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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  2007 KIA Rondo - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Dakota29803 - August 13 - 7:50 am

  I bought my Rondo in November, 2007. I had been looking at compact SUVs, wagons, etc. I had not found any vehicle that I liked the looks, storage space and price until I saw the Rondo. I fell in love immediately and bought it. No regrets. It is more comfortable, more economical and better driving than my 2004 Jeep Liberty.

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  Christmas Kia - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By wibigboi64 - August 11 - 11:50 am

  I although I have only had the Rondo for a week I am completely satisfied with this vehicle. Having come from a 2006 Chev HHR, I was worried about giving up ride quality and low noise levels. I am glad to report that with the Rondo you do not have to sacrifice at all. The interior is quiet at highways speeds and the ride is wonderful...feels like a near luxury car and the handling is very competent. I would highly recommend this car to friends and family. So far the mpg has been in the mid 20s mixed highway and severe stop and go city traffic.

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  Gasoline - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By MIKE - July 29 - 6:43 am

  I am not the perfect guy to get great mileage.(4 cyl.) My job requires a lot of in town driving and some idling. In Texas, if you have an outside meeting, you get into someones car with the a/c on. After 6 months, I have had only 1 tank of gas that got over 22 miles to the gallon. The pros make this still a great purchase. I got the last 07 and got my car for under 15k. I would do it again.

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  Functionalilty and Price - Cant Beat It! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By ash_1021 - July 5 - 11:00 pm

  I am in the midwest and have driven American cars for several years now. I feel we in midwest have a special bias towards the big 3, just because of our proximity to Detroit. I have to admit I was really scared to try Kia for the first time. I have found Kia Rondo to be an exceptionally functional car with a lot of cool features, Excellent mileage for all that space and fabulous price. I was thinking of considering Toyota or Honda but could not find anything close in the price range and/or mileage that Rondo has offered me. Also, I feel the warranty scheme is just something that speaks for itself!! I am a very proud first time KIA owner now!!

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  Great Vehicle, Great Value - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By Dave - June 24 - 8:13 pm

  Purchased used with 12,400 miles. I was looking for a more comfortable vehicle for trips that could haul larger items when necessary - but it needed to also be economical. The Rondo delivers on all counts, and its even fun to drive! Comfortable, smooth ride, good brakes, interior looks good, lots of room and yet it is a fairly compact vehicle. 24-27 mpg on the first few tanks, nearly all highway miles (hoping for better than this.) Lots of storage cubbyholes. Im impressed with the features for the money (ABS, stability control, traction control, etc.) and surprised that more people havent discovered the Rondo. Its not a sports car but it does what it does very well.

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  Good for around town - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Dave - June 15 - 12:26 am

  I bought the Kia Rondo to replace an Eagle summit wagon I had had for years. The Rondo has been a good Car. Now has 27,000 miles on it. No repair needed. I have grown to dislike the car however because it handles so poorly. The steering wheel has some uncomfortable vibration at around 65 mph, and the cabin is noisy at highway speeds. I have to crank up the volume on the radio to hear anything. I could have bought a much nicer car for a little more money. The worst part is the resale value. If you want a small van that will hold its value better, the Mazda 5 is much better.

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  Did my homework and it paid off! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By skippy0817 - May 10 - 2:32 pm

  I bought my used 2007 Kia Rondo LX a month ago after doing alot of on line research. I drove new cars and other used cars but the moment I got in the Rondo I fell in love. I have not had a new/newer car for many years and I certainly made the right choice. The exterior is fun looking, the interior is roomier and nicer than anything I thought I could afford. It runs and drives like a dream. I love the way it handles, I love the pick-up and especially the gas mileage! Im getting 29 mpg and I live in an area where my daily drive is climbing up and going down hills. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  The real "smart" car! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By drjjjj - May 9 - 7:36 am

  Have over 150k on my 07 Rondo with no mechanical issues ever! Been a flawless car, functional, comfortable, safe and reliable! If youre into funtion/practicality-this is the used car to choice! The 2.4 has the no maintenance timing chain, bullet proof 4 cylinder and simple 4 speed! 70% high strength steel/3300 lbs-about as light as you want to go! Can see 30 mpg on Highway! This year and newer is when the Koreans made the turn to world class quality folks!

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  Surprises everyone who rides in it! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By midwstguy - March 20 - 5:03 pm

  I had originally intended to purchase the Kia’s parent company’s Santa Fe because my mother has one and I am extremely impressed with the vehicle – so is my mother. I decided to purchase the Rondo instead because of the somewhat smaller outside dimensions. The funny thing is that the Rondo with the smaller outside actually is larger inside than the Santa Fe. Four things stand out with this car. First of all the comfort, I am 6’2” and even with the sun roof have more than enough room and the seats are extremely comfortable. Second is the ride, in a word fantastic! Third would be quiet cabin and forth would be the fuel mileage. I have consistently got over 27 mpg on hwy running at

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  Great little wagon - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By kialover15 - March 13 - 2:16 am

  Back in August of 2007, we bought a Kia Rondo, it was very smart move. It gets great gas mileage, we are getting an average of about 23 mpg. We love it. It is easy to get in and out of, great visiblity and handling. Our only issue with it is when you have to drive through puddles of water, you temporarily lose your power steering. But there is a button you can push, and then you will not lose it. We live here in MI, and the last few days we have been getting blizzards, and with the ESC, it is great, it automatically pumps the brakes and keeps the car in control when you start to slide. I would recommend this car to anyone.