• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Kia Rondo - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Kia Rondo ranks 2 out of 4 Affordable Full Size Wagons. This ranking is based on our analysis of 32 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Rondo, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

If you're on a budget, but need to haul seven people or a fair amount of cargo, the Kia Rondo is worth a look.

For wagon buyers who need a bit more space, the seven-seat Kia Rondo, 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, others in the class offer more exciting drives and nicer interiors.  Still, if you need the space and don't mind the Rondo's somewhat-boring demeanor, the Rondo makes a compelling case as a family hauler. Also, the Rondo sets itself apart from the competition with its low price and outstanding warranty.

If you're considering the Rondo, also take a look at the Mazda5, which has a much sportier driving demeanor and can also seat a crowd. The Mazda5 also starts at just a few hundred dollars more than the Rondo.

The Rondo comes in three trims: base, LX and EX. LX and EX trims are both available with either the standard inline four-cylinder engine or an optional V6. For 2010, little in new on the Rondo, though the third-row seat is now standard.

• "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." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Rondo Performance - 7.6 (Good)

The 2010 Kia Rondo is an adequate family hauler, something that pleases most reviewers. 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." Read More

Rondo Exterior - 6.1 (Mediocre)

The Kia Rondo's exterior isn't ugly, but it also isn't memorable. 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." Read More

Rondo Interior - 7.9 (Good)

The 2010 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,"writes Car and Driver. Read More

Rondo Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)

The 2010 Kia Rondo gets very good scores in federal government crash tests. In addition, it has a generous list of standard safety equipment, including electronic stability control. "Kia has loaded an impressive number of standard safety features into this inexpensive family hauler," says the New York Times. And extra plus is standard side-curtain airbags for all three rows of seats, something that even some large SUVS don't offer. Read More

Rondo Reliability - NA

The Rondo comes with a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Read More