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Kia Rondo - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Kia Rondo ranks 5 out of 7 Affordable Full Size Wagons. This ranking is based on our analysis of 29 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Rondo, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Kia Rondo gives buyers a safe, budget-friendly and versatile option, but others in the class are sportier and have higher resale value. 

For wagon buyers who need a bit more space, the Rondo, which can seat up to seven, may seem like a compelling choice.  It has very good crash test scores, a long warranty, and low price tag.  It's a pleasant alternative to a minivan or SUV. "Indeed, given its appealing price, which can't go much over $25,000 no matter how many boxes you check, we could see Kia's porky new mini-minivan becoming more successful than the six-passenger Mazda 5, which can't match the Rondo's people-carrying capacity. There may be something to this Rondoism after all," writes Car and Driver. However, its poor resale value and bland exterior styling detract from its overall appeal.

Though the Rondo's only direct competitor is the Mazda5 wagon, it is also similar to other car-based crossover sport-utility vehicles, including the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. However, what sets it apart are optional seating for seven and a good value thanks to its affordable price and generous warranties. In addition, the Rondo differs from a minivan because its large side doors open outward (like a car) instead of sliding.

The Rondo comes in two trims, the LX and EX, which are both available with either the standard inline four-cylinder engine or an optional V6.

• "It's about satisfying the automotive nesting instinct people feel when they've got kids -- their own and their friends' who need to get around with a minimum of fuss and maximum of thrift. Secure, well-constructed, nimble and versatile as a blue blazer, the Rondo does all that and leaves money left over for piano lessons." -- Los Angeles Times
• "Kia calls Rondo a crossover, but its car-like design and lack of available all-wheel drive land it squarely in the wagon camp. As such, its roomy interior, flexible cargo accommodations, and attractive pricing make Rondo a Best Buy alternative to traditional midsize sedans and crossover SUVs." -- Consumer Guide
• "Tall, reasonably stylish, usually comfortable and offering a lot for the money, the Rondo is worth considering as a family hauler that won't break the bank to buy or to keep fueled." -- Newsday
• "The Rondo's claim-to-fame here probably will be that it is the least-expensive seven-passenger vehicle in the United States. With the $500 extra for the third seat, the Rondo LX model lists for $18,995, including $600 freight." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Rondo Performance - 7.5 (Good)

The 2009 Kia Rondo is an adequate family hauler, but drivers looking for sporty performance should look elsewhere. Newsday writes, "With power rack and pinion steering that's responsive and precise, a four-wheel, independent suspension that never seems to encounter a road it can't handle, and the willing engine and four-speed automatic transmission, the Rondo is an easy vehicle to drive well." continue

Rondo Exterior - 6.1 (Mediocre)

If you don't like to stand out, you'll love the Kia Rondo's exterior, which most reviewers say fades into the background. The Sacramento Bee says it "resembles other crossovers and small SUVs already on the road -- but it's pleasant. It's smoothly aerodynamic on the front end; large headlamps and taillights are nicely integrated into the body." continue

Rondo Interior - 7.9 (Good)

The 2009 Kia Rondo's interior has lots of space, and is pretty nice considering the Rondo's low price tag. "Although the Rondo is no Rolls, what surprised us most about the interior was the feeling of quality in such an inexpensive vehicle, which, at $16,995, undercuts the Mazda 5 Sport by more than $1,200," writes Car and Driver. continue

Rondo Safety - 9.7 (Excellent)

The 2009 Kia Rondo gets very good scores in federal government crash tests. In addition, it has a generous list of standard safety equipment, including six air bags and electronic stability control. "Kia has loaded an impressive number of standard safety features into this inexpensive family hauler," says the New York Times. continue

Rondo Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Kia Rondo reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Rondo comes with a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. continue