Kia Sedona

Name: 2002 Kia Sedona
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

Kia's new-for-2002 Sedona marks the first incursion by a Korean automaker into the crowded U.S. minivan market. It uses a refined 3.5-liter V6, developed by corporate parent Hyundai for use in the XG350 sedan, and a five-speed automatic transmission. The Sedona's interior shows commendable attention to detail, with lots of storage bins and good fit and finish. Convenience features include dual sliding doors and either a second-row bench seat (in the LX model) or a pair of captain's chairs (in the EX). The third-row seat is a split 50/50 bench. On the road, the Sedona corners a bit reluctantly. The ride is decent, but the van's high curb weight hinders acceleration.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2002 Minivans & 3-Row SUVs Reliability

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Kia Sedona

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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2002 Minivans 3-row Ratings

2002 Kia Sedona

$2,825

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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$2,900 - $3,300

EPA MPG NA

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$3,100 - $3,475

EPA MPG NA

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2002 Dodge Grand Caravan

$2,825 - $3,150

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2002 Honda Odyssey

$2,900 - $3,175

EPA MPG NA

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2002 Mazda MPV

$2,850 - $2,875

EPA MPG NA

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2002 Mercury Villager

$2,825

EPA MPG NA

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2002 Nissan Quest

$2,900

EPA MPG NA

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2002 Toyota Sienna

$3,225 - $3,475

EPA MPG NA

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Owner Satisfaction

See All Minivans 3-row Ratings

Features & Specs

minivan

2 front, 2 rear, 3 third

Front

3.5-liter V6 (195 hp)

5-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2015-2021

2015 Redesign Year

A significantly updated Sedona arrived in 2015, with a refined V6, room for seven or eight passengers and an upscale interior. The biggest letdown is the ride. It's way too stiff for a family transport. What's more, our Sedona suffered from a cacophony of squeaks and rattles. The EX is the best overall value. Add the optional EX Premium package for its blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert systems and lumbar adjustment on the power driver's seat. The Sedona scores as an IIHS Top Safety Pick, in part because it aced the difficult small overlap crash test. While blind spot monitoring is readily available, other advanced safety equipment like forward-collision warning is restricted to the top-trim level only. Beginning with the 2017 model year, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities are added to the infotainment system. Freshened for 2019, the V6 engine is now paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. 2021 was the final model year.

2006-2014

2006 Redesign Year

Sedona's 2006 redesign brought about terrific improvements, with a more powerful 3.8-liter V6 and additional standard safety equipment. The sliding-door side windows retract, which is an unusual feature among minivans of this vintage. Handling and fuel economy remained so-so. Offering lots of features for the money, our Sedona EX had a DVD player, heated leather seats, power adjustable pedals, automatic climate control, a sunroof, power sliding doors, and a power liftgate. Drivers have plenty of room. But some found the steering wheel positioned too far forward. The power-adjustable pedals did help a bit, but can be adjusted only when parked. Comfortable second-row captain's chairs adjust fore/aft and recline. Access to the third row is easy.

2002-2005

2002 Redesign Year

The 2002 Sedona uses a fairly refined 3.5-liter V6 and presents a well-finished interior with lots of storage and a 50/50 split third row. Well equipped, the Sedona appears to be a real bargain. However, the overall package falls short in this highly competitive class. While the refined and smooth powertrain, well-put-together interior and comfortable seats are duly admirable, they are let down by clumsy handling, an unsettled ride and an underpowered engine. Ultimately, these issues make the Sedona's driving experience unpleasant. Fuel economy, at 16-mpg combined, is cause for another pause.