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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  The Kia Sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Selig - February 21 - 2:00 am

  The Kia Sedona is the best mini van on the market. I purchased the van last year and since I purchased it my wife (who does not like to drive) has driven it more than I have. I am thinking about purchasing another Kia Sedona.

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  Awful Gas Mileage - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Buckeyes97 - February 20 - 8:50 am

  First and foremost, I want to address the horrible fuel mileage issues with this van. EPA says 18/25 city and highway. I am averaging no better than 18.2 MPG on highway trips. I could have bought the more pricey and more refined Honda Odyssey when considering the cost of fuel for this Kia. Im gathering that the Honda van is getting almost 10 MPG more on the highway. Wow! Im almost sick. That said, the vehicle seems ok otherwise. I am sure it soars above anything GM, Ford, or Chrysler would produce. It does have an air leak somewhere on the passenger side that is somewhat noisy. It also has a noisy ride which I do not thing is totally due to the cheap Hankook tires.

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  transmition problem and front noise - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By ignacio soto - February 14 - 1:52 am

  transmition replaced 2 times and damage tires also,i owned 5 kia before but this time my experience change completed.my last kia

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  Bang for the Buck - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Edgar Viera - February 11 - 3:40 pm

  Very comfortable ride, good leg room, logical positioning of instruments, excellent a/c. Killer warranty (10 yrs/ 100,000 miles) Overall, a lot of car for little money.

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  One year and still love it... - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By plefevre - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Heres an update from something other than a new owner. Initial quality was excellent, we had no issues on delivery. After just over 12,000 miles, we have also had no problems of any kind, are very happy with the van Three oil changes are the extent of the maintenance -- its held alignment, belts are in great shape, paint and finish still excellent. Multiple 4-6 hour road trips with the whole family, with the A/C going most of the way in 100+ F heat, and remains one of the most comfortable travel cars Ive owned. I just got 23 MPG averaging 76MPH with the A/C on the whole way on a trip to Vegas -- what am I doing different than the EPA?

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  Please dont buy a KIA - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Rhonda - February 10 - 8:00 am

  Bought a Kia Sedona new 3 years ago, have taken it in for repairs 15 times, dealer and Kia dont listen to their customers and the minute you hit 60,000 miles you pay for repairs and most parts can only be found at dealer! I want others to beware of the continuous problems they face when buying a KIA. They sell for a low cost, but you need to be prepared to have your vehicle out of commission several times per year without warning.

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  POOR BRAKES BUT GREAT VAN!! - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By ftwcowgirl76 - February 8 - 2:30 pm

  I am a courier so I put a lot of miles on in a short time. I have had to replace the brakes 3 times in less than one year. The first time because one of the brake pads just fell off the vehicle! It now has 66,000 miles and I am already having to replace the rotors and the brakes again. Very poor quality in the brakes! Service engine light came on once already and had to be taken in for that. That time was the solenoid. Now its on again and will have to be taken in again to be fixed. Dont know yet what that problem is. And come on.. do you really need 12 cup holders in a vehicle that seats 7 only?!

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  2006 Kia Sedona - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By lavrishevo - February 4 - 10:16 pm

  Overall a great van. Very comfortable and powerful. I have had two very minor problems what were immediately fixed by the dealer as they were slight design flaws being 06 was the first redesign production year. I currently have a little over 22,000 miles and the van is running strong. Gas mileage has improved slightly with the “breaking” in of the engine but MPG has always been good with conservative driving habits. Consiering I live in Puerto Rico which is 80% city driving the van is holding up great. Very happy with this purchase!

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  Updated Post - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By kialover - February 4 - 7:40 pm

  If you really look around on the reviews of www.edmunds.com, you may have noticed that I have written a few on the kias. We love them all, this van is no different. Granted, this Sedona has had its problems. Since the purchase of the Kia van, we have had to; replace the altinator, replace wheel barring, needs a a coil fixed ($500) and its a gas gussler. I will be the first to admit that I am byist for Kias, I love them. This van is smooth riding, great comfort. Just the older Kias had their problems. Not the new ones though.

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  Kia Lemon - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Sheila Rice - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased one of the first off the assembly line and have hated it every day since. This vehicle has been nothing but problems since the beginning. I would not recommend even my worst enemy to purchase a Kia!