“I love it! Back row seats store for hauling capabilities and when up, I can haul 7 passengers! I still feel like my "mini van" is stylish and is totally different than all the "cross-overs" that may give style but not room that is really more important. Also, safety features!”
Kia Sedona: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Kia Sedona is a family minivan known for roomy passenger space, flexible seating, easy sliding-door access, and comfort-focused features. It was built to carry people and gear without feeling as plain or boxy as a traditional van.
The Sedona’s lasting theme is straightforward family usefulness with a more polished look and feel. Across its generations, it paired roomy seating and flexible cargo space with convenience features that made everyday trips easier. The 2015 redesign leaned further into SUV-like styling, a quieter cabin, and more upscale materials, and the Sedona was replaced in the U.S. by the Carnival after 2021.
Strengths
- Sliding side doors make it easier for passengers to get in and out in tight parking spaces.
- The cabin is built to switch between carrying a family and hauling bulky everyday gear.
- The 2021 Sedona has seating for eight, making it useful for larger households and carpools.
- The third-generation model brought a quieter body, more upscale materials, and styling that looked less like a traditional boxy van.
- Later upper trims offered useful driver-assist technology, while newer touchscreen systems added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from 2017.
- The 2019 refresh added an eight-speed automatic transmission across the lineup.
Who it's for
The Sedona fits families and caregivers who regularly carry several passengers, handle school runs or carpools, and need a cabin that can switch between people and cargo. It is especially practical for anyone who values easy side-door access and three rows of seating over the shape and feel of an SUV.
Kia Sedona lineup
Across the third generation, LX and EX formed the heart of the lineup. Pick LX for the Sedona’s core family-friendly space and flexibility, and step up to EX when added comfort and convenience features matter more. SX sat above both and was aimed at shoppers wanting a more upscale cabin and broader safety and technology offerings. Earlier third-generation lineups also included the entry-level L and SX Limited, while the final 2021 lineup was simplified to LX, EX, and SX.
Kia Sedona generations
From 2009 to 2021, the Sedona spans two generations. The current 3rd Generation — YP arrived for 2015, following the 2nd Generation (2006–2014).
3rd Generation — YP (2015–2021)
A full redesign brought a new chassis, a longer wheelbase, more SUV-like styling, and a 3.3-liter V6. The 2019 refresh updated the styling and replaced the six-speed automatic with an eight-speed automatic.
47 In Stock
2021Trim changes
The entry-level L trim left the lineup. The LX, EX, and SX carried over unchanged for the Sedona’s final U.S. model year.
2020
The refreshed styling, 3.3-liter V6, and eight-speed automatic carried over without meaningful updates.
2019Mid-cycle update
Front and rear styling were refreshed, the cabin received detail changes, and a new eight-speed automatic replaced the six-speed across the lineup.
2018
The five-trim lineup, 3.3-liter V6, and six-speed automatic carried over unchanged.
2017
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and automatic emergency braking reached more upper trims. The steering wheel and shift knob were also revised.
2016
A rear camera became standard on every trim, but the design and powertrain were unchanged.
2015New generation
The Sedona was fully redesigned with a new chassis, longer wheelbase, 3.3-liter V6, more SUV-like shape, and a fold-flat third row.
2nd Generation (2006–2014)
This generation used a seven-passenger layout and, in the years shown here, initially paired a 3.8-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic. A 2011 update brought a 3.5-liter V6, six-speed automatic, newer front styling, and a simplified long-wheelbase lineup.
1 In Stock
2014
The Sedona returned after skipping 2013 with a mildly revised bumper and grille, LED positioning lights, standard fog lights, and added console storage.
2012
Changes were limited to exterior colors, an updated auto-dimming mirror, and wider access to the rear-seat DVD system.
2011Mid-cycle update
A 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic replaced the previous powertrain. The front styling was updated, and the short-wheelbase base model left the lineup.
2010
The 3.8-liter V6 was retuned for slightly better fuel economy. Rear parking sensors became standard on LX and EX, while EX gained a rearview camera.
2009
USB and auxiliary audio inputs became standard on every trim.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Kia Sedona.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kia Sedona a minivan?
Yes. The Kia Sedona is a family minivan with sliding side doors, flexible seating, and a third row. Its styling is less boxy than a traditional van, but its main purpose is still carrying people and gear comfortably.
How many people does the Kia Sedona seat?
The Sedona seats seven or eight, depending on year and trim. In the later generation, L has seven seats, while LX and higher trims generally use an eight-passenger layout with a second-row center seat.
Does the Kia Sedona come with all-wheel drive?
No. The final Sedona lineup is front-wheel drive. Shoppers who need extra traction should focus on tires and condition rather than looking for an AWD Sedona trim.
Is the Kia Sedona a hybrid?
No. The Sedona uses gasoline V6 engines rather than a hybrid system. Later models have a 3.3-liter V6, while older versions use other V6 engines depending on the model year.
What is the Kia Sedona known for?
The Sedona is known for practical family space with a more upscale feel than its basic people-moving mission suggests. Sliding doors, flexible seats, useful cargo room, and comfort features on upper trims are its main strengths.
Is the Kia Sedona good for a large family?
Yes. The Sedona suits families that need seven or eight seats, easy side-door access, and room for everyday gear. LX and higher trims in the later generation are especially useful for carpools because they have eight-passenger seating and power sliding doors.
What are the main Kia Sedona generations?
Used Sedonas in this range fall mainly into two generations. The second generation covers the older vans through 2014. A full redesign arrived for 2015 with a quieter body, more SUV-like styling, a fold-into-the-floor third row, and a 3.3-liter V6; that generation ran through 2021.
What replaced the Kia Sedona?
The Kia Carnival replaced the Sedona in the U.S. after the Sedona's final 2021 model year. The name changed with the arrival of Kia's redesigned family vehicle for 2022.
Kia Sedona Reviews
What owners are saying about the Kia Sedona.
4.2
Kia Sedona
(987 reviews)
“It is great for the value. A dependable car that does everything it says it will. Fun to drive.”
“I noticed it scratches and chips quite easily, more than I'm used to. Nicely done by Kia, pleasantly surprised. Please fix the sunglass holder (put it back where it belongs), and have a way to leave an iPod connected and plugged in and it will be perfect.”
“The Kia Sedona is a great family minivan. High quality, comfortable ride, modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay make it easy and fun to drive.”
“This is an automobile with many safety features. It has the comfort and space comparable to a luxury car. It drives and handles so beautifully. What I expected in the other car test drive I totally was overwhelmed with this one. I am a fan.”
“disappointed the features that were removed rom the EX such as electric folding mirrors, tailgate electric closing, dual climate control, home link”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Sedona / 2021 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sedona / 2021
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sedona / 2019
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 9342 / 2015 Sedona Overview
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 17090 / Kia Motors America Announces Pricing Of The All New 2022 Carnival Mpv
- kiamedia.com — Sedona / 2021 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Sedona / 2021 / Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Sedona / 2020 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Sedona / 2021 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Sedona / 2020 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sedona / 2020
- kia.com — Us / Brochures / Brochure Sedona 2020