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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  If you are skeptical, you are wrong - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By matute008 - September 26 - 7:56 am

  We went to the car show and for two years in a row we loved it. It has all the safety features I was looking for and to be honest a little bit more. Riding in the car is fun and the interior is really comfortable. The infinity stereo is awesome and the sound is perfect.

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  Very Happy With It - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By mattba - September 19 - 5:56 am

  Overall this car has exceeded virtually every expectation. It is fun to drive, very roomy, gets decent fuel economy for a vehicle that seats, and looks pretty good as well. Im averaging around 19 mpg in town and between 25-27 mpg on the hi-way at around 75 mph with the a/c running. The V-6 is exceptionally smooth, as is the transmission. There is plenty of room for my family of 5 and our dog when we travel. On the down side, the seats in my car (beige interior) are very easy to stain. Im beginning to wonder how well they are going to hold up over the long term. But, other than that, Im sold on Kia. I got the car for 2.9% financing for 5 years. What a deal!!

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  I love my Rondo! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Liss - August 21 - 10:10 pm

  I replaced a Jeep Id had for 6 years. I wanted a car offering good visibility, top safety features, good styling, heated leather seats, easy to get in and out of, not too glitzy, good compartments for storage. I did not need a 3rd row of seats. I drove the comparable cars, as well as other Kia models; chose the Rondo because it offered everything I was looking for. I would not compare the Rondo to minivans, no matter what reviewers say - its in a class of its own. I get compliments all the time. Its sporty, attractive exterior styling, and roomy interior. It holds a lot of cargo! Ive owned my Rondo for over a year, and Id definitely buy another one

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  Fun & Satisfied - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Dennis - August 10 - 11:06 pm

  With 2 small kids, our Quest minivan was more than we needed. The 7 passenger Rondo fit our needs perfectly. Normally configured with just 2 rows of seats for the 4 of us but with an optional 3rd row for family or visitors to prevent having to take 2 cars places. It test drove very nice w/great handling & enough "get up & go" in the 6-cyl to get out into traffic in a pinch. We were able to load it up w/ALL of the bells & whistles. Yes, the rear seat is tight, but Im 62" and can get back there w/about 2" to spare between my knees the middle row. Great warranty & crash tests too! Very happy!!

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  Dump your SUVs and minivans....... - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Mainardlaw - August 8 - 1:13 am

  For most people, their practical needs in a vehicle are gas consumption, space, highway performance, handling in city driving, and price. Ive had this car since February, and even though Id never even heard of this car until 9 days before I bought it, it is by far the best vehicle Ive ever driven on all of the practical counts above. You can use it like a cargo van with all seats down, you can carry 7 passengers, its deceptively fast on the highway (cruises at triple digit speeds while quiet as a luxury sedan inside), and comfortable in ways youd never thought of before (best seat entry ever), the ABS and ESC make handling smooth. Not for drag racing, but who really does that anyway?

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  We love this car! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By notinks - July 28 - 2:46 am

  After reading positive reviews here, we decided to trade in our Trailblazer for the Rondo with better gas mileage as our primary goal. I drive the Kia mostly to work and back with about 1/2 of the driving being interstate highway and the rest in city. My gas mileage has averaged 22 mpg - not fantastic but better than the 17 I got with the Trailblazer. We just returned from a trip through the mountains in WY & ID and actually did 28 mpg there. The car has plenty of zip on on-ramps, which is where I usually drive. If I were going to be in mountainous areas very often, though, Id want the V6. The 4 of us had plenty of room for bodies and luggage. Overall, we love the car!

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  Second Kia - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By BILL F. - July 11 - 1:20 pm

  This is my second Kia, had a Sedona before with few problems that the dealer took care of with no hassels. I drove the Rondo and was impressed with the ride and drive in the 2.4 4 cylinder. Big room inside and better gas mileage than the Sedona. Yes Kia has come a long way.

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  Mi Rondo - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By bassn1958 - July 8 - 8:33 pm

  After test driving this vehicle, my wife and I liked the roominess of the Rondo vs our previous two vehicles. However we are kind of disappointed in the mpg as it is advertised for 27 mpg on the highway and were getting about 22.75 avg through 5000 miles. We thought that we would be able to absorb the additional cost of negative equity on our previous vehicle with the lesser mpg on this vehicle. However with bigger discrepancy in mpg and the huge rise in gas prices its not as economical as first thought. However we do enjoy the spacious cabin and the power of the small V6 engine. And the overall performance has been satisfactory for the most part.

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  Great for the price - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By bjfails - June 8 - 4:46 am

  Great vehicle for a small family car, seats are a bit small but not uncomfortable. Lots of room for kids to stretch without burring knees into back of seat. Two row has a lot of storage options. Nice pep off the line but lags above 50 mph. Exterior doesnt command a lot of attention, but doesnt repel the date for the evening either.

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  Rondo for the family - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By tgahan - April 9 - 3:36 am

  Were very impressed by the load capacity and the visibility. Big, beautiful windows that allow for a really fun and open drive-feel.