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:

• 

  2007 Kia Rondo - 5 seats - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By akr71 - May 25 - 5:26 am

  We traded in our Spectra5 for a Rondo and are very happy with it. For a 3 person, 1 large dog family that likes to go camping, a hatchback just wasnt cutting it. Roomy, well thought out, lots of storage, decent legroom in the back for an adult. For a 4 cylinder, the engine has a lot of pep. We dont get it out on the highway much, so the fuel economy is suffering some (barely over 20 MPG), but have just hit 3000 miles, so Im expecting it to improve somewhat.

• 

  Always look forward to driving it - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Jesterle - May 22 - 4:56 pm

  We love the roominess of the interior plus the storage is great. It has more cupholders than all of my previous cars combined (6 cars). I love the high seating that doesnt require me to climb up into it. We did have the check engine light come on after the first fill-up due to not tightening the cap correctly, but no problems since. I do mostly city driving and have gotten between 19 and 21 mpg. I like having the multiple 12v ports, espcially having one in the back that we can use for our electic cooler or a car vac. No complaints about wind noise. We had a very thorough test drive with this vechicle before buying it so we could dectedt any obvious flaws or even not so obvious. Great car.

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By wonka - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Gotta say Im shocked at some people complaining about their Rondo. My 2007 Rondo LX is the best car Ive ever owned -- better than my Pontiac Vibe, Acura Integra, 99 Rav4, Chevy Prizm or many Corollas. Car is the most versatile thing on the road, comfortable, good balance of power and decent gas mileage. Have had no problems whatsoever after 3 years 40k miles. LOADS of safety features (6 airbags, antilock brakes, skid control). Cant beat this car w/out spending $10,000 more. Only thing I dont love about it is of the 4 doors plus hatchback, there is only ONE keyhole. Annoying because if someone opens the other doors from the inside alarm goes off & ignition is killed until you "beep" in

• 

  I was skeptical - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Twinsdad0504 - March 17 - 2:56 am

  I had always steered away from foreign cars but this deal was too good to pass up. I have been commuting with it since and all the needs I have are being met or exceeded. The amount of room is spacious and the fit and finish appear to be tight and thought out. It is no beauty queen but it is sleek and clean. I hope it continues to meet the needs my family and I have for comfort and safety but so far it is one of my best vehicle decisions in years.

• 

  Updated Post - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By kialover - March 7 - 8:00 pm

  I posted on this car about a year ago, I loved it then and I love it more now! This car is great in the snow!! I cant believe it, just 2 days ago, we got about 10 inches of snow in Grand Rapids MI. During that storm we had to go out. That car just plowed through it, without the roads plowed yet! I am very pleased with this car. We get good mileage, about 21 mpg every time, mostly city.

• 

  Owner and lover - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Rondo-izer - February 13 - 9:30 am

  Very versatile. We only shopped for 7 passenger vehicles. I was hesitant at first, but now I drive it more than my wife does. This has come in handy more than we thought. There are many small items that come in handy, the 12v plug in the rear, rear cargo light, the 12v plug in the console with the cable guide so it will close and not crimp the wire. 2nd row ac vents are also very nice in allowing air to circulate. Tons of cargo space!! Plenty of cup holders helps with kids. Test drive it and you wont believe the visibility or how quiet and enjoyable your ride will be!

• 

  The Rondo is a Steal - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By CelticRondo - February 2 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased this vehicle to drive around people at work and to travel around the states with two dogs. I can fit four adult in it all eating lunch comfortably. Took a four thousand mile drive through MN, NY, FL, and the Midwest. It handles the mountains and beaches with ease. I even had enough room to layout in the back to sleep on the road. I am comfortable driving it and my riders enjoy the extra room and cup holders. Its like a boring friend. It will do everything you ask of it but your hip friends dont like being seen with it.

• 

  Just What I Was Looking For - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Emma in Virginia - December 30 - 1:50 am

  I had a 2000 Kia Sportaqe for 8 years and could not kill it. Therefor I wanted another Kia but with more cargo space. Great to drive with good gas mileage. I get 21MPG in mostly city type driving. Highway is near 30MPG. Cargo space is fantastic compared to other similar models and makes. Kia motors were very helpful in transferring the warranty to me on the day of purchase. With only 15,000 miles on the odometer, I got a "new" car for a great price.

• 

  Good for 67" driver - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By brons2 - December 9 - 10:56 am

  My last two vehicles were an 04 Titan and an 06 Spectra5. The Titan was awesome but awful on gas. The Spectra 5 was awesome on gas but too cramped. When I took the Spec5 in for its 30K I got a rental Rondo and I traded in the Spec5 that day. Im happy with the Rondo. Power is decent with the I4. The auto is slow to downshift. I use the manual shift feature a lot. Mileage is decent, 26- 27 hwy, best is 31.5 MPG @ 65 MPH. Comfort is really good for me (67"). The interior is extremely spacious and useful. I mainly carry myself and my bicycles around. I can stack 2 bikes in the back with the front wheels detached. I usually get a new car every 24 months but this ones a keeper.

• 

  Great for families - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By brondie - December 8 - 8:50 pm

  We were looking for something to replace my Taurus Wagon, but wanted to be sure to get better gas mileage and better room. This covers all the basis. I love the features it has and the handling is great. My husband is comfortable in this unlike he was in the HHR we almost bought. So far I have no complaints.