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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  Mazda beater - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By bguds - September 2 - 1:40 am

  I felt a bit too snug on the Mazda5. The Rondo seemed much more roomy.

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  A GREAT BUY! - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By TL - August 13 - 3:50 pm

  The Rondo may not get you looks on the street but the function is superior of any car in its class. This is a GREAT buy for people who need room and dont want to bleed your wallet. The ride is wonderful and the finishes are excellent! I purchased a FULLY LOADED Rondo for less than half loaded competitors cars. Unbelievable deals are out there on Kias. I would absolutely tell anyone interested in a new car to look into a Kia. The warranty itself is a no brainer.

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  Id buy another one in a heart beat. - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By joel41 - July 21 - 5:04 am

  I cant say enough positive about this car. I bought it as a demonstrator with 10,800miles and paid $220 more than a 10 year old Honda CRV with 110,000 miles on the same lot. Head and leg room as well as visability is better than my Dodge Caravan. Rear seats lay all the way flat which is great for hauling and camping. Doors open all the way which allows to load a box the full size of the door in the back (unlike my dads Buick. With the V6 engine, there is more than enough spunk to get up to spead on the freeway. On a country road, I had it up to 110 mph and was still accelorating. It can be "fun to drive" when I want to.

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  Love the car! - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Jay Dee - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Kia Rondo in May 2010. My Saturn VUE was totaled, and fortunately, I got a good deal and was able to pay cash for the Rondo. This car is fun to drive, especially easy to access if you are short or disabled. There are two problems I have with this car. Gas mileage stinks! My SUV got better mileage than this! I get an engine knock when the A/C is on. The compressor was replaced (under warranty) but the noise continues.

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  Different but Nice - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By John - June 30 - 3:50 am

  I have a Chrysler Voyager Minivan, and this Rondo is the preferred vehicle of the household. Great storage space, and roomy front and back seats, even with a car seat. I love all the extras they give you with this Ex model. This has more standard features than the Voyager had, and is much more fun to drive.

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  Great car - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By George - June 13 - 2:13 am

  A great little car. Took a long trip with it, handled all kinds of road conditions well. 4 cyl had no problem with steep grades on mountain highways. We dont have 3rd seat, that would make a difference in power.

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  Never Had an Issue - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Kerensa - March 17 - 2:18 am

  I was trading up to this from a 2005 Ford Focus that I absolutely hated. I needed something a bit more roomy with better visibility. I bought this used with minimal miles on it. I sold it 3 years later because I needed something with AWD in it, otherwise I would have kept it. I did routine maintenance on it and never had one issue with how it drove.

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  Dont overlook the Rondo - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By rondodude - March 8 - 8:00 am

  I bought my 2007 EX after owning a Siena minivan for years and briefly owning a 2006 Scion xB. I compared this car with the CR-V, Vibe, Forester, Legacy wagon and other "near SUVs." The Rondo had far and away the best space utilization and features for the price. Seating position is nice and high, visibility is excellent, but handling is dull. Drives way too much like my old Siena and not enough like the zippy xB. Build quality is good (Ive owned 10 Hondas, Nissans, Toyotas and Mazdas to compare with), although carpet in cargo area is cheap. Im OK with the MPGs, which range from 19 to 27. The Rondo is a real car, unlike my xB, which was so devoid of features it was ridiculous.

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  Good versatility at a cant beat price! - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Marley - March 5 - 5:56 pm

  Wanted a smaller vehicle to replace a Kia Sedona minivan but wanted the versatility of 6-7 passengers in a pinch. To be honest I was ready to purchase a Mazda5 but decided to stop in at Kia one day and got a deal that is hard to beat and purchased the vehicle for a good amount less than I could get the Mazda. Styling is bland compared to the Mazda5 but it does seat 7 instead of 6 (although very tight) and has ESC which the Mazda didnt, among many other good safety features. The vehicle gets good gas mileage, handles well and has decent power with the V6, and the price was right for us.

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  Happy as a Clam - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Happy Clam - January 20 - 2:40 am

  Wish Id bought 2 of these. Got the unbelieable price of $12985 (new car & delivery). Flawless experience so far. Really would buy another at this price instantly. But the new 09 are much more pricy. Complaints about lack of power are invalid. I used to be a Freeway Patrol Officer and Im happy with the power of the I4. Cant find anything wrong with the build or performance of this car. I love it. Get 20/25 mpg. My similar sized Camry I4 get 28/32. Its not sexy, but its beautiful.