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 Van for the price - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By SCORPIO1 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  So far, this mini-van has performed really well and rides really smooth. Im not too happy with the gas mileage. It seems like Im filling up every other day. For the price range & the amenities, the Kia Sedona is worth it. I recommend it!!!

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  We love it - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By John Marshall - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Its great! Very sharp looking. The performance is wonderful and the ride is very smoothe compared to the Explorer Sport that we traded in. We got one with a rear seat entertainment system and the kids love it. The system includes wireless headphones for the dvd player. There are only a few things I wish were different. First, the gas mileage is not great. Second, the rear seat headrests partially obscure the view out the rear view window. Third, I wish there was more cargo room in the back when all the seats are installed.

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  Driving fun. - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By R.Fletcher - July 31 - 8:56 pm

  Driving my Sedona mini-van is always a pleasure. Getting on the inter-state from a ramp is no problem at all with the power it has, and passing is also easy. Although the gas mileage is not the best,I"ll swap that for the power.

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  Rating for 2004 Kia - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By papagoof - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Wepurchased the van 3 months ago and have put 4300 miles on it. We love it except for the gas milage. It averages 20 on the highway, not the 22 posted on the window sticker. But other than that, it is a super minivan.

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  HanKOOK Tires - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Blimpnurse - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I had this car about 3 months and much trouble with the Hankook Tires. Had the vehicle only 3 days and a flat tire. Two weeks later another flat. A Month later the two front tires got flat spots from a normal skid.They had to be replaced. Has anybody had problems like this ???

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  Sedona SXL is more than a minivan - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By New Kia Driver - July 30 - 5:37 pm

  We purchased a Sedona SXL 7 months ago and have put 12000 miles on it since then. Coming from a 2008 Honda Odyssey there are some distinct differences. Most noticeable is how much quieter the interior is in the Sedona. You can have conversation with people in the back seats at highway speeds in the Sedona without shouting, unlike the Odyssey. The body structure of the Sedona feels very solid -- no rattles, or flex over bumps, like we would notice in the Odyssey. The layout of the instruments and controls in the Sedona are very user friendly and intuitive, more so than the Odyssey. With the console mounted shifter the driving position in the Sedona is less "minivany" than Odyssey. Both vehicles have a comfortable ride, with the Sedona having firmer seats and slightly firmer suspension, which gives it a more stable ride, with less wallow than the Honda. Both are great road trip cars, but the Sedona definitely feels like a more of a luxury car than the Odyssey. Tracks better on the highway too. Real world MPG is about the same, around 24 highway and 18 around town. In terms of driving, the Sedona is more satisfying on the road. We were first considering a Sedona SX model, but after looking at the SXL my wife really liked the extra features -- lounge seats, nappa leather, flashy chrome wheels, and especially the technology package with surround camera. The camera is an amazingly amazingly practical feature. Weve owned Mercedes, BMW and Infiniti, Honda, Land Rover, Ford, Lincoln and Chevy vehicles over the years. This is our first time buying a Kia and we are still surprised how much we like it. While it likely wont hold its value like the Honda, for us it was a better overall value than the other vans. Odyssey advantages: The engine and transmission in the Odyssey felt slightly smoother and more refined under quick acceleration, and the Odyssey has more third row room (since we only use the third row occasionally this was not a big deal). We looked at the new Odyssey and Toyota Sienna as well before we purchased. We also had a Town and Country rental for a week and were surprised that we actually liked it. Side by side its not quite as good as the Asian minivans but considering that you can buy one for $9K less than the other vans I understand why so many people buy them. All these minivans are great family vehicles but the combination of unmatched features, styling, drive quality and price swayed our decision to buy the Sedona. Of the four we ranked them Sedona, Odyssey, Sienna and Town and Country.

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  Best Value - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By ssaied - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Good Van, great price. Lots of power.

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  Warranty useless - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By captaink - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchased top-of-the-line Sedona EX with leather, sunroof, etc. After delivery, we found a cracked interior trim piece (pillar), a ripped interior trim piece (on passenger side sliding door), a scratch on the radio, a place on a leather seat that had been rubbed with sand paper to remove a stain/mark, and an incessantly rattling rear seat. The dealership cant or wont fix problems. Cant get parts, etc. Van was in shop for 21 days of the first 40 days after delivery. Think twice before you purchase one of these. "You get what you pay for." Look at Honda and Toyota.

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  Highly suggest this van! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By napfam5 - July 25 - 10:00 am

  We used to own a 2000 Dodge Caravan SE. We drive alot of miles so upon looking for another van to replace it with, we found we just couldnt afford what was out there with the features we wanted...until we looked at the Kia...the website and brochures do not do this van justice!!! It is so much better in person and to drive it! Our children love the DVD system, we love the sunroof, the 4 captains chairs are so comfortable and there is so much leg room even for adults in all 3 rows...this van has so far exceeded all of our expectations and every day we drive it, we are so glad to have all the features that it comes with at such a reasonable price!!!

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  We love it - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By tom - July 24 - 7:20 am

  I told myself Id never buy a minivan, but here I am. I looked at quite a few before deciding on the Sedona. My biggest thing of course was safety, but it also had to be loaded. I got mine for undr $22K-with everything. No other van could come close to that.