Acceleration

EX 4-cylinder	EX V6	Class Average
4	5	5.9

With 4-cyl, Rondo has adequate power from a stop, but struggles to gather speed for passing and merging. V6 modestly more potent around town, but meaningfully stronger at highway speed.

Fuel Economy

EX 4-cylinder	EX V6	Class Average
5	5	5.1

Test Rondo with V6 averaged 20.5 mpg. Rondo uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

EX 4-cylinder	EX V6	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Composed and comfortable, even over larger road imperfections. Some float noted at highway speeds.

Steering/Handling/Braking

EX 4-cylinder	EX V6	Class Average
5	5	6.2

Handles like the midsize front-drive wagon it is. More than competent, with direct steering, though Rondo exhibits some body lean in fast corners.

Quietness

EX 4-cylinder	EX V6	Class Average
5	6	6.2

Well isolated from road and wind noise. Four-cylinder engine lacks refinement, sounds coarse at moderate to full throttle. More refined V6 less intrusive overall.

Controls

EX 4-cylinder	EX V6	Class Average
7	8	6.7

Large gauges easily read. Major controls logically placed. Interior materials and assembly quality impressive for the price, with leather seating appearing especially upscale.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

EX 4-cylinder	EX V6	Class Average
7	7	6.8

Ample leg room. High roof, chair-height seats, and large glass area gives cabin a spacious, airy feel. Generally good visibility, though thick rear roof pillars obscure view over shoulders.

Room/Comfort (rear)

EX 4-cylinder	EX V6	Class Average
6	6	5.1

Good head and leg room. Large doors aid entry/exit, but are cumbersome in tight parking spots. Second-row seat splits 60/40, adjusts fore and aft on models with optional 3rd-row. Rear-most seats easy to access with 2nd-row fully forward, offers tolerable short-trip comfort for two adults.

Cargo Room

EX 4-cylinder	EX V6	Class Average
6	6	4.8

Large rear opening and low load floor make most of available space, though hatch doesn't rise far enough for six-footers to stand beneath without stooping. Third and 2nd-row seats fold flat, as does front passenger seat, forming 8 continuous feet of cargo space. Below-floor bins in models without 3rd-row seat provide handy small-item storage. Glove box has adequate space, but two-tiered center console too small for anything but a few CDs.

Value within Class

EX 4-cylinder	EX V6	Class Average
6	8	6.3

Kia calls Rondo a crossover, but its carlike 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 worth a look.

Total Score

EX 4-cylinder	EX V6	Class Average
57	62	59.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		59
High Score		69