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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  Love It! - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Love It. - July 31 - 4:56 pm

  We had done some research on the Kia Rondo. Love how in handles! Its a great bang for your buck. LOVE driving it! Very rugged. Great features. Like others have posted, not absolutely crazy about the exterior design. Looks more van like than crossover as Kia likes to call it.

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  Wagon or Micro-van? - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By D. Photo - June 7 - 2:50 pm

  Purchased April 2007. Current mileage 4100. This Rondo had big shoes to fill as it was to replace a 2004 Honda Odyssey, the sport car of mini-vans. Well, Rondo did a great job, in a smaller package. Smooth and quiet drivetrain performance. Huge interior room for the size vehicle. Fantastic all-around visibility when driving. Great standard safety (air bags, ABS, ESC, 4-wheel disc brakes, etc) features. Quiet ride at any speed. Firm, well proportioned seating. Fit and finish every bit as good as Honda (have owned five). V6 has more than adequate power, and a silent smoothy. No problems to date.

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  Rondo: Redefining the crossover - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By dxtc - June 5 - 10:53 pm

  After checking out the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, which were too SUV-ish for my tastes, I looked at the Rondo. I wanted the seating and cargo of a minivan, and the Rondo has it in spades, without the bulk or low MPG of a full minivan. The Rondo is the least expensive V6-powered 7-seater on the market, but its build quality is on par with the costlier CR-V. The second row floor has no noticeable transaxle hump! The 3rd row is not as cramped as most reviews say, when the 2nd row is moved forward a little. Ive only had it 4 months, and Ive already had several compliments!

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  Great Car but... - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By mumfrumson - May 9 - 1:50 am

  Great Car, the V6, Love the Manual shift, the folding third row is great, plenty of room, leather sun roof etc is fantastic. The sun room is back far enough so you dont get beat up.. the only thing missing.. OUTSIDE TEMP. Drives me crazy (no Pun Intended) I have almost 28K of highway miles, rain and snow, no problems, good in slow even with 16 rims.

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  Great everywhere except gas - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Roger - April 9 - 3:50 am

  I bought the Rondo new and love it. Just hit 1000 miles, handles great rides like a sports car with a softer feel on bumps, gas mileage is lacking (6cyl) not close to what the sticker says average 23 on highway. But other than that has all the bells and whistles that higher priced cars have and feels safe and secure on the road, went from a Subaru Legacy wagon, huge improvement for our family, very easy with kids car seats,lots of room in front for drivers (510"230 lb football player) and man can it move when you need it to,long drives are now fun but city driving will kill your wallet,but worth it, dont miss out on this for a better name brand car is worth the test drive.

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  Great MPG, room and visibility - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By gary poliquin - March 28 - 10:40 am

  I really wanted to buy an American car (be patriotic) but nothing America makes compares to the Rondo. I desired both a decent hauling capacity and good gas mileage. These 2 things work against each other except with the Rondo. With the rear seat folded and the front passenger seat pushed forward a 6 footer can stretch out and take a nap. I dropped the oil at 700 miles and refilled with Mobil 15-20 synthetic. Over my last 3 fillups I have averaged 26 MPG. About 80% of my driving is at highway (60-65) speeds. At 3300 lbs. the 162 HP 4 cylinder engine has more than adaquate power for passing and merging on the freeways. The Rondo is a well though out and engineered vehicle.

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  Really like it - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Bop - March 20 - 9:16 am

  I never expected to buy this car. I had been looking since late summer and was all over the place. Matrix. PT, HHR, Fusion, vans, etc. Then suddenly this new car came out and I was amazed. It was like I designed it for me. It was a perfect compromise between everything I needed. My kids even said the back seat was roomier than our Buick. We did not get the 3rd row. I have the 4 cylinder and its very peppy and quiet. Some 4s get pretty noisy but not here. My biggest concern is that it is brand new but the Kia warranty made that work for me. Plus we got the 2.9 interest and $1500 in rebates and the price at "invoice". Overall very pleased after a few weeks.

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  2007 KIA Rondo EX V6 Luxury - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Brian Williams - November 21 - 9:56 am

  I purchased a 2007 Rondo EX V6 Luxury in Aug. To say I am pleased is an understatement. I traded my 98 Legacy wagon on it, and though it lacks AWD, the Rondo is quite adept at handling our snowy December (our dealer added a set of studded winter tires on rims as part of the deal). I like the handling, the acceleration, the brakes, the looks, the comfort, the practicality, the quality - I like everything! The 3rd row seats are great at toting an occasional 5th or 6th passenger, and provide lots of space when folded. Everything works so smoothly and efficiently - the seats tumble or fold so well, the controls are smooth, etc. What a car! Truly one of the best values in autodom today.

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  Good car, Great buy - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Lamar - October 19 - 7:23 am

  We bought our Rondo as a leftover in 2009. After driving it for the 10 months we have had it we are still surprised at the huge interior and the diminuitive exterior. It is comfortable, easy to enter and exit, gives us reasonable mileage, and easily and comfortably carries four adults 95 miles to visit grandchildren. The fuel pump deserted us at 10k and was promptly replaced by Kia. We were told it had been replaced under a recall earlier while at an Orlando dealer before it was sent to our dealer, hmmm. We are very satisfied but keep an "eye out" for further fuel pump problems. good car for older prople who have mobility problems.

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  Most bang for the buck - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By Marc - October 12 - 1:23 am

  I was impressed when I drove the car. Ride was excellent, quite and stable. Seats are comfortable. Visibility is outstanding. Incredibly roomy even for all my 64" and taller friends. I elected for the EX with premium package. The leather is good quality. The navigation system is sharp and the Infinity sound system is awesome. It doesnt feel like an inexpensive car at all. I have the third row for the kids, but adults 6 and shorter can fit comfortably with no compromises. The 175hp 4cyl engine is surprisingly peppy even full of adults and cargo. Fuel economy so far has been 24city/30hwy. This car is perfect in my opinion. It has everything I need and nothing I dont for a great price