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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  Rondo LX Excellent Value - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Ed - April 15 - 7:46 am

  I recently purchased a used 2008 LX Rondo V6 with 9,700 miles. I sought a vehicle that was a good value, had a practical aspect for light duty hauling, and that would be reliable with decent gas mileage. I have been happy with the Rondo and it has mostly met the above criteria. Bonus features that I found are that the V6 has good pickup and handles around corners well. Also I am 65 and about 210 lbs. This car provides excellent headroom and decent leg room. I like that the driver sits up fairly high with good visibility too. Overall, there are better vehicles in this category Id say, but they will cost you significantly more. This is a reliable vehicle at a good price I believe.

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  Best MPV - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By dodgekia - April 6 - 4:41 pm

  I love my Rondo, it is small, at the same time spacious. We got it on March 2014 and we have loved it. If you like a car small for many people, get yourself a Rondo. We got the V6 and the power is incredible. For just our LXV6 we have a lot of safety features, as convenience and comfort. Our only problem is the uncomfortable third row seat for an adult, if you are using the third row for children, it is going to work well. There is a very small cargo space when using the third row seats, but there is a lot of storage spaces around the car.

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  Rondo-the perfect compact people mover! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By familyof4 - January 22 - 8:56 pm

  We needed a vehicle that could carry our family of 4 easily yet have the option of more seats for the occasional in-law visit or the kids friends. Minivans and SUVs were too big and we wanted the good gas mileage and all the safety features. The Rondo surprised us nicely. Not only was the interior better than what we expected, but the ride is actually fun! Its not a sportscar by any means but the ride is peppy and smooth and handling is great. Throw in all the standard features, great warranty and low price and youve got all that youd want in a non-minivan.

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  My 07 Kia - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Asborjn - January 21 - 7:26 pm

  Only about 250 miles on my 07 but so far enjoying it, have the 4 cyl with 4 speed and for at least the Sacramento Valley its all I could want or need. Had the windows tinted though, with all that glass would not like to slide into one in the middle of summer without some shade! Overall impression: If youre just starting a family or just want a nice vehicle to drive around in it would be hard to find a better deal than the Kia Rondo!

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  Try This! - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Well Worth It - January 2 - 4:56 pm

  I commute about 90 a day & the Rondo is better than I expected. Interior comfort, gauge layout (nicely illuminated @ night), road manners are all top notch. Safety features all around! Excellent. At idle, the 2.7L V6 is nearly silent. This engine has been a proven asset to Kias line-up. 6-Speed auto. w/triptronic shift are remarkable - it hums @ 80mph. Using synthetic oil now & this has helped the overall performance. I tinted all windows. At 6.3", I am comfortable for long trips. Only regret - not adding leather & sunroof. Kias are "cheap" in cost because the U.S. dollars buy more on Korean products. Kias are not cheap in quailty. You should look into Kia next time around. Trust me.

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  2007 Kia Rondo LX - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Bill F - December 19 - 1:00 am

  I was originally going to buy a new Toyota RAV4 until I drove the new Rondo. The KIA was far more vehicle for the money. The Rondo has more features that count as standard equipment than the RAV4, such as a rear climate control duct for heating and AC. Build quality and design were equal to Toyotas RAV4 and the warranties far exceeded any of the Japanese manufacturers (5 yrs/60K basic and 10 yrs/100K drive train).

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  Safety - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By happyparent - November 24 - 1:26 am

  My daughter was driving the car in the mountains and spun out on some gravel. She went airborne, cleared a ditch and ended up in a field. She spun a couple times resulting in peeling two tires off the rim. When the tow truck arrived he told her that this was really strange, all the other spin outs on this curve usually resulted in severe roll overs. When my wife and myself bought this car, we mentioned how stiff and sturdy it drove. We had been looking at several different small cars but we kept coming back to the Kia Rondo because it drove and felt sturdier. We are so thankful we chose this car because of its strength, the total damage cost $150 for alignment and rebalance the tires.

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  mixed bag - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By mballard70 - October 16 - 2:54 pm

  I bought my Rondo new and it is currently 3.5 years old and has 64,000 miles. I really like the car, but it has had some issues. Here is what has been replaced on the car: rack and pinion unit, power steering, cam-balancer, and the transmission. kia has largely stood behind their product in spite of these issues. However, they were going to deny the warranty claim on my transmission b/c I had changed the fluid with Synthetic Trans. fluid. If I hadnt had a Kia insider as a friend, I would have been in trouble. I think this is a violation of the Moss-Magnasun act b/c they insisted they would only cover Kia fluid. But, I digress. Love the car, wish it didnt have those issues.

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  LOVE this "car"! - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Jennifer - August 23 - 4:53 pm

  We bought our car off the lot as a demo - so it was considered new. I wasnt sure about the value I would get but its nearly a year later and we LOVE it! We get about 24 combine city/highway miles. We got all the bells and whistles (which hardly cost any extra), including the sunroof, leather and 3rd row. I am 56" and can fit in the 3rd row (wouldnt do it all the time and probably someone a bit taller would not fit unless they sat sideways). Plenty of room in the front and middle. The seats fold flat, which is hard to find.

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  Surprised - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By milesap - August 10 - 11:10 pm

  Let me just say this car was purchased for my wife who is a small person with severe arthritis in the knees. The Rondo was the only car that she could easily get in and out of. Unlike SUVs and sedans where you either have to climb up and in or climb out of. Not this car slide in slide out and the six inch wider space for its class clinched the purchase. Now I have owned this car for 18 months and four trips to Fl 20 hours each way and can safely say this baby is a sound and reliable puppy not a glitch. I have degenerative disc disease in the lower back and I have no problem of or discomfort when the boss lady lets me drive the car.