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 LX no troubles even at 93,000 miles - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Sue Peterson - October 19 - 4:32 pm

  all it needs is oil changes and tires. Never even had to replace brakes. Did do the struts as corners were mushy. Cheapest car to run that I have ever owned.

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  Mazda beater - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By bguds - September 2 - 1:40 am

  I felt a bit too snug on the Mazda5. The Rondo seemed much more roomy.

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  A GREAT BUY! - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By TL - August 13 - 3:50 pm

  The Rondo may not get you looks on the street but the function is superior of any car in its class. This is a GREAT buy for people who need room and dont want to bleed your wallet. The ride is wonderful and the finishes are excellent! I purchased a FULLY LOADED Rondo for less than half loaded competitors cars. Unbelievable deals are out there on Kias. I would absolutely tell anyone interested in a new car to look into a Kia. The warranty itself is a no brainer.

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  Id buy another one in a heart beat. - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By joel41 - July 21 - 5:04 am

  I cant say enough positive about this car. I bought it as a demonstrator with 10,800miles and paid $220 more than a 10 year old Honda CRV with 110,000 miles on the same lot. Head and leg room as well as visability is better than my Dodge Caravan. Rear seats lay all the way flat which is great for hauling and camping. Doors open all the way which allows to load a box the full size of the door in the back (unlike my dads Buick. With the V6 engine, there is more than enough spunk to get up to spead on the freeway. On a country road, I had it up to 110 mph and was still accelorating. It can be "fun to drive" when I want to.

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  Different but Nice - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By John - June 30 - 3:50 am

  I have a Chrysler Voyager Minivan, and this Rondo is the preferred vehicle of the household. Great storage space, and roomy front and back seats, even with a car seat. I love all the extras they give you with this Ex model. This has more standard features than the Voyager had, and is much more fun to drive.

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  Never Had an Issue - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Kerensa - March 17 - 2:18 am

  I was trading up to this from a 2005 Ford Focus that I absolutely hated. I needed something a bit more roomy with better visibility. I bought this used with minimal miles on it. I sold it 3 years later because I needed something with AWD in it, otherwise I would have kept it. I did routine maintenance on it and never had one issue with how it drove.

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  I dont think you can do better f - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By Sloppy - November 23 - 1:26 am

  Bought it new,now has 20k km. this is an 09 EX 5 seater 2.4l. No other car offers ABS, ESC,traction control and 4 wheel discs, heated seats, mirrors and a WIPER de-icer! in this class or for the money. The four cylinder engine is smooth and you can barely hear it at idle. I dont understand people complaining about a lack of power. Top of second gear is over 60 mph, how much freeway merging power do you need? Build quality is second to none in my opinion. Quiet inside, very roomy, standard 6 speaker stereo is excellent, with Bluetooth and a USB port as well. Steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls. Nicely weighted steering. Very smooth to drive. There is very little not too like

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  Fun - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By roger - November 3 - 9:40 am

  what a great little car. lots of cabin room for 4 golfers, cargo room for all golf bags +. Quiet & Smooth, plenty of (4 cyl) power. At 70 yrs. old, I can still have a fun drive with the manual auto shift. Power everything, air bags everywhere, with ESC, and ABS, all for 18K. Good job Kia.

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  A great MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By conwelpic - September 9 - 12:26 am

  “The Power to Surprise” the KIA slogan and its sure worked for me. The utility of this vehicle is incredible and can’t fault the fit and finish. It’s a very efficient design with an amazing amount of space inside for such a compact exterior package. With the chair like seating, outstanding visibility through the large side windows, it’s a joy to drive. The performance of the 4-cylinder never fails to impress me (it outperforms the 2.8L V6 on my previous vehicle) and provides great economy and very smooth shifts. I also noticed that even though it’s a tall vehicle it is not as susceptible to wind as much as my previous vehicle that was 10” shorter.

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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.