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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  Poor gas mileage. - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Rhonda G. - April 7 - 6:50 am

  I bought this car because my husband really liked it. I have to admit it I think it is a real cute vehicle. The only complaint I really have is I get extremely poor gas mileage. I have the LX four cylinder and get only about 12-15 mpg in the city and about 20-22 mpg on the highway. With the gas prices today I am going to have to sell it.

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  Just keeps running without problems - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Harry - April 4 - 4:00 am

  We bought this for the stated mileage. Our 1999 Suburban averages 11-12 mpg. The Rondo was supposed to get 29 mpg. Weve never come close. We use it primarily for getting around town (avg = 20 mpg) and an occasional trip (avg = 24 mpg). For a 4 cylinder automatic and Id hope for higher gas mileage because its such a LITTLE car compared to our Suburban. Were in our sixties and drive conservatively. Thats our only disappointment. No squeaks or rattles in 11,000 miles. We change the oil regularly. It is a VERY dependable car. Cant compare the ride with a Suburban (even ours with 200K miles). Trip distances over 100 miles are uncomfortable.

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  Kia - some problems - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By roadrunner - April 3 - 7:13 pm

  The Rondo is roomy, excellent for elderly parents to get in and out of, okay on gas, looks great and handles well. However, I am taking it back for repairs for the third time for the gear shift locking, the ESC light coming on and off, the brake does not disengage the cruise control (very scary) and now the cover on the steering wheel that covers the air bag has come loose and rattles. But, still would recommend the car for other features. Hopefully the dealership can fix these problems for good this time. Did I get the only lemon? After having the 2004 Optima, I was very impressed with Kia and its warranty program.

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  2007 Kia Rondo LX - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Rondo in CO Mts! - March 14 - 6:30 am

  An underrated overperformer! Its surprising to me that Car & Driver and other car reviewers have not given this car the same marks as those who own it. Those in the know love it! A superb family car for an incredibly low price! Weve done trips of 1000K plus w/ 4 adults and two kids (and thule box) in comfort. Pretty interior, great stereo. Drop into 4th or 3rd when passing and you have NO worries on hills or passing - make the six cylinder work! It can handle it. Slide middle row forward and you can get six adults in -- although tight. Looked at Ford Freestyle; Escape; Mazda 5; and others. By far this was the best for the money. Get the six cylinder.

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  Kia Rondo - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By Boyde Wheeler - February 19 - 7:30 pm

  When driving there is cold air coming through the door handles-buttons- speakers or any place like that. Also the doors are cold to the touch.

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  First Observation - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Buffpilot - February 4 - 6:50 pm

  Just got our Rondo EX, I am 63" and Rondo has excellent headroom and good legroom. Great build quality, excellent driveability. Too early to give estimate of fuel economy.

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  Great Car! Great Price - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By happyblonde - January 13 - 2:40 am

  You cannot beat the quality of this little mini-mini van! We purchased the V6 version, and the pickup is great! Lots of special features like air vents in the back seat, plenty of cupholders, storage-did I mention the back seats recline a little (which is great for long trips). We purchased this used with 10,000 miles on it-but its still like brand new. I could go on and on about how much we love this car-from plenty of storage room, the quietness of the car and leg room-this car is a must have for small families. Dont be put off by the Kia name (which is owned by Hyundai, by the way). This car is just as good as a Toyota or Honda-for thousands less!

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  I wish I could Take it BACK - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By bmterre - December 3 - 8:53 am

  I bought this vehicle because I needed a bigger vehicle. At the dealership I did a test drive around the block. Everything was ok. The external look for this car was verrrry ugly. But I needed a bigger car for my family. I later noticed that when I drove it o the freeway I have to steer more to the left to keep from FLOATING into the other lane. I just figured it was all of a sudden very windy outside. But of course it wasnt. The storage in the back Im not too fond of. I can hear everything sliding back n forth. Did I mention I hate the way the outside looks. Im use to a car that when u start to drive the doors lock, but this car doesnt. Think hard before u buy, i dont c to many around!

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  Unique and Functional - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By datsunguy - November 9 - 4:23 am

  Great car alternative to larger van or SUV. We wanted something we could occasionally haul more than 5 people in, and this is perfect. I am 61" and can comfortably fit in the third row for short trips. We seriously explored purchasing a Canadian model, as they have power driver seat, trip computer and auto climate control. Dont misinterpret the long list of suggested improvements - I love this car and would buy again, but these are things to look at when you are thinking of buying. I am glad I got the 2007 model, as 2008 deleted a few key features. I havent heard the base level stereo, but I am not sure that the upgrade stereo was worth the cost. I also was expecting better MPG.

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  2007 LX no troubles even at 93,000 miles - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Sue Peterson - October 19 - 4:32 pm

  all it needs is oil changes and tires. Never even had to replace brakes. Did do the struts as corners were mushy. Cheapest car to run that I have ever owned.