Strengths

Very roomy, versatile interior; smooth ride; safety features; affordable price; long warranty

 

Changes

New for 2009 is a Plus Package, which upgrades the LX model with alloy wheels and heated seats.

 

Value

The Rondo is shorter than most mid-size sedans yet has an incredible amount of interior space; it's an ideal alternative to those who want something a little smaller than a minivan. Rondo also offers more standard safety features-including electronic stability controls-than some vehicles in its class. And Kia's warranty adds a lot of value; it covers powertrain components for up to ten years or 100,000 miles.

 

Overview

Buyers have a choice of two engines in the Rondo; a 175-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, or a 192-hp, 2.7-liter V6. Both engines are only offered with an automatic transmission; with the V-6 it's a 5-speed, but 4-cylinder versions have just four gears. In either case, the transmission has Sportmatic manual control.

The Rondo shares some components with the mid-size Optima sedan, so it's more of a tall wagon than an SUV. That means the Rondo handles with no tipsy feeling; a 4-wheel independent suspension includes anti-roll bars front and back to keep body lean under control. Real-world performance doesn't feel much faster with the V6, so the 4-cylinder is a good choice, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg city, 27 highway.

Kia has clearly designed the Rondo around creating the most interior space possible; its interior is surprisingly huge given its compact exterior. The second-row seats have plenty of headroom and legroom for full-size adults, and the optional third-row seat can comfortably seat smaller occupants, expanding the Rondo's seating capacity to seven. The seats all fold to expand cargo space when needed, and the second row slides fore and aft to adjust either the legroom or the amount of cargo space in back. The interior has cup holders for each row, plus a number of storage cubbies.

A total of six airbags, including seat-mounted side bags and full-length side-curtain bags, help protect occupants of the Rondo; active head restraints help reduce the chance of whiplash injury in a crash, while electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes might help prevent one.

The Rondo is offered in LX Base, LX, or EX models; LX Base models are still quite well equipped, with air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a four-speaker CD sound system. LX models add keyless entry, cruise control, and roof rails, while EX models add leather upholstery, fog lamps, and 17-inch alloy wheels and get a more dressed up appearance with chrome accents.

Options on the Rondo include a new Plus Package, which brings alloy wheels, Michelin tires, heated seats and floor mats. A Premium Package on the EX pairs a navigation system with a sunroof and upgraded Infinity sound system.