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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Best little car we drove - 2008 Kia Rondo
By Rod - July 3 - 5:50 amWe test drove many cars in this range, the Matrix, the Vibe and a few others. This one beat them all out and continues to impress us. 28 mpg on trips. Low entry cost and with a V6 as well. Seating for 7 so we can take extras and plenty of little storage spots. But also it is quite peppy and handles like a dream. A very welcome car after the Dodge Grand Caravan.
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What a piece of work! - 2007 Kia Rondo
By BigJoe - June 22 - 9:50 pmGreat car!!! This car has won me over. As a former Chevy Subn driver I have a hard time getting into just any vehicle. At 64" 370 I am no small twig. The Rondo has great room and a very peppy 4 cyl. I have only had the car about 4 months but so far I love it. There are a few things which could be improved upon but the pros far outweigh the cons. I am going to miss my 4 wheel drive in the winter, but hey, lets face it, going from an average of 8 mpg to 20 mpg is a big difference. This car has exceeded my expectations and is definitely worth a look. Roomy, peppy and nice on the twisties, my Rondo was a great deal.
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Sporty lil wagon - 2007 Kia Rondo
By gotta love it - May 18 - 1:36 pmI never could imagine Kia coming up with a car like this. i had a 98 kia sephia. "junk". now in 2008 i have a 2007 kia rondo. i bought it with 16K miles on it. other than a few small issues with the dealer the car is super. after we got the tires rotated and an alignment. i get in the area of 25 mph in town and nearly 35 on the highway. i can tell that Hyundai makes kia because the quality is leaps and bounds better than my first kia. i wouldnt hesitate in a second. go get this car.
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Rondo - 2007 Kia Rondo
By From the inside out - May 8 - 7:26 amGreat seating position, classy interior, gobs of room, quiet and economical, fun to drive and responsive - whats not to like?
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Awesome SUV, Wagon, Minivan??? - 2007 Kia Rondo
By Patrick Jaquin - April 21 - 1:33 pmAwesome power off the line for a 4 banger. Quite smooth ride. Just got out of a Saturn ION, so Im spoiled by gas mileage but at 53 yrs old Im tired of falling into and dragging myself up and out of a compact car. The Rondo is a perfect in and out. Im sure the mileage will get better as I only have less than 700 miles on it so far. Im a semi retired rock musician so if I need the space for my gear I have it. My wife drives an 07 Sportage and is less than satisfied with the mileage, but she wanted an SUV so I told her not to expect great mileage. She had an 03 Optima but decided she wanted an SUV. All in all Im in love with my Rondo and this is our third new KIA. Very reliable vehicles.
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Go buy it, well worth it $$$ - 2007 Kia Rondo
By Oscar - April 16 - 5:40 pmI bought this car for my wife, but I must say I love it just as much. I drive it to work for 50 miles on the highway and it is very quite and handles quite well. I have not noticed any blind spots and everything is at your finger tips. Night time driving is also very good as the Driving lights and Fog lights are very bright. Also braking and acceleration are just as good and it comes with great Michelin tires. Interior Lighting is also good and lots of interior connectors for those portable CD players - 1 front, 1 mid, and 1 in the rear as well.
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Interesting - 2008 Kia Rondo
By TIMP - March 31 - 10:56 pmJust bought this crossover/suv/van/whatever you call it. If you see one or drive one you will understand. Not that is a bad thing, it is not as attractive as other vehicles in this size, but the price was right. Also the 3rd row is what my family needed. Overall it drives nice and there is plenty of room in both front and second row. The 3rd row is for children, but how many adults ride in a 3rd row? There is virtually no room if the 3rd row is up. As most vehicles in this size there is not room with a 3rd row. The fold down of the 2nd and 3rd row is nice and has plenty of room if needed for storage with this feature. See below for check engine light issue.
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Great Family Car - 2007 Kia Rondo
By OneQwikPony - February 28 - 5:30 pmWanted a new truck but the gas mileage was not as good as the Kias. Plus I have a lot more room with all the bells and whistles.
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Afraid I made a mistake - 2008 Kia Rondo
By Nanlan - February 22 - 6:13 amI just purchased a 2008 Rondo today. I think I made a mistake. The test drive took place in city traffic where I didnt see some of the flaws. On the long drive home there was a very annoying sound at the drivers window (air coming in). The car is very "floaty" & seems too wishy washy on the road. I dont feel in command of my vehicle. The 4 cylinder engine whines so loud, like it may explode before we really get rolling. I am thinking of taking it back in the morning & getting my money back. This is a cheap car & I dont feel safe in it.
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Solid vehicle, good value - 2007 Kia Rondo
By flipb - December 21 - 5:50 pmKia hit the nail on the head by creating a vehicle thats got the footprint of a compact but can handle 7 passengers, or 5 and a bunch of stuff. I chose the Rondo over a fwd RAV4, and saved about $5K. Very well put-together and drives well, but feels somewhat like an appliance. Not a lot of soul in the driving experience. But performs better than average where it counts: space, safety, economy, value, features.
