5 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
  • A real sleeper! - 2008 Kia Rondo
    By -

    The Rondo is a well put-together small car that feels bigger on the road that it really is: the V-6 engine is very quiet, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the amount of room for 5 passengers is simply amazing. Im 65", and the Rondo has plenty of head, shoulder and leg room for me and a 6 passenger riding behind me. Maybe it wont set you heart on fire, but it sure gets the job done without any fuss.

  • Filling a niche - 2007 Kia Rondo
    By -

    Excellent combination of size and versatility. We have a family of 6 and wanted to carry all 4 kids if we needed to (other vehicle is a larger Pathfinder). Very surprised by the amount of shoulder room throughout the car. Fit and finish at this price range is excellent. Just got out of a minivan and really like the lower to the ground feeling of being in this car. Excellent visibility while driving. Just plain cute!

  • Designed from the inside out. - 2007 Kia Rondo
    By -

    Best seating position of any small vehicle Ive test driven. Quiet, roomy, Smartly engineered and intuitively designed.

  • Great Car/Crossover - 2009 Kia Rondo
    By -

    I wanted a bigger car than what I had, but not to big, as I need to lift my Kayaks on the roof, I tried a few different cars, and found the Rondo to be just what I wanted, it looks good and its fun to drive, all the dials and such are easy to reach/use. Its just a cute great car....

  • 2007 Kia Rondo LX Wagon - 2007 Kia Rondo
    By -

    This is my second Kia and am even more impressed with the Rondo than I was with my Sephia. Great ride, great comfort, great features, great price, we opted for the 100k/10 year warranty (bumper to bumper) for an extra 1k which translates to no worries for a very long time. My wife and I love it as a "touring car" with those great windows we can take in all the great views.

  • A Pleasant Surprise - 2007 Kia Rondo
    By -

    Were small car people (this replaced my wifes Golf), but wanted something that would comfortably hold our 2 kids (1 in bulky carseat, 1 in booster) plus a 3rd adult on occasion. The Kia was the clear winner both on paper and in test drives. After 5 weeks and a 1,000 mile trip, we are very happy with our choice. The V6 and its 5-speed auto are peppy, responsive, quiet, and smooth. Feels expensive. The driving position is comfortable both for my wife (who had trouble with others) and for me. Cargo space isnt huge but was fine for our family vacation, including pack-and- play, stroller, beach gear, etc. How nice that our cheapest option turned out to be the best!

  • Beats a minivan - 2007 Kia Rondo
    By -

    I bought this because I was moving and needed a bigger vehicle than a car. I love all the space it has its the cheapest car that can fit a washing machine in it. I can haul almost anything in this car. I love all the leg room it beats out my wifes Toyota mine van from that stand point. I had the dealer drill holes so I can push the racks all the way to the front thereby make it so I can carry 3 large suitcases on the roof cant do that with any other cross over. I have been doing 28 mpg around town with the windows down. On a personal note if you need even more space you probably need a truck my fave being the m35a2 by Am General

  • Great Vehicle - 2007 Kia Rondo
    By -

    For a smaller car my wife and I love it. My wife is 52" and she has great comfort. Lots of room for grandbabies. Great speed. Stylish. We love it. Choose it over the CRV. We cant figure out why we dont see more on the road. Try it, youll like it!

  • My Favorite Car - 2007 Kia Rondo
    By -

    I love my Rondo because it offers top safety items, has excellent visibility, is fun to drive - engine is plenty powerful enough for thruway driving - and looks sharp. Id buy another in a heartbeat.

  • I love it. - 2007 Kia Rondo
    By -

    I am a little surprised when I read the reviews here, the Rondo has been the best car to me that I have ever owned. Smooth ride, feels safe, lots of room in the 5 seater, I could not ask for a better car. Best bang for your buck. I am normally an old hot rod / chevy guy and well this is a different image that I grew to like especially with the whole Rainbow advertising.

Kia Rondo Reviews By Year:
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