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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  Never Again - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By eyeluvart - December 7 - 4:36 pm

  The transmission blew, the air conditioning went, the 3 catalytic converters went, the seat broke twice, brakes and rotors. 10,000 later in repairs, needless to say, I wont make the same mistake twice

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  Good value, but peculiar seats - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By FDR - November 29 - 8:13 pm

  This is my second Kia (first was a 98 Sephia). In both vehicles the drivers seats are too short from front to rear. Other than that, the ride and seating are great. My kids (teenagers of substantial size) enjoy riding in any of the rows. The sliding door windows are also a little strange, and create a very irritating buffet at highway speeds if just one sliding door window is rolled down. Gizmos work as advertised. I bought sans roof rack in order to take advantage of the big owner loyalty rebate, and I am waiting for the dealer to let me know if the rack is in. It might be a little too mannerly, as I found myself going way too fast on the NJ Turnpike, feeling like 20 mph less.

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  The Unbelievable 2006 Kia Sedona - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By rdgramling - November 29 - 2:53 pm

  Simply amazing! The price hooked us and the test drive reeled us in. We love everything about this vehicle. We have only had the car a couple of weeks, but have loved every day. We make up reasons to go for a drive. The turning radius is amazing, the fuel economy surprising, and the added features are almost endless. Attention to detail is what I ultimately love best. There are so many extras, we actually had to read the manual to remember all the buttons. A little practice and now it isnt a problem. With three kids, ease of access has also proven beneficial.

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  Not a happy consumer - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Very disatisfied - November 29 - 9:30 am

  I have had nothing but problems since day one. Brakes have been repaired over 10 times. Mostly the first year. Wiring harness melted, so bad the rear brake light melted. Seat latches in 3rd row keeps breaking. Doors freeze close. With 3 kids having to get out back not fun. Kia not very cooperative. Alignment keeps going out. On third set of tires. Need new again. Forth set of headlights. Out again. Dealer and KIA not very friendly or helpful. Places blame on me. Had to file a lawsuit. After 3 years they acknowledge van is lemon. Not a very happy consumer considering I worked hard to have something nice and turned out to be a headache!!!!!

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  Kias First van is a sucess - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By kialover15 - November 28 - 5:23 am

  This van has been such a blessing. We needed to get an affordable van that was able to have a wheelchair lift installed, we had no idea that it was going to be such a great van. It was very comfortable, great visibility. We have only had 1 problem in the 6 years that we have had it, and it was still under warranty when the A/C went bad. Oh great Warranty too. We have a lot of experience with Kia since the sedona, would recommend any of the 10 models to people.

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  Time will tell - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Skeptical at first - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I just paid $22,700 for a loaded Sedona EX, it has everything but the trailer hitch. After doing an unbelievable amount of research, this is the car that stuck out. For what you get, this is absolutely unbeatable. Price any other vehicle with leather, full electric, etc etc and the difference is very large. Time will tell, but if it turns out to be a reliable vehicle, then this car will have no equal.

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  Great van for whole family!!!! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By kelopi98 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased this van for more room and comfort for my two little angels who are 3 and 5 years old.. our first concern was "safety" of the van..and the second was value and options you can get.. For the safety, you cannot argue on Sedona which got five stars on four way.. On value.. how you can get the minivan has all those options (such as leather, cd cassette player, moonroof, ABS ...) for less than or equal to strip minivan from other manufacturer.. plus it ride really nice and seats are very comfortable.. powerful engine etc...

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  Quiet, tight ride - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By sarakr - November 15 - 8:33 am

  Our family has been very happy with our van. We have been surprised at the quality and reliability of he vehicle. It handles very well and has fabulous acceleration. We opted for the power package with power sliding doors and back up assist. The van is an excellent value for the money.

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  Better be no troubles for 3 years - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By TouringNY - November 11 - 6:31 pm

  Leasing for 3 years, right now near end of model year Kia is giving incentives to lease, you should make sure before you go. what kinda sucks is the 8-passenger SXL takes away the sunroof that I wanted, makes no sense. paying so much and not getting a sunroof cause its only available on the 7 seater? My wife has trouble finding a comfortable seating position, she feels her old Odyssey seat was better. kids feels seats in back are comfortable. The power is supposed to be same as Odyssey but I cant help but feel it is more sluggish to accelerate. The surround view camera is only available on the highest level and seems on par with luxury car makes (Infiniti is what Ive experienced so far).

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  New Owner - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Brenda - November 11 - 5:43 pm

  Recently purchased Kia Sedona. Always owned cars, never a van. The inside still has the familiarity of a car. My children enjoy it, especially the DVD. I dont have 100 miles yet, so I really cant comment to much on the performance/mileage. The ride, so far, is nice, smooth and pretty fast.