4 Star Reviews for Kia Rondo

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.30/5 Average
177 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1 through 10 of 177.00
  • $2,000 A/C repair @ 45k - 2008 Kia Rondo
    By -

    Background: I bought the car off-lease in May 09 with 16k on the odometer. With the exception of so-so gas mileage, I though Id scored an excellent deal. Then, in 2012, just after the 5-year warranty expired, I learned from my [very reliable] auto tech that the A/C compressor clutch had failed and would cost $2,000 to repair. This is a huge cash outlay for a relatively young vehicle w/ just over 45k. Im embarrassed to tell anyone b/c Ive been hyping the Rondo as a great value for four years. I wont be doing that any more.

  • Gas Mileage Disappointing - 2008 Kia Rondo
    By -

    Love the look and handling of the car- pleased with the price. My only problem is with the gas mileage. After 4 fill ups I am averaging about 16 miles to the gallon. I traded in an 11 year old Subaru with 130,000 miles and was getting an average of 15 mpg doing the same type of driving. Granted most of my trips are less than 4 miles each way, and the air conditioning is running. Hopefully, when fall comes, and the air is no longer needed, the gas mileage will improve. Still, I expected to average 20 mpg. Very disappointing so far.

  • What a bargan! - 2009 Kia Rondo
    By -

    Overall, this is one of the best cars you can get for the money. Pros: Has more than enough interior space. Excellent visibility for driver. Safety features. Has all the features of a more expensive car. Long warranty. Build quality. Low price. Cons: Suspension and steering are very soft. Fuel economy is poor. Interior is mostly hard plastic. Seats are covered in low quality cloth. Radio sounds cheap. Tires are cheap. Has plastic wheel covers. Wind noise is excessive. However, the cons are easy to live with and are mitigated by the Rondos low price. If you can, get the 6 cyl. The 4 cyl is low on power, especially when passing on the highway

  • Wow ...Rondo...What?? - 2008 Kia Rondo
    By -

    The 2008 Kia Rondo is a pleasant surprise. We considered a Matrix or Vibe but the Rondo won the day. Its clearly a great value. The quality of the Rondo is impressive. Kia has grown up here and can compete with the big boys. Good work Kia! The utility, roominess and ride of the Rondo is impressive. Seven seats in this size of car is amazing. The car does what its supposed to, has all kinds of bells and whistles (the heated seats are nice) and the price cant be beat. Great for small families who dont like big mini vans. The 4cyl engine and transmission are more than adequate. Im looking forward to seeing how the quality of this vehicle holds up over time.

  • dig it - 2008 Kia Rondo
    By -

    Got an 08 KIA Rondo of the used lot of a dealership, for under 10k. Only had 20,000 miles on it. Looks brand new for the most part. Drives well, i love the extra kick that the v6 gives. Adds a lil boost that some other crossover wagon type veichles dont give you. all the usual stuff, power windows, power doors, am/fm/cd, ac/heat. The rondo is very spacious in the back. Lots of room for kids, groceries, camping...whatever. Im pleasantly suprised with this ride, so far!

  • Rockin Rondo - 2007 Kia Rondo
    By -

    As an over 50, I find the Rondo fun to drive. Would love a power seat though. Seats are big and comfy but dont drop anything down between the seat and the console! They should provide an extraction tool! Suggested improvements - move the high beam indicater down a bit, it gets blocked by the top of the wheel. As a smoker I would love pop open rear 1/4 windows.

  • Dump your SUVs and minivans....... - 2008 Kia Rondo
    By -

    For most people, their practical needs in a vehicle are gas consumption, space, highway performance, handling in city driving, and price. Ive had this car since February, and even though Id never even heard of this car until 9 days before I bought it, it is by far the best vehicle Ive ever driven on all of the practical counts above. You can use it like a cargo van with all seats down, you can carry 7 passengers, its deceptively fast on the highway (cruises at triple digit speeds while quiet as a luxury sedan inside), and comfortable in ways youd never thought of before (best seat entry ever), the ABS and ESC make handling smooth. Not for drag racing, but who really does that anyway?

  • Second Kia - 2008 Kia Rondo
    By -

    This is my second Kia, had a Sedona before with few problems that the dealer took care of with no hassels. I drove the Rondo and was impressed with the ride and drive in the 2.4 4 cylinder. Big room inside and better gas mileage than the Sedona. Yes Kia has come a long way.

  • Mi Rondo - 2007 Kia Rondo
    By -

    After test driving this vehicle, my wife and I liked the roominess of the Rondo vs our previous two vehicles. However we are kind of disappointed in the mpg as it is advertised for 27 mpg on the highway and were getting about 22.75 avg through 5000 miles. We thought that we would be able to absorb the additional cost of negative equity on our previous vehicle with the lesser mpg on this vehicle. However with bigger discrepancy in mpg and the huge rise in gas prices its not as economical as first thought. However we do enjoy the spacious cabin and the power of the small V6 engine. And the overall performance has been satisfactory for the most part.

  • Great for the price - 2008 Kia Rondo
    By -

    Great vehicle for a small family car, seats are a bit small but not uncomfortable. Lots of room for kids to stretch without burring knees into back of seat. Two row has a lot of storage options. Nice pep off the line but lags above 50 mph. Exterior doesnt command a lot of attention, but doesnt repel the date for the evening either.

Kia Rondo Reviews By Year:
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