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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  No need for V6 in Rondo - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Rollie4 - April 8 - 6:46 pm

  After 8000 km, here is how I compare it to my previous 2002 PT Cruiser Limited. Turns shorter, rides better, speedometer easier to read, seats almost as good, fuel consumption 15% better at 8.4 l/100km, roomier, better visibility, more sun/sky glare thats a no no, tailgate stays cleaner of dust and mud, 2 inches more road clearance is important on snow and back roads, I miss PTs sturdy rear shelf, Electrically heated seats work well in Alberta, drives good but does not hold the road as good as "the little TANK". Great access for an old geeser of 79. PT was great for 103,000 trouble-free kms but that low road clearance did me in, road garbage cost the PT a radiator.

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  Way to go Lia - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By americal68 - December 4 - 10:13 pm

  As amazing as it may seem, the only thing I have found so far I would change is that the leather cover on the steering wheel is a little slick and could use more grain. Fantastic bang for the buck!

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  The worst drive ever - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By Troy - November 16 - 11:20 am

  I do not know what to say. The car has the worst seats of any car I have driven, the visibility is not the best, the transmission shift like a 1980 Chevy Citation with 100k on it. The 4speed auto is so outdated. I have this as a long term rental.

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  WHAT A LEMON - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By jskayaker - November 15 - 5:20 am

  I bought my 2008 Kia Rondo used with 19,000 miles on it...I really liked the car it suited my needs for hauling kids, dogs, kayaks and camping gear...but now at 51k miles the engine has locked up. I had the car serviced regularly and keep up on oil changes the whole nine. This is very very disheartening.....I still owe 9800 on the car and the new engine will cost 4800 to replace. I will never buy a KIA every again! I will also tell anyone buying a KIA to think again.

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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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  Lots of features for budget family - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By billcsho - August 30 - 6:10 am

  I was looking for a car to replace my 13yr old Saturn wagon with more passenger and cargo capacity and a moon roof. We set a budget of $20k and had our eyes on the Mazda5 for the past several years. Recently we realized the Rondo to be the only direct competitor of Mazda5 that fulfilled our requirements. It has good mpg for my daily driving mostly on local. Highway mpg is slightly lower than expected but should be improved after breaking in. The V6 has good acceleration and is very quiet. The second row is roomy even with someone sitting in the 3rd row. With the $4K cash rebate, we got it loaded with options (leather, moonroof, 6CD/MP3, etc) and still within our budget.

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  We love our Kia Rondo! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Bob Crepeau - August 22 - 1:30 pm

  This is just what we needed! We are a retired younger couple who are on the go...but I need a lay-down space for me in the back for long trips. We wanted a foreign car and the Kia Rondo is just perfect for us. It is zippy, comfortable, pretty inside and out and the 60/40 seating configuration is perfect for us empty-nesters. The cost was within our price-range as well.

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  Love it! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Heather - August 15 - 1:03 am

  I traded in a 2002 Chev Tracker for the Rondo and I love it. There is so much more leg room. My baby has plenty of extra room for her kicking feet in her carseat. I shopped around for a while and as soon as I test drove the Rondo I decided right then that it was the vehicle for me!

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  Lots of car without hurting your wallet! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Stephan from Jersey - August 2 - 6:33 pm

  Have owned a 2007 Rondo since Labor Day 2007. Never considered a Kia. We looked at the Vue, Mazda 5, HHR, and Dodge Caravan before stumbling on the Rondo. Surprising to see so few on the road! Nice comfortable vehicle to drive. Lots of storage areas in car, and easy to configure car to store larger items. Our goal was a fuel efficient vehicle with lots of safety equipment, and this care fits that bill. Excellent vision out of the front windshield (minivan-like). Definitely recommend this car for families on a budget, but whom dont want to sacrifice safety of you & your kids!! Give this vehicle a try - glad we did.

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  There Great! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Cyra - July 4 - 4:16 pm

  I purchased my Rondo in March of 08,and am elated with my purchase. I always owned American made prior to this but I have to say that I love this Rondo. Have put over 18,000 miles with no problems. Went on 2 trips, one in the Ozark Mountains, I4 and transmission did exceptional with plenty of power and smooth downshifting when needed. Love the roomy interior and seating position.