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 Kia Rondo LX - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Tim - May 8 - 8:00 pm

  We traded a Buick minivan (2 yrs old), and couldnt be happier. No mechanical problems at all with this car. We love it. We have 8,000 miles on it. The only drawbacks are that it never gets the advertised hwy mileage (we only get 24-26 MPG tops), and the road noise is evident when on a bumpy highway/road. The features of this car were better than the traded vehicle (at half the price)--antilock AND stability control AND airbags all around. Feels very safe, and I really enjoy driving it. Cant go wrong at this price for a 7 seater! Will buy from KIA again.

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  Rondo-the perfect compact people mover! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By familyof4 - January 22 - 8:56 pm

  We needed a vehicle that could carry our family of 4 easily yet have the option of more seats for the occasional in-law visit or the kids friends. Minivans and SUVs were too big and we wanted the good gas mileage and all the safety features. The Rondo surprised us nicely. Not only was the interior better than what we expected, but the ride is actually fun! Its not a sportscar by any means but the ride is peppy and smooth and handling is great. Throw in all the standard features, great warranty and low price and youve got all that youd want in a non-minivan.

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  Try This! - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Well Worth It - January 2 - 4:56 pm

  I commute about 90 a day & the Rondo is better than I expected. Interior comfort, gauge layout (nicely illuminated @ night), road manners are all top notch. Safety features all around! Excellent. At idle, the 2.7L V6 is nearly silent. This engine has been a proven asset to Kias line-up. 6-Speed auto. w/triptronic shift are remarkable - it hums @ 80mph. Using synthetic oil now & this has helped the overall performance. I tinted all windows. At 6.3", I am comfortable for long trips. Only regret - not adding leather & sunroof. Kias are "cheap" in cost because the U.S. dollars buy more on Korean products. Kias are not cheap in quailty. You should look into Kia next time around. Trust me.

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  2007 Kia Rondo LX - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Bill F - December 19 - 1:00 am

  I was originally going to buy a new Toyota RAV4 until I drove the new Rondo. The KIA was far more vehicle for the money. The Rondo has more features that count as standard equipment than the RAV4, such as a rear climate control duct for heating and AC. Build quality and design were equal to Toyotas RAV4 and the warranties far exceeded any of the Japanese manufacturers (5 yrs/60K basic and 10 yrs/100K drive train).

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  LOVE this "car"! - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Jennifer - August 23 - 4:53 pm

  We bought our car off the lot as a demo - so it was considered new. I wasnt sure about the value I would get but its nearly a year later and we LOVE it! We get about 24 combine city/highway miles. We got all the bells and whistles (which hardly cost any extra), including the sunroof, leather and 3rd row. I am 56" and can fit in the 3rd row (wouldnt do it all the time and probably someone a bit taller would not fit unless they sat sideways). Plenty of room in the front and middle. The seats fold flat, which is hard to find.

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  Love My ronda - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By missvicki1 - May 28 - 9:59 am

  I bought my Ronda in October of 2010. Didnt like it at first, but then fell "in love with this car". Every day that I drive this car I love it more. Very good gas mikeage in the city or on the highway. Would recommend this car to anyone. Very good for the money value. I definitely would buy another Kia Rondo.

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  Great family car - 2009 Kia Rondo
  By RRTJAY - May 27 - 3:53 am

  After extensive research and test drives, we decide on the Kia. We are so happy we did! It is a great car to drive and has so much flexibility.

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  Kia Rondo more than I expected - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Doug MacDonald - May 5 - 7:20 pm

  I wanted a retirement vehicle with good interior space, leg room and a comfortable ride. Researched the Rondo, test drove then ordered it. Just completed a 2500km trip through Rocky Mountains to Alberta, long hills no problem for V6 5 sp. auto trans. Very pleased with the Rondo.

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  Great First time car - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By cmede - March 16 - 2:48 pm

  I bought this little guy used about 2 weeks ago. I came from a giant Nissan Altima all plush and built for long drives. I got into this Rondo and fell in love instantly! The seats were spacious for my bigger size, the leg room was great and the overall feel of the car felt like quality. I never thought I would buy something that looked like this. I think its not the nicest to look at. It reminds me of a wagon. But the way it grips the corners, gets up to highway speeds and truly is a hoot to drive. I was worried the 4 Cylinders was going to be a problem on the highway. I was mistaken. For my first car that I bought. I recommend it to anyone. It really is quality with the low price.