Overview & Reviews

What is the Kia Rondo? Kia likes to call the Rondo a crossover utility vehicle, which is certainly a trendy catchphrase. The only problem is that the Rondo looks more like a small minivan. In Europe and Asia, this type of vehicle -- known as "space wagon MPV" -- is quite popular. In fact, the Rondo has been sold in those markets (as the Kia Carens) for years.

Though it never really caught on with consumers, the Kia Rondo provides a surprising amount of functionality and flexibility for its size and price. As a cross between a minivan and a hatchback, the four-door Rondo can carry up to seven passengers. It's relatively nimble and filled with clever storage space. If you're in the market for a used compact crossover or something smaller than a minivan, the Rondo is a solid, if often overlooked, choice.

Most Recent Kia Rondo
The Kia Rondo was produced from 2007-'09. Originally, its base 2.4-liter four-cylinder produced 162 horsepower, while the 2.7-liter V6 produced 182 hp. For 2009, these were bumped up to 175 for the four-cylinder (167 in California emissions states due to SULEV emissions rating) and 192 for the V6. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard with the four-cylinder, and the V6 came with a five-speed automatic.

Although there is nothing fancy about the Kia Rondo, it still manages to overachieve in many areas. Available in two trims, LX and EX, the Rondo is nicely equipped from the base model on up. Even the lowest LX trim comes with important safety features, such as stability control and antilock brakes. Other satisfying standard features include 16-inch wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories and an audio system with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. A third row of seats is optional on the LX and standard on the EX, which boosts total capacity to seven people.

Moving up to the EX trim level adds 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Other options include a sunroof, a navigation system, an iPod adapter and an upgraded stereo. For '09, leather, heated seats, a navigation system and an iPod interface became available.

In spite of its small size, the Kia Rondo is very functional. With the third-row seating option, the Rondo seats up to seven passengers, though the third row is certainly best suited for children. The second-row seats slide fore and aft, and fold flat in a 60/40 split. The optional third-row seats also fold flat, but in a 50/50 split. And there is no shortage of storage, including 10 cupholders.

In road tests, our editors found the Kia Rondo performed surprisingly well. Both the four-cylinder and V6 engines delivered smooth acceleration. The V6 was particularly responsive, offering punchy acceleration and commendable passing power. Its steering was decent, especially for a tallish family vehicle. Although we'd prefer less body roll, the Rondo never felt tippy. In many everyday situations, such as parking and negotiating traffic, the Rondo could fool you into thinking you were actually in a small car, which was exactly the point.

User Reviews:

• 

  Beats a minivan - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By scorionf89 - April 9 - 6:13 am

  I bought this because I was moving and needed a bigger vehicle than a car. I love all the space it has its the cheapest car that can fit a washing machine in it. I can haul almost anything in this car. I love all the leg room it beats out my wifes Toyota mine van from that stand point. I had the dealer drill holes so I can push the racks all the way to the front thereby make it so I can carry 3 large suitcases on the roof cant do that with any other cross over. I have been doing 28 mpg around town with the windows down. On a personal note if you need even more space you probably need a truck my fave being the m35a2 by Am General

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Richard Atl. Ga. - April 7 - 6:50 am

  For a smaller car my wife and I love it. My wife is 52" and she has great comfort. Lots of room for grandbabies. Great speed. Stylish. We love it. Choose it over the CRV. We cant figure out why we dont see more on the road. Try it, youll like it!

• 

  Great Car Until the Engine Goes - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Jen - April 5 - 9:43 pm

  I recently purchased a Kia Rondo in April. Just this month they replaced the engine - the entire short block. It was making noise for a while and took some time to diagnose, but now my new car had to have a new engine put in. I am very nervous about this car for the future.

• 

  dig it - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By BOPPALOPP - April 1 - 1:36 pm

  Got an 08 KIA Rondo of the used lot of a dealership, for under 10k. Only had 20,000 miles on it. Looks brand new for the most part. Drives well, i love the extra kick that the v6 gives. Adds a lil boost that some other crossover wagon type veichles dont give you. all the usual stuff, power windows, power doors, am/fm/cd, ac/heat. The rondo is very spacious in the back. Lots of room for kids, groceries, camping...whatever. Im pleasantly suprised with this ride, so far!

• 

  My Favorite Car - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By liss - March 4 - 5:26 am

  I love my Rondo because it offers top safety items, has excellent visibility, is fun to drive - engine is plenty powerful enough for thruway driving - and looks sharp. Id buy another in a heartbeat.

• 

  I love it. - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By urban07 - February 17 - 12:40 am

  I am a little surprised when I read the reviews here, the Rondo has been the best car to me that I have ever owned. Smooth ride, feels safe, lots of room in the 5 seater, I could not ask for a better car. Best bang for your buck. I am normally an old hot rod / chevy guy and well this is a different image that I grew to like especially with the whole Rainbow advertising.

• 

  Impressive.... - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By GREAT CAR!!! - January 16 - 1:23 pm

  I have never heard of the Rondo. I bought an 08 with a little more than 7,000 miles on it for $10,900.....bout 3,000.00 below book. I did a test drive....and LOVED it!! Its got lots of zip! Handles well! Lots of leg room. Very comfortable. Storage compartments are hidden in the back cargo area. Very quiet inside. I was/am VERY impressed with this car. Its got lots of compartments that are convenient in the front for the driver and passengers. I would recommend this car highly and I am so glad that I now own one.

• 

  Rockin Rondo - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Tony Petty - January 9 - 6:10 pm

  As an over 50, I find the Rondo fun to drive. Would love a power seat though. Seats are big and comfy but dont drop anything down between the seat and the console! They should provide an extraction tool! Suggested improvements - move the high beam indicater down a bit, it gets blocked by the top of the wheel. As a smoker I would love pop open rear 1/4 windows.

• 

  Poor gas mileage - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By jerry - December 13 - 10:00 am

  it only gets about 20 miles to the gallon on the highway. And in one year it has a trade in value of $9400.00 I paid $19,000

• 

  Never Again - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Al Gator - December 3 - 1:43 pm

  Bought this car because I was told gas mileage was great. Not true. After the first week, return to dealer to have brakes fixed. Next, back to the dealer to fix banging noise. Front pass. strut was falling off. Next, back to the dealer to have BOTH front wheel bearings replaced. Car still howls like a demon because of bad bearing or u-joint, dealer cant/wont find and fix. Window deicers quit and the lights flicker at night when braking. Low profile tires make turnpike driving miserable. At 13k need to replace brake pads AND rotors. Seats stain when you look at them. Door locks have mind of their own. Car is a loser in the winter. Antiskid computer fights you.