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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  Warranty - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By rusty - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought this sedona van in 2005 notice right that the fuel use was lot higher than normal over all average @15 to 17 but for the most part not bad had problem with the air condition it would go on an off took it to the dealer said it had a leak this van was out of warranty about 6 days they refused to fix it i would have to pay for it put in a case number with kia they said take it to another ia dealer for a diagnostic cost $112.00 for this said the control head was bad in the dash need to replace it would cost $906.00 to fix this. did not fix went home call a junk yard found the control for the dash 43.00 took 45 min to take out an put back in air works fine now no thanks to kia so will not buy

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  great minivan - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By j.k. - January 29 - 11:40 am

  very comfortable, less cash, same features as other minivans, reliable, great service at kia, kids enjoy the ride

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  10 yrs and still looks/drives well - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By tomerikac - January 29 - 3:48 am

  Update: Took the Sedona in at 99.5k miles because trans was slipping into 5th gear. After submitting much paperwork showing detailed maintenance, KIA replaced trans free, along with motor mounts and exhaust which had cracked. Wow! So now at 107k miles, the thing is clean and runds well. I had to replace the door handle that just came off in my hand. $30 and 2 hrs work. Im thinking of trading it in on a Rondo. Id prefer the better gas mileage and no one seems to know just how nice those Rondos were, so they are priced low. Go KIA!!!

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  Our 1st Minivan - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By KIKO - January 27 - 10:00 am

  After extensive research the Kia Sedona was the obviuos choice for my family. The look and ride are excellent. We got a fully loaded van for $23,600. The dealer, at no charge, also threw in the cargo net, sunroof deflector and pin striped the van to match the two tone. Only have 600 miles on it but we love it anyways. Time will tell if its reliable. But the 60,000 bumper to bumper and the 100,000 mile powertrain warranties will help.

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  Got a Sedona 1 - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By SDutton - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up our new blue/beige Sedona EX today with 24 mile on the ticker. I was worried about getting a Kia because of their past history of building unremarkable cars. I bought the Sedona because I was impressed by the content per dollar vs the other vans we were considering and my positive first impression. We looked at vans from Honda, Mazda, Chrysler, Toyota. Everybody wanted too much money for a van with any kind of options. Even with some rebates on the others the Kia still won out. Now the big question is, will we have to USE that fantastic warranty Kia has or will the van be reasonably trouble free. I will keep you posted.

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  Good Relaible Van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By MommasVan - January 26 - 4:16 am

  I Bought My Van New In May 2003 after researching it for 2 years when it first came out, i was Buying My 1st new Car ever and was 41 yrs. old. I got it loaded the ex, But Not Leather seats, as I hate them, I had no problems with it Other than the Door handles Kept breaking. Odd , But Kia replaced Under warranty free. Had 2 Recalls fixed. and Have taken extra good care of it. after it hit 50,000 started hearing an Odd Noise In front wheel suspension at 40mph. still cannot figure out what it is. and engine Lights on alot, and then goes off after like 3 miles. weird. A/C quit working last year, still Not working, Have had to Buy a few relays switches for several things, Tires wear on it bad.

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  Wheres the Warranty - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By bjlieffort - January 24 - 8:50 pm

  Drives well. But if you ever have to take it in for service, youre in trouble. The dealership cant do anything under warranty with out an OK from KIA. Will try any excuse to avoid doing work free warranty work. The factory demands that you maintain the van using the severe maintenance schedule no matter how you use your van. Factory Reps are available but they rule supreme ... told me a transmission chatter [tranny cant decide which gear to put itself in on a down-shift at 1500RPMs and about 40 MPH] that I have is normal operation if I use the overdrive in the city. Their suggested bypass is to drive in town with overdrive off and at about 5k RPMs higher. Just cost me more with poorer MPG

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  New owner of a Kia Sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By day - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Reading owners manual helped us figure out the various bells and whistles. It was worth the time.

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  4 years owned and still likin it - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Melissa - January 15 - 2:06 am

  I have owned my Sedona 4 years in October. I have had a good experience with it and would recommend it to any one interested in a minivan at a lower than average price.

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  Best overall minivan - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Scott Armstrong - January 11 - 6:46 pm

  I test drove the Honda, Toyota,and Nissan. The Sedona was always near or at the top of every test I put it through. At roughly 8k less than the others fully loaded it was an easy decision. To this point I have no regrets. The van does everything it needs to do, it does it safely and I would say its the best family vehicle on the road. For those who value safety the Sedona has the best crash test rating ever for a minivan and has all the active safety equipment standard. For a vehicle this size fuel economy is decent, and power is plentiful.