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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  Never Again - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By JustADriver - February 9 - 5:30 am

  Bought the KIA looking for a 3rd row. It has lots of room, but too many problems. Headlights have horizon line and are not good on hills. Bad vibration, which according to KIA was caused because the rims bent when car sat to long. The fix was to overinflate the tires. Airbag lights took several tries to fix, stereo was broken from day one, but dealer thought it was fine. KIA eventually replaced it, but the replacement was also broken. Trade in offers after about 7 months ranged from $7,000 to $10,800 for a car with about a $23,000 MSRP when purchased

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  Poor Gas Mileage Weak Performance - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By leladees - December 20 - 9:06 am

  We bought this car June 21st, 08 July 2nd we left from FL. to CA. for a month long trip.We averaged 19 MPG on the highway and had to turn the AC off for more than half the trip as it was so week to pull the hills. WE traveled I-10 going to CA. and I-40 coming back as we went to the Grand canyon and all. Before we even left for our vacation the seats started coming apart and by the end of our trip we had several issues. We feel Kia had a great idea but this model needs some work. It would be a great car "IF" they could improve the gas mileage, performance & quality of workmanship.

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  Great car for the money - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Mary - November 25 - 12:30 am

  I just purchased the 08 Kia Rondo, new in 09. Got a great price, $14,900 for a V6, seats 7. Wanted a car with a good warranty, and didnt want to pay a fortune for it. I am very pleased with everything so far!

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  2007 KIA Rondo EX V6 Luxury - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Brian Williams - November 21 - 9:56 am

  I purchased a 2007 Rondo EX V6 Luxury in Aug. To say I am pleased is an understatement. I traded my 98 Legacy wagon on it, and though it lacks AWD, the Rondo is quite adept at handling our snowy December (our dealer added a set of studded winter tires on rims as part of the deal). I like the handling, the acceleration, the brakes, the looks, the comfort, the practicality, the quality - I like everything! The 3rd row seats are great at toting an occasional 5th or 6th passenger, and provide lots of space when folded. Everything works so smoothly and efficiently - the seats tumble or fold so well, the controls are smooth, etc. What a car! Truly one of the best values in autodom today.

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  My 2007 Rondo - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Ron - November 5 - 5:00 pm

  My wife liked my Rondo so much that a year after I owned mine she went out and bought one too. The car gives a nice ride with great visibility. The seating is very comfortable, especially on long trips. I seem to get about 33 mpg when the freeway is functioning as intended. The wide 16" tires give a pretty good ride over our dilapidated roads. We have plenty of room for our family of three to pack up all our camping gear and head for the hills. We bought both on sale ad at $12,999 each, look for sales. Highly recommended. Cons: warped brake pad causes vibration when braking. Newer problem as steering has light knock when turning wheel left.

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  Rondo is a keeper - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Bryan - October 21 - 12:10 am

  Ive owned my Rondo now since new a little over 2 years. Completely satisfied. Not a rattle,engine is quiet and no mechanical issues. What more can you expect from the cheapest 7 seater? Mind you, it wont turn anybodys eye though. :)

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  Good car, Great buy - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Lamar - October 19 - 7:23 am

  We bought our Rondo as a leftover in 2009. After driving it for the 10 months we have had it we are still surprised at the huge interior and the diminuitive exterior. It is comfortable, easy to enter and exit, gives us reasonable mileage, and easily and comfortably carries four adults 95 miles to visit grandchildren. The fuel pump deserted us at 10k and was promptly replaced by Kia. We were told it had been replaced under a recall earlier while at an Orlando dealer before it was sent to our dealer, hmmm. We are very satisfied but keep an "eye out" for further fuel pump problems. good car for older prople who have mobility problems.

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  Most bang for the buck - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By Marc - October 12 - 1:23 am

  I was impressed when I drove the car. Ride was excellent, quite and stable. Seats are comfortable. Visibility is outstanding. Incredibly roomy even for all my 64" and taller friends. I elected for the EX with premium package. The leather is good quality. The navigation system is sharp and the Infinity sound system is awesome. It doesnt feel like an inexpensive car at all. I have the third row for the kids, but adults 6 and shorter can fit comfortably with no compromises. The 175hp 4cyl engine is surprisingly peppy even full of adults and cargo. Fuel economy so far has been 24city/30hwy. This car is perfect in my opinion. It has everything I need and nothing I dont for a great price

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  Unbelievable - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Ms. Johns - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This car was all good until I reached 62,000 miles. The fuel pump has gone out and the manufacturer wont admit that it is a defect. The fuel pump has been recalled in the 08 and 09 models. I had a couple in the 3rd row and thy complained about the comfort. They could feel every bump in the road. I would not recommend Kia to anyone!

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  2007 Kia Rondo LX - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Tim - May 8 - 8:00 pm

  We traded a Buick minivan (2 yrs old), and couldnt be happier. No mechanical problems at all with this car. We love it. We have 8,000 miles on it. The only drawbacks are that it never gets the advertised hwy mileage (we only get 24-26 MPG tops), and the road noise is evident when on a bumpy highway/road. The features of this car were better than the traded vehicle (at half the price)--antilock AND stability control AND airbags all around. Feels very safe, and I really enjoy driving it. Cant go wrong at this price for a 7 seater! Will buy from KIA again.