch on mini vans and this is by far the best value IMHO.

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  Great minivan. - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By YY - June 16 - 6:47 am

  We have been very impressed. Ride is excellent. Handles like a car. Looks as good as a SUV. We had a 2012 Honda Odyssey Elite previously (lease). This Sedona SX is better. Ride is better. More tech inside. Definitely enjoying the surround view camera, the vented seats, the automatic high beam (useful when driving on a mountain road not having to worry about flipping the lights when paying attention to the curves). These are features not available on another 8 seater minivan currently. Also we like the fact that Kia comes with a much more reasonable warranty. Honda and Toyota both has only 3 year 36K mile warranty - this is low in the industry. And ... to those who says Honda and Toyota dont break ... guess again ... they do! Our 2012 Honda Odyssey had transmission problem - fortunately just before the warranty is up. That is the reason we are not keep it beyond our lease. Very glad with our 2016 Kia Sedona SX right now (8 passenger tech package). The only grip I have is: why Kia doesnt make a 8 seater loaded and with the panaramic sunroof? Our $40K Sedona is loaded - but has no sunroof? Fortunately my wife hates the Sun and does not like to have sunroof. I on the other hand would wish that being available as an option. The SXL comes only in 7 seat. Why? Otherwise we would have bought a SXL. Update: Apparently the SXL comes in 8 seat now. Wish we had known about that. Vehicle still running great. We had been very happy about the purchase. Drives better than our prior 2012 Honda Odyssey with a more upscale interior. I am also happy to read that Kia now has better reliability than Honda according to a 2016 Consumer Reports article.

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  Security is mostly a superstition - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By hoodwinked - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car for 18 months it has been in the shop for cracked windshield, new radiator fan, new cat converter, blown speakers, lose passenger floorboard... IT has never been fixed when promised. I was verbaly attacked by my service manager for a negative review of service (go figure)the first 30k service is $600.00 the spark plugs last only 30k and cost $25.00 each. Next time its Honda or Toyota

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  Our Best Car Ever - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By J. G. Capron - May 25 - 9:13 am

  We are thrilled with the Kia. Plenty of power when needed, and exceptional handling. Very comfortable seating and plenty of cupholders and storage space. A wonderful car for us and our dogs.

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  BEST VAN I EVER DROVE - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By HYUNG KIM - May 22 - 2:00 am

  THE SMOOTHEST CAR I EVER DROVE AND BETTER THEN JAPANESE VANS.

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  I own an 06 sedona, would love to own a 15! - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By taxilady7 - May 19 - 5:18 am

  My red Sedona was purchased used with 60,000 miles and is used as a taxi! My customers love riding in it. The engine is so quiet. It now has 239,000 miles and is still running great! Did not do an tune up until 225,000 miles and of course kept all the other regular maintenance up, like oil, tires, etc... This one is an EX, biggest problems I am having now is the electric doors not working and cant find anyone out side the dealership to fix them! Other small stuff is headlights blow every 3 months, even replaced one whole light, sway bar links have to be replaced every year! Parts are hard to find and if you use the after market parts they dont last! Have to go online to find good parts!

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  Do not rely on 2015 Kia Sedona Brochure - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By jbrucelee - May 10 - 8:25 pm

  I leased 2015 Sedona EX Premium Package based on the information in regards to features and options shown on the brochure I picked up on the dealer in mid-January. At the night I picked up the car to home, I found out that there was no 110v inverter and no Drive Memory Seat. It is clearly shown on the brochure that 110v inverter is the standard features on EX trim and Drive Memory Seat is included in EX Premium Package. You can still see on the downloadable brochure from Kia’s website at http://www.kia.com/us/en/forms/brochurerequest/sedona/2015. Kia said no fault on them because window sticker is the one I had to rely, but the sticker doesnt show all. This is Fraud.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By have to say - May 6 - 10:16 pm

  Im glad Kia offers a 60 thousand mile warranty, because I had to have this lemon in 8 times for warranty work. Many times the work was for the same problem over and over (cheap seat covers that tore, gear shift that locked up, locks that locked the car on it’s own, mechanical issues of all kinds). I’m over 60 thousand miles now, and the car is just slowly crumbling. There’s no way I’m ever buying a Kia again after this.

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  Worth the savings?? - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By DomesticDog - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Price over all else was the the deciding factor in this purchase. The moment we drove the van off the dealer lot the "check engine" light was on. After three trips and three weeks in their service department, the problem was fixed.There have been other problems as well including: Oil leaks, intermittent A/C clutch noise, loose rear-view mirror and numerous squeeks and rattles (nine months of ownership and six trips to the service department). I would gladly add $50-$100 to my monthly payment to be driving a Honda or Toyota. remember, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!.

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  18 trips/2yrs/"the little things" - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By tbo - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Love the power of the engine, hate all the little things. Kia is not open on Saturday...duh, this really makes you angry when you have to take off work to get all of the little things fixed. List of things: battery (2x) , visor, wipers (3x), broken seat, window off track, door slider broken, (just to name the ones I can think of immedietley!