We were among the first to test the Kia Rondo when it was introduced last year. We also were among the few who knew what it was.
The Rondo looks like a mini minivan on the outside. It combines the attributes of a minivan, an SUV and many that are now called crossovers.
Based on the Kia Optima sedan chassis, the Rondo can seat seven passengers, provided those in the third row are small. The second row seats slide fore and aft for passenger comfort or additional cargo space.
There are two basic trim packages and both come well equipped. We tested the base model a year ago with five-passenger seating, but this time around we received the seven-passenger EX model with an optional leather package with heated front seats and a power sunroof.
The 2008 model also came with the 182 horsepower V6 engine, rather than the base four-cylinder with 162 horsepower. The V6 also comes with a five-speed automatic rather than a four-speed. Both transmissions have the manual shift mode for those who like the do more work while driving.
Fully loaded, the Kia was priced at $23,495, which is one of the best bargains on the market for a versatile vehicle like the Rondo.
The exterior styling is a bit bland and doesn’t exude much excitement. However, the interior is very nicely done and the optional leather added a plushness factor. The gauges and controls are well placed for the driver. There are several storage areas as well as 10 cupholders scattered throughout the vehicle.
The second and third row seats fold flat for cargo and there are storage areas under the rearmost cargo space to keep smaller packages in place.
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard along with stability control and tire pressure monitoring system.
The Rondo also scored five stars in frontal crash tests with side airbags for the front seats and a full side air curtain bag for the rest of the seating areas.
The steering wheel has audio and cruise controls at your fingertips.
Despite its tall stature, the Rondo is a pleasure to drive. There’s very little body roll and the ride is smooth and quiet. The V6 offers plenty of power and the transmission, in either mode, shifts smoothly and easily.
There are a few things that could be added to the Rondo, such as all-wheel drive and navigation, but that would end driving the price upward.
As it is, the Rondo is a well-equipped, affordable people mover that more people should consider.

Ryan’s Ride –
We’ve had our share of smaller, crossover-type vehicles recently. The Rondo is one that stands out for several reasons.
One is the unusual, if boring exterior. However, the best reason is economy and quality for the money. There are few vehicles on the road that offer the amount of space and versatility that the Rondo offers.
The fully loaded 2008 version came with just about everything I would be looking for in a vehicle of any type.
The V6 won’t set any speed records, but it does offer great acceleration. The engine is rated at 18 city and 26 highway, which is about normal for a vehicle this size.
I noted last year that there were notches for the steering wheel controls but no controls. The EX trim package solves that.
Throw in the added safety features with the Kia warranty and you have a true winner. Kia offers limited bumper-to-bumper, five year or 60,000-mile coverage. You also get limited powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles. A few years ago, that coverage would seem warranted. But as Kia quality has improved, so has the durability and lack of problems.

Marilyn’s Moment –
As noted above, there are more than enough cupholders to go around in the Rondo. I’m not sure everyone needs that many cupholders, but I guess they’re nice to have, if you need them. That’s just one thing special about this crazy little Kia.
The interior of the Rondo is very well done with nice textures and colors. With several storage areas, you can stash all kinds of stuff in the front cabin.
The sliding second row seats are nice and they fold flat with the pull of a lever. The third row seats also fold easily by tugging on a couple of straps on the seat backs. That leaves you with a spacious (almost 32 cubic feet) area for cargo. There are cubicles beneath the floor, which are nice because the carpeted cargo surface is slippery and boxes and such slide around easily. A cargo net would be a good addition to prevent that.
Although it resembles a shrunken minivan, the Rondo drives much bigger. The front cabin is very roomy and the middle area offers plenty of legroom for passengers. The third row is designed for children only.
The seats sit high for better visibility, especially when parking. Because it’s smaller than a normal minivan, the Rondo slides in and out of parking spaces with ease.
With decent fuel mileage and a very affordable price point, the Kia Rondo is a great alternative for family’s looking for space and versatility without having a true minivan.