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 Kia - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Van Daddy - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Just got my Kia and have no problems as of yet. Runs great. About a million options come with it standard. The only funny thing about the Kia is the engine looks like a lawn mower engine, but other then that it is a great Mini van for a great price. Oh yeah It comes with a for real spare tire.

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  Good so far - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Bill B - October 22 - 10:00 am

  We have about 1,600 miles on her. She drives great. You can end up going too fast on the interstate because she rides very smooth and quit. My wife loves it. Kids think there riding in 1st class seat of a airliner! Cant beat for the money. Great warranty!

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  Excellent Value - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Hskr - October 19 - 5:23 pm

  Bought with the Luxury package. Everything but DVD. Fully loaded at the price ($20K) of most competitive models that were 2 years old. With warranty, roadside, etc, hard to go wrong.

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  Love this van. Its great. - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Richie M - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Only 1 complaint: low speed knocking noise in right front when driven over bumps; seems inherent in all Sedonas right off the trailer; neither dealer nor manufacturer has a fix. I had to learn to ignore it.

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  Spark Plugs hard to change - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By tlrussell0829 - October 17 - 2:50 pm

  My husband and I bought this 05 sedona used and he went to change spark plugs and the back 3 is going to be very expensive to change, you have to take the intake manifold off and I find that very ridiculous that they would build it that way. I love the van except trying to squeeze in the very back and not a lot of trunk space. Very disappointed that it is going to be hard just to try to do basic repairs ourselves like changing spark plugs.

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  nothing but problems - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By tyler37 - October 16 - 1:03 pm

  good performance. poor build quality

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  A great minivan for the money - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Gary G - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This minivan offers almost all of the features standard as its competitors for thousands less. The ride is smooth and quiet. It has a very heavy build. Quality and power are very acceptable.

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  My 2006 Sedona EX Rocks - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By R. Foster - October 12 - 6:36 pm

  Have only had my 2006 Sedona EX for five days so Im only qualified to provide initial impressions. Very pleased to date. Great handling, power, ride and attention to detail. Had owned a Chrysler product minivan for 17 years prior to my Sedona purchase (an 87 Grand Voyager that I had for 9 years and a 96 Grand Caravan that I had for 10 years). Both provided good service, especially the 96. Was drawn to the 2006 Sedona because of the major changes made from previous versions, all of the safety features, and the warranty. Fell in love during the test drive. Appears to be a quality product. Hope I feel the same way years and miles down the road.

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  lots of minivan for the money - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By KT - October 10 - 6:10 am

  My wife and I traded a 99 Plymouth Grand Voyager for an 05 Kia Sedona due to transmission problems. Right off the bat I was impressed--build quality and interior design were light years ahead of what I expected. Nice ride, too. Handling is decent. I have to give credit on the interior as this is the 05 Sedonas best feature. Plenty of cupholders, 12v outlets, and storage spots. Seats are comfortable. We took this van to the beach about a week after we bought it, and it was a perfect match. I never thought I would "want" to drive a minivan but this one changed all that. Great sage green exterior paint job. Easy on the eyes.

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  It wouldnt die! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By therangerman - September 24 - 2:44 pm

  Living in Canada, our winters are hard on cars. This van would not die! I bought this van with 250,000km on it and I ran it until 450,000km it was still running strong but I hit a moose going 110km an hour and it destroyed the van. Every year we would haul a 4500pound trailer all the way around Ontario and it never really hurt the van. Even though every year the rear heater lines would rot out there was nothing really done other than regular maintenance. The a/c stopped working after hitting my second deer. But other than those things you could run this van through hell and it wouldnt even get a scratch I even took it muding once. good job Kia you built a bullet proof tank