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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  The Power to Surprise? How about Amaze! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Baltojeff - March 9 - 11:50 am

  This is a very well built vehicle. The first thing I noticed was the quality of the interior. It was completely above my expectations for a KIA. Very "touch friendly" and well laid out. The leg room in the 2nd row was probably the clincher. I cross-shopped the RAV4, CR-V, Pilot, Highlander, Equinox, CX-7, Santa Fe, Outlander and a couple of others. There was just no comparison. I also have the 7 seat model (which satisfied our need for 6+ seats), and even loaded it is very comfortable. The driving dynamics are also much better than expected. Great pickup on the v6, easy highway cruising, very commanding view of the road. We took a 900 mile trip the day after we took delivery. Grade: A+!

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  2007 Kia Rondo EX - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Hopx4 - March 3 - 7:50 am

  First let me put my review in perspective by saying that I bought the Rondo as wagon for commuting and recreational activities; I didnt need a third row and this is not my primary family vehicle. I thought I wanted a small/mid-size SUV until I tested them and discovered that they lean in curves too much for my liking, and what I really wanted was car-like handling with SUV space/flexibility. The Rondo is the vehicle that offered that combination with a higher seating position and decent gas mileage. I like the Vibe/Matrix, but the engine was not powerful enough, the backseat had no leg space and the cargo area is much smaller than the Rondos. Great deal for the money!

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  unhappy car owner - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By unhappycarowner - February 22 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased this car a year ago and have been extremely unhappy with the performance in the winter. If it snows less or more than an inch of snow the car will not move it does nothing but spin. It also was parked on a lawn and had to be towed out for it would only spin up mud and not move. I have brand new all season radial on this car and still it cant get out of its own way. The rack that is provided by the factory is terrible I am scared to put my kayaks on them for fear that the rack is to weak & it will break under the pressure. It also does not go wide enough to accomodate the length of the kayaks. Over all this vehicle is to light for the maine winters and I have been very unhappy.

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  Practical and Roomy - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Darkstar01 - February 20 - 10:20 pm

  Just bought the Rondo Ex V6 5 seater in Urban Gray. This 5 seater is very comfortable. So far it has been everything Id expected and more. It drives well, is quick enough to weave through traffic with enough glass to see everything. Without the 3rd row seat you get extra storage under the floor which is perfect for hiding stuff like laptops. With the back seat down it is perfect for a couple of big dogs and tons of stuff. With the seats up it is not a bad place to be for big people. The Rondo EX looks are... ah, it has a nice "personality". OK, it looks better than the LX. Overall I really like it. The manual-matic even makes it fun to drive. Tons of space.

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  SO Disappointed - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By drivingmom2 - February 1 - 2:21 am

  We bought our Rondo new in 2008. At the time it was exactly the car we were looking for, as it had the third row stow-and-go seats. We had reasonable performance from it for the first five years, although it did have a few factory recalls in that time. HOWEVER, two months after the five-year warranty expired, the engine failed. Despite the fact that I had followed the warranty maintenance schedule, KIA Canada would do nothing to assist us with this matter and we ended up having to have a second-hand motor installed. Apparently KIA create disposable cars and are not prepared to back their products. Like a previous poster, I too am a bit embarrassed about having recommended KIA to friends.

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  Kia Rondo 2008 - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Windy Kia - January 24 - 7:13 pm

  Our 2008 7 Passenger Kia Rondo has been making a wind noise coming out of the driver side window since we bought it. It sounds like there is air leaking in the car. Kia claims they cannot fix it and it is intended to be this way. They also claim that all 2008 Kia Rondos make this air leak noise. Aside from this issue we have been happy with the vehicle.

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  Excellent family car but not for everyone - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By dondon - January 24 - 3:03 am

  If you are looking for a fuel efficient great cargo family car, Rondo will serve you the best. Nonetheless, driving is no fun. Four cylinder seems little weak but doable. Bottom line what the hack great car for family and small to mid size delivery but for fun, go get some other car. I have no mechanical problem so far almost 2 year now

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  cabinocity - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By newkiaowner - January 22 - 8:00 pm

  I purchased the Rondo after several months of shopping. I compared it to Rav4, CR-V, Mazda5, and various other SUV/crossovers. I found the Rondo to be the best value for the price. The $750 cash assistance and special financing clinched the deal. When viewing from the outside, you cannot imagine how much room it has inside.

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  expensive upkeep - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Rondo EX - November 30 - 5:16 am

  I was mostly satisfied until I had to have work done. We were told that the sensor that controls the accelerator was bad, but was not covered under the powertrain warranty (cha-ching) even though it is part of the engine. Next, you have to replace the timing belt at 60,000 miles or your warranty is no good (cha-ching $600). Not good gas mileage. Bad night visibility. To expensive upkeep. Oh yes they want to change the transmission fluid also ($199). Kia lost a customer.

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  Best family micro van buy in USA period! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Steve J - November 24 - 7:00 pm

  This is the micro van the US manufactures should be knocking off! Tweak the styling a little and you have a top seller for the next decade! 5 star safety, stability control, tire pressure monitor, 6 air bags, 100k warranty, quieter/larger than Rav/CR-V, 30 mpg driven @65-70 and handles fine. Im a picky auto enthusiast/motorcycle guy and I cant believe how dumb US auto executives are! You can buy a 4 cylinder with air out here in the NW for as little as $14K/15K plus tax. Thats several thousand less than a honda civic/etc! The motor is bulletproof with a cam chain on the four banger, you get alloys and a complete power package.Come on Chevy/Ford/Chrysler! Knock it off with your styling tweaks!