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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  DO NOT BUY USED - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By freshpowder - September 6 - 12:42 am

  Non stop problems, poorly made everything is cheapy parts! Engine mounts, power steering hose, pistons wrong. Brakes are cheap, heater and ac are weak. Transmission issues. Wow I really really regret buying this car and kept thinking this would be the last repair. It never stops! The doors rust and rot so they dont slide right. Then the rear hatch struts that hold up the back door dont work and no after market parts fit. Problems with spark plugs, and the design of the car make repairs very costly because they have to pull out all the parts to get to the parts. Such a disaster please dont consider buying one no matter how cheap you see it for sale locally! Fuel sensors went bad...

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  The MiniVan - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Anitas ride - September 5 - 11:26 am

  Well a bit shaky about a Kia, then we drove it. It feels like some of the other minivans but better than the rest. Rides like a big heavy car but more room to move around in and better view of the world around the van on the road. Built solid and is very quiet on the road, handles great, safe feel on the road.

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  sedona ex - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By road_master70 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  only had 6 weeks. got a good buy on this van. very comfortable seating, fairly quite ride, a lot of standard features. rear climate control doesnt have a temp. selector, it is either hot or cold.(very poor design) engine runs well (3.5 L) but has a inherent vibration which is a bit disapointing. overall rating 8

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  117,302 a well built minivan - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Semaj Ricks - August 31 - 7:04 am

  Bought it used, it has over 117,300 miles on it... only 1 issue, fuel economy is just OK.... avg 17mpg mix driving. Too much city driving and it drops to 11 mpg avg, Highway driving 21 mpg avg mix speeds Otherwise, drives like its still new,

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  beware - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By trash man - August 24 - 4:03 am

  One of the first questions i asked the salesman was how did the transmissions hold up on towing!!!!! He said great havent had a problem... Well at 12000 miles even before we hooked a small pop camper to it we had to have the tranmission replaced, and from there 6 more trips to the dealer for shifter problems, eng light came on due to a trans problem....and oh yeah forgot this 18000 miles had to replace all 4 crappy YOKOHAMA tire on it!!! I think you guys can get the gas mileage up too

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  Best minivan I have ever owned - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Shiela Barrett - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I have owned one of every minivan on the market (with the exception of the Honda)over the past 10 years, this one is by far my favorite. The hefty weight gives a strong feeling of stability and security on the road. The engine is a perfect match for the size of the vehicle. Acceleration is as good or better than the 2001 Cougar that I traded for it.

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  Finally Got Rid of It - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By No Kia No More - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car for a family of 5 in July 2006 from Central Kia in Dallas, TX. Over the course of the next 4 years it spent over 90 days in the shop on 56 appointments. We had a vast assortment of issues ranging from wheel replacements to ECU replacements. In between we had both O2 sensors replaced, 3 fuse blocks, Throttle body, several power packs, W/S washer pump, radio, sway bar and several cosmetic items replaced. Unreliability is the key for this vehicle. Even when it ran it felt like it was going to die at any minute. Ate tires like no tomorrow and was in general a very poor vehicle. We took it to 3 different dealers service departments for the work. DO NOT BUY A KIA, EVER!

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  2016 Sedona SX - Cruiser - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Michael - August 14 - 11:06 pm

  We just purchased the 2016 Sedona SX with the entertainment package and some other options. Wow, first off this minivan has the most quiet ride of all minivans we drove, period!! And it doesnt look like a minivan, it has a bolder stance and just down right cooler looking! Tons of features! Love the cooled seats.. Navigation system is one of the best we have had in any of our cars! Easy to get in and out of with three Children. Memory driver seat is great because my wife is 5 and Im 5 10".... This minivan has too many awesome features to list. We purchased this mainly for an extra vehicle and it will used mostly for vacation road trips. The only downside and its really not a negative is that you may need some time to figure out all the technology that it has. I can predict this will be the number 1 minivan on the market once people give Kia the opportunity. We also have a Kia Optima SXL and its been perfect in all ways. Will follow up in a few months. Update: after 6 months and only 2995 miles it has been amazing! Two road trips and the highway mpg is great at 25-26. Our three kids watch the built DVD with wireless headsets and then play on xbox 360 while my wife and I can listen to music and talk! Kia did an awesome job with designing this minivan for families!!! Very pleased with this purchase, my wife needed a very safe minivan with technology and this was by far the best on the market! She doesnt drive much, just the kids to school and around our area for shopping. At first she thought it was a little too big, but with the cameras she just loves it. I like it so much that I may sell my Optima SXL and buy another for me. Update after 1 year: This has been an incredible minivan from day one. It is super quiet while driving with very little road noise if any. We have taken it on several road trips and Im amazed that it gets 26 mpg on the highway! Still enjoy all of the technology and most of all the safety features. We feel very safe while driving this minivan. I really dont have anything negative to report. Go buy one and its nice to stand out from all on the Honday Odysseys in the car pool lane!!!

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  Best bang for your buck - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By KMG - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I researched the minivan market for months, and there is nothing that even comes close to what you get from KIA. I saved thousands, and got every feature standard on the LX that others wanted big dollars for. On top of all the standard features, I got the security of the 10 yr 100,000 mi warranty. That was key for me, because if Im going to drop $20,000 I want security that after 3 years the dealer will stand by any potential problems I may incur. KIA must be very confident in their product because of the warranty that noone else comes close to matching.

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  Trade my Odyssey for a Kia - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Georgian - August 4 - 6:33 am

  I traded my 2002 Odyssey after the transmission was replaced 2 times. Yes there is a difference between these two vehicles but this Kia can hold its own. I brought my fully loaded and for the price, no one can touch it. I have had a few problems with my Kia but no major. I took of the tires that came with this vehicle after 13,000 mile and replaced them with some new Goodyear tires. What a difference that has made. Ride improved drastically. Look forward to the new 2006 model. From the reviews it will raise that bar.