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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  Good - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By Joseph Annarell - September 7 - 5:29 pm

  I got my first Sedona 2003, second Sedona 2009 and my Sedona now 2015 , I've had it since April 1st of this year. So since 03 until now I've been driving Sedonas .

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  Not impressed - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Texas Mom - December 31 - 4:20 pm

  I have owned this van almost 3 years now. It has 43k miles on it on I just put the 3rd set of brakes on it. It gets OK gas mileage (about 18-19 combined driving). The front end vibrates horribly and makes a weird popping noise, but the dealership can not find an issue (of course). My tires on the front only seem to last about 15k miles probably due to the front end issue that cant be found. I have a squeaky rattle in the van since picking it up (and the dealership cant fix that either). I would not recommend this car. I hope that the newer models have improved.

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  Look elsewhere - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By indiana - December 26 - 9:26 pm

  Bought used w/25,000 miles it loves to ride on the back of a tow truck and has spent 1/4 of each year in the shop. Air bag sensors, accelerator pedal sticks, then it wont go at all brakes been replaced 2xs in 55,000 miles and need another set, tranny shifts poorly, battery goes bad, alternator, brake light sensor out and runs down battery. Change headlights and turn signals every 2 months, drinks power steering fluid, the dealership can never "duplicate" problems when car misbehaves, turn off call tow truck and have it towed, dont turn back on or they cant read the "code" and wont fix whatever is wrong. Electronic nightmare! I suggest you run quickly Toyota is worth the money

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  Love My Kia Sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By stewartfansinfl - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Really like the van. Kids love the built in DVD player.

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  Catchy Title! - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Jing Joba - December 22 - 6:25 pm

  Love it.

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  Kia Sedona Review - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Jess H - December 22 - 9:10 am

  We love our Kia Sedona. The affordability and warranty on the car is just wonderful especially for a family on one income. Our only complaint is the steering is very touchy.

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  New Owner - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By C R Earley - December 5 - 6:30 pm

  Very impressive acceleration from a standing start. After reaching cruise speeds the engine seems flat and slow to increase higher speeds in high gear, but even at 65 & 70 the ability to down shift is still there to gain power for passing. The braking is good for a vehicle of its size. They are a proper match for the vehicles power. The ride seemed harsh, and noisy over road bumps. A quick check of the tire pressure solved that. Kia is notorious for over inflating the tires. The tires had from 42 to 44 PSI from the lot. A drop to 34 PSI still gives a crisp feel to the handling along with a much improved ride. The gas mileage is pretty much as stated. Even with a heavy foot gets 21 MPG.

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  Best Value on the Market - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Steve Ice - December 3 - 5:10 am

  I have been shopping for a while and done much research on the Sienna, Odyssey and Sedona. All are great vehicles but I just couldnt justify spending $5K more and for less features on the the Honda or Toyota. Plus not to mention the 10 yr warranty. Kia dealers are giving employee pricing (you must ask) plus huge rebates on 2008s. This is a great time to be in the market. Kids love it and cant wait to take it anywhere. Kia Sedona is the best value for the money on the market today.

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  Best buy for the money - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By David Cowan - November 25 - 12:23 am

  I really looked at foreign and domestic vans and chose the Sedona for value, warranty and the interior design.. Cup holders everywhere, two glove boxes, plus front seats that adjust to any position, as well as comfortable second and third row seats. The 6 cylinder gets only 15mpg around town and 3 trips from Dayton to Atlanta average 22MPG; not bad but the powerful and smooth engine is worth the lower MPG. The value is still there as prices were out the door for $16,000 and the van is loaded with features; any thing else was $22,000 to $28,000 for same features.

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  A gamble that is still paying off - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By 1st time van owner - November 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Sedona because it was about $10K less than what I was going to pay for an Odyssey. People warned me about poor build quality and other things. The build quality is pretty good. You simply get a very good car for the price. Its engine is powerful enough if you dont go over 85 mph very often. The handling sucks, it feel like the suspension is well too soft or the van is too heavy. Still, we have not experienced a single problem, so I guess the gambling is paying off.