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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  Would make a few minor changes. - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By LucidAnn - November 3 - 7:20 pm

  I gave up a SUV with lots of bells and whistles for this car. We wanted 3rd row seating, to use occasionally, but we didnt want a large van or gas hog. I may have some complaints about this car but it is mostly because I am comparing to my previous vehicle.

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  Great family car....so far.... - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By jason - October 28 - 2:40 pm

  I bought the Rondo for the price. I have only had it for a year, but so far it runs great and hasnt had any problems. The Rondo is very roomy and has a lot of features I would not have expected for the price. 8 different airbags, anti lock brakes, electronic stability control, 4 wheel disk brakes, and a auto shifter. So far it has proven to be a great family car and i would recommend one to anyone thinking of buying one. It does have a wind noise on the drivers side, which i have read about in other complaints, which the factory or dealers cannot fix, but it doesnt bother me anymore. I work with a bunch of guys with big egos, they make fun of me everyday for driving this vehicle...

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  Rondo impressions - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By crewzin - October 11 - 2:50 am

  Only had it a short time. Bought it for my wife. Overall fit and finish is superb. Ride is excellent with good view to outside, roomy interior and a peppy V6. We take long trips on the highway about 6 times a year and this should be a perfect vehicle for those trips.

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  Great economical all-around hauler - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Mike D - October 6 - 12:13 am

  PROS - EX 6 cyl new 2008 leftover stickered $23,000+ bought early in 2009 for $16,000 total (no trade, and included tax, title, and registration). WOW! - Mileage - 24+ mpg mixed driving and 27+ highway (usually running around 70 mph). Were easy on the peddle. - Tows a 1,000 lb pop up trailer effortlessly - costs 3 mpg - Solid build, reasonably quiet - 3rd row split bench seat lets us haul 6 - 4 adults, two kids in car seats - 6 people total - AND a big stroller -- plus a few other things -- in relative comfort. IFFY: - Looks are unremarkable - Road-handling and performance reasonably satisfying (it is a midi van after all!) - Front seats not very comfortable

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  Big value, Tall ride - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Markv - July 2 - 1:23 am

  Value on this car is great, but as a 6 6" 300lb man, this car is a tall ride. There is head room to spare and my legs have space to roam. The Rondo was a surprise test drive and sold me from the moment I sat down. I cannot say enough good things about the space for me and my family, all tall kids and one small wife! We love it. Drives smoothly, good mileage and for a small van/wagon it looks nice too. The best out of 3 months of looking, test driving and researching.

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  Extremely Disappointed - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By James Appling - June 28 - 6:23 pm

  I now believe I made a mistake buying this vehicle. I thought it was going to be a great investment. Not so. The gas mileage is poor and there is this extremely annoying wind noise on the drivers side. based on other commentary, it would seem that it can not be fixed. Yeah, the vehicle does not look great but we bought it for the features and the price. We are very disappointed and are looking at our options of getting something else. It does not handle particularly well on the road. It has a tendency to float and I can almost see the gas gage move. Like one other guy said, I guess you get what you pay for.

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  Fun, functionality & a bargain to boot - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Anjay - June 22 - 5:46 am

  I bought my Rondo off-lease 15 months ago with just under 16k on the odometer. Ive driven it on the interstates, urban byways, country lanes, mountain roads, etc., and have no performance issues. No problems at all beyond the scheduled maintenance. Its well made, well equipped and is very functional--a terrific little multitasker at a bargain price.

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  Roomy & Right-sized. Thumbs up overall. - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Jimmer - June 20 - 5:30 pm

  Really like my Rondo. Getting 21 city 26.5 hwy. Good power/very roomy. Front of vehicle looks a little plain, but I like the back end and side views. I did a 20% tint on the back windows (not driver, passenger-front or windshield) and it really increases the exterior appeal. Suggest you spend $150 and do the same. Also drove a 4 cylinder Rondo; seems even more peppy in city driving than the 6 cylinder! Wouldnt shy away from buying a 4-banger. Both pull 2500 RPMs at 70 MPH. But the tranny on the 4 seems a little smoother shifting. Great dash set up; lots of rear leg room; sits higher up than sedan and slightly lower than an SUV - a happy median. Drivers seat height good for long legs.

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  A Very Nice Car with Loads of Room - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Lynn in Oklahoma - May 7 - 6:33 pm

  I have now had my Kia Rondo for 4 months, and I am truly glad I purchased it. It has so much room, is very comfortable even on long distance trips, and truly feels like you are driving a much larger car. You sit up high in the Rondo and visibility is great. The console is jutted forward, so all buttons for the radio, CD player, heat/air are right there at arms length. The car is so quiet when idling, I sometimes forget that it is on while sitting at a drive-thru. Acceleration is also good when trying to get on the highway. I dont regret my purchase one bit. Take a test drive - thats all it took for me!

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  Rondo replacement for 99 Odyssey - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By rubberbandman - April 13 - 9:13 pm

  Bought vehicle in July to drive x- country. My Rondo was more comfortable than its replacement or my 04 Subaru Outback. Gas mileage was also respectable; over 2900 miles of mostly hwy driving, Rondo averaged approx 20 MPG. While driving through CA desert car cabin was comfortably cooled by AC. MPG heavily reduced by speed exceeding 60 MPH, and use of AC. Have found that on my 80 mile RT work commute, which is mainly hwy, mileage drops well below 20 MPG.