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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  My First Kia - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Mommas Baby - June 9 - 1:36 am

  I bought this car brand new with only 41 miles on it and I thought lets see what all the rave is about. After having the car a little while and putting 2,100 miles on it, I must say that I like it. The 3rd seat is kind of tight but overall I like it.

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  Wagon or Micro-van? - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By D. Photo - June 7 - 2:50 pm

  Purchased April 2007. Current mileage 4100. This Rondo had big shoes to fill as it was to replace a 2004 Honda Odyssey, the sport car of mini-vans. Well, Rondo did a great job, in a smaller package. Smooth and quiet drivetrain performance. Huge interior room for the size vehicle. Fantastic all-around visibility when driving. Great standard safety (air bags, ABS, ESC, 4-wheel disc brakes, etc) features. Quiet ride at any speed. Firm, well proportioned seating. Fit and finish every bit as good as Honda (have owned five). V6 has more than adequate power, and a silent smoothy. No problems to date.

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  Rondo: Redefining the crossover - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By dxtc - June 5 - 10:53 pm

  After checking out the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, which were too SUV-ish for my tastes, I looked at the Rondo. I wanted the seating and cargo of a minivan, and the Rondo has it in spades, without the bulk or low MPG of a full minivan. The Rondo is the least expensive V6-powered 7-seater on the market, but its build quality is on par with the costlier CR-V. The second row floor has no noticeable transaxle hump! The 3rd row is not as cramped as most reviews say, when the 2nd row is moved forward a little. Ive only had it 4 months, and Ive already had several compliments!

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  Great Car but... - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By mumfrumson - May 9 - 1:50 am

  Great Car, the V6, Love the Manual shift, the folding third row is great, plenty of room, leather sun roof etc is fantastic. The sun room is back far enough so you dont get beat up.. the only thing missing.. OUTSIDE TEMP. Drives me crazy (no Pun Intended) I have almost 28K of highway miles, rain and snow, no problems, good in slow even with 16 rims.

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  solid family vehicle with lots of plastic - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By bayoubilly74 - May 7 - 12:11 pm

  Tired of having small sedans so looked for something economical but roomy. Found the Rondo, EX trim. Overall a good family car. Plenty of headroom and the kids have quit a bit of space in the 2nd row. Visibility is near-perfect in this car. Easy to see. Have the 3rd row which is a bit of a joke unless the person back there is about 8 years or younger. 3rd row easily flips down flat for a good sized load space. 2nd row folds flat too but it takes more effort. Great hauler for either people or stuff--just NOT AT THE SAME TIME. Tech is pretty sweet for an 09 vehicle. Touch screen display, navigation (solid), 8 speakers, heated seats, Ipod jack and interface.

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  Great everywhere except gas - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Roger - April 9 - 3:50 am

  I bought the Rondo new and love it. Just hit 1000 miles, handles great rides like a sports car with a softer feel on bumps, gas mileage is lacking (6cyl) not close to what the sticker says average 23 on highway. But other than that has all the bells and whistles that higher priced cars have and feels safe and secure on the road, went from a Subaru Legacy wagon, huge improvement for our family, very easy with kids car seats,lots of room in front for drivers (510"230 lb football player) and man can it move when you need it to,long drives are now fun but city driving will kill your wallet,but worth it, dont miss out on this for a better name brand car is worth the test drive.

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  Fun from Korea - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By KAR120C - April 7 - 1:36 pm

  Took our 07 Rondo on a 3800 mile trip back to the midwest and was well satisfied with the handling and comfortability of this little crossover from our friends in Asia. Fuel mileage fit well within the EPA rating 21 to 29 mpg, where we got an avg of 26 mpg on the trip, and that was having the A/C on, cruise on at 80 mph. From graduating from an econobox on long trips to this Rondo, I never tired from sitting in this vehicle. Well worth the money these vehicles are priced at.

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  Great MPG, room and visibility - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By gary poliquin - March 28 - 10:40 am

  I really wanted to buy an American car (be patriotic) but nothing America makes compares to the Rondo. I desired both a decent hauling capacity and good gas mileage. These 2 things work against each other except with the Rondo. With the rear seat folded and the front passenger seat pushed forward a 6 footer can stretch out and take a nap. I dropped the oil at 700 miles and refilled with Mobil 15-20 synthetic. Over my last 3 fillups I have averaged 26 MPG. About 80% of my driving is at highway (60-65) speeds. At 3300 lbs. the 162 HP 4 cylinder engine has more than adaquate power for passing and merging on the freeways. The Rondo is a well though out and engineered vehicle.

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  Really like it - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Bop - March 20 - 9:16 am

  I never expected to buy this car. I had been looking since late summer and was all over the place. Matrix. PT, HHR, Fusion, vans, etc. Then suddenly this new car came out and I was amazed. It was like I designed it for me. It was a perfect compromise between everything I needed. My kids even said the back seat was roomier than our Buick. We did not get the 3rd row. I have the 4 cylinder and its very peppy and quiet. Some 4s get pretty noisy but not here. My biggest concern is that it is brand new but the Kia warranty made that work for me. Plus we got the 2.9 interest and $1500 in rebates and the price at "invoice". Overall very pleased after a few weeks.

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  Quality Family Car - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Rondofamily - March 7 - 11:26 pm

  As our old mini van was on it last legs, we came across the Rondo. I am glad we did! It is a good car at a very reasonable price. It is the perfect size for our family of 4. We have taken it on long trips and find it has the room to haul all our stuff and is very comfortable. The only complaint I have is that the seats stain for no reason. It is like the stains are coming from the inside of the site. Cleaning with water only makes it worse. I have contacted Kia about this issue but have not gotten a reply just yet. The roadside assistance is also a great feature. My wife picked up a screw in her tire and called. They showed up quickly and were able to patch the tire on the spot.