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:

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  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.

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  Poor gas mileage. - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Rhonda G. - April 7 - 6:50 am

  I bought this car because my husband really liked it. I have to admit it I think it is a real cute vehicle. The only complaint I really have is I get extremely poor gas mileage. I have the LX four cylinder and get only about 12-15 mpg in the city and about 20-22 mpg on the highway. With the gas prices today I am going to have to sell it.

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  Just keeps running without problems - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Harry - April 4 - 4:00 am

  We bought this for the stated mileage. Our 1999 Suburban averages 11-12 mpg. The Rondo was supposed to get 29 mpg. Weve never come close. We use it primarily for getting around town (avg = 20 mpg) and an occasional trip (avg = 24 mpg). For a 4 cylinder automatic and Id hope for higher gas mileage because its such a LITTLE car compared to our Suburban. Were in our sixties and drive conservatively. Thats our only disappointment. No squeaks or rattles in 11,000 miles. We change the oil regularly. It is a VERY dependable car. Cant compare the ride with a Suburban (even ours with 200K miles). Trip distances over 100 miles are uncomfortable.

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  Kia Rondo - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By Boyde Wheeler - February 19 - 7:30 pm

  When driving there is cold air coming through the door handles-buttons- speakers or any place like that. Also the doors are cold to the touch.

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  rental - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By majajh - September 30 - 8:13 am

  Good little car I rented. Only problem is wind noise, and struggles in mountainous areas.

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  Kia Rondo 2008 - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Windy Kia - January 24 - 7:13 pm

  Our 2008 7 Passenger Kia Rondo has been making a wind noise coming out of the driver side window since we bought it. It sounds like there is air leaking in the car. Kia claims they cannot fix it and it is intended to be this way. They also claim that all 2008 Kia Rondos make this air leak noise. Aside from this issue we have been happy with the vehicle.

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  Great family car....so far.... - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By jason - October 28 - 2:40 pm

  I bought the Rondo for the price. I have only had it for a year, but so far it runs great and hasnt had any problems. The Rondo is very roomy and has a lot of features I would not have expected for the price. 8 different airbags, anti lock brakes, electronic stability control, 4 wheel disk brakes, and a auto shifter. So far it has proven to be a great family car and i would recommend one to anyone thinking of buying one. It does have a wind noise on the drivers side, which i have read about in other complaints, which the factory or dealers cannot fix, but it doesnt bother me anymore. I work with a bunch of guys with big egos, they make fun of me everyday for driving this vehicle...

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  Extremely Disappointed - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By James Appling - June 28 - 6:23 pm

  I now believe I made a mistake buying this vehicle. I thought it was going to be a great investment. Not so. The gas mileage is poor and there is this extremely annoying wind noise on the drivers side. based on other commentary, it would seem that it can not be fixed. Yeah, the vehicle does not look great but we bought it for the features and the price. We are very disappointed and are looking at our options of getting something else. It does not handle particularly well on the road. It has a tendency to float and I can almost see the gas gage move. Like one other guy said, I guess you get what you pay for.

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  bumpy, bumpy, bumpy - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Bearoness - October 16 - 5:46 am

  I enjoy driving the Rondo but you feel every bump in the road and that is uncomfortable. The gas mileage is okay but I had hoped it would be better (dont we all?)

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  Kia Rondo - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Anne - September 16 - 8:23 am

  I purchased a black Kia Rondo with beige fabric interior. From the first week of ownership had problems with water stains on the seat. The dealership detailed the interior several times to clean the stains which led to additional stains, each time trying new protectants which they stated should take care of the problem. According to the service manager Kia could replace the seats with the same fabric, at the time we decided to try the new fabric protector. One year later my interior looks like we have poured liquid all over, every stain shows, many from water. I am very frustrated, would not recommend fabric interior. I know if I try to sell my car this will lower the value.