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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  Pretty Nice for the Price - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By LB - November 25 - 1:26 pm

  I purchased as a 1 yr old used car from a rental sales place. This vehicle was used but in like/new condition. I really like it. It handles well and seems very soundly built. I was very surprised because Kia was the worst on my list last time I purchased a car.

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  Lots of prep and room... - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By tararnyny - November 24 - 11:16 am

  We purchased the Rondo in May after looking at the Hyundai Sante Fe, Mazda5 and the Honda Element. We are looking for a safe and reliable vehicle without breaking the bank. Even with two kids and a dog I just couldnt do a full size minivan. No one can believe the interior room or the quiet comfortable ride of this car. The back seat has significantly more leg and head room than our Subaru Outback. Also, with the V6, it is much faster than the Subaru too. The third row seat is tight but its fine for the extra kid or two you end up with after soccer games. With the back seats down youre left with tons of cargo space.

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  Love it - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By z24racerchic - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I had rented a car in 2008 and they gave me a Rondo. When I first saw it I thought what the frig is this thing, but I fell in love. In July 2010 I got a 2008 with only 25,000 miles on it for $11,000. Was thrilled. The dealership was 2 1/2 hours away because I had a hard time finding a good one around where I live. I love my Rondo. While many say its nothing much to look at I like how it looks. The performance is awesome. I have taken it on two trips into the mountains and it doesnt hesitate. The V6 has a lot of power. The interior is very, very roomy and I love the compartments for extra storage in the back. There is plenty of room to haul things.

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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.

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  We (heart) our Rondo - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By momgray - August 12 - 12:26 pm

  After looking around for over a year (we knew our old car wasnt going to last much longer), we decided to get a Rondo. We had gone to the Chicago Auto Show two years running to see a variety of cars, check out the new models, etc. and all of us loved the Rondo we saw this year best of all (missed it last year). When our old car went into its last gasps we went to test drive it - smooth and great to drive. At the time we bought our Rondo the 08s werent on the lot, but with the deal we got we are quite happy with our 07. My SO, who has a thing against minivans and SUVs (conspicuous consumption) likes our wagon solution; the kids love the room; and I like being able to haul a few friends.

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  This car is hot!! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Pat Lippy - August 9 - 1:46 pm

  I fell in love with this car the first I saw it - so cute - but the big thing was the functionality. It is all things to all people - peppy - nice comfortable seats - great ergonomics. Havent filled up with gas so not sure about the gas mileage but that wasnt a deciding factor. Just wanted to upgrade my wife out of the Dodge (just went off warranty) to something she liked that had loads of warranty and was a great buy!

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  Love this Car! - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By Sara - July 27 - 11:23 pm

  I LOVE this car. Ive had it for three months. Ive taken many highway trips and have had no problems. I even folded down the backseats and fit perfectly in the back for a nap while on the road! It is roomy and comfortable. It is slightly soccer mom-ish for someone young and single like me. Everyone else I see driving a Rondo is a bit older or has kids. But regardless - I love it. Great price, great car.

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  Very good Car! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Ed - July 25 - 11:53 pm

  I bought this car used and it is a very good car! I have the V6 and it has a lot of get and go. The engine just purrs. The only minor complaint might be that the seats do stain a little but as long as you are not a slob, they are fine. The car is just the right size, not too big like a mini van and not too small. Plenty of room! I recommend this car to anyone with a small family.

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  Rondo For All Seasons - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Mr_Orting - July 19 - 7:33 am

  This is really a good car. Very good gas mileage on the I4 (27 mph) mixed driving. Fit and finish is excellent and beats Detroit models costing more. Holds the road like glue. Very responsive for a 4. Driver protection program beats the industry. Visibility is outstanding.

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  Most underrated crossover out there - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By garnermike - June 28 - 9:46 am

  I have bought 14 new cars in my life, and the Rondo has been the most impressive to me "after the sale." Quiet, smooth, very good fit-and- finish. Very functional with 7 seats. Averaging 25 mpg in overall driving. Reach 30 mpg on straight hwy driving. Lowest mpg Ive recorded to date was 19 mpg (winter, most city).