2007-2008 Kia Rondo: Road Test

With the four-cylinder engine, Rondo has adequate power from a stop, but struggles to gather speed for passing and merging. The V6 is modestly more potent around town and at highway speeds, but midrange power could be better. Fuel economy isn't the best. Test V6 models have averaged 23.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. An extended-use EX V6 averaged 20.6 mpg overall. Rondos use regular-grade gasoline. Expect a composed and comfortable ride, even over larger road imperfections. Some floatiness is noted at highway speeds. Rondo handles like a midsize front-drive wagon-precisely what it is. That means it's more than competent, with direct steering, though Rondo exhibits some body lean in fast corners. Quiet running at cruising speed is a virtue, as Rondos are well isolated from road and wind noise. Kia's four-cylinder engine lacks refinement and sounds coarse at moderate to full throttle. The more refined V6 is less intrusive overall. Large gauges are easily read, and major controls are logically placed. Interior materials and assembly quality are impressive for this price class, with leather seating appearing especially upscale. Two quibbles: the LCD clock can be hard to read in some lighting conditions, and the dome light illuminates the rear-seat area but leaves front occupants in the dark. Front occupants get ample legroom, coupled with a high roof, chair-height seats, and large glass area to give the cabin a spacious, airy feel. Visibility is generally good, though thick rear roof pillars obscure over-the-shoulder views. Headroom and legroom are good in the backseat. Large doors aid entry and exit, but are cumbersome in tight parking spots. The second-row seat splits 60/40, and adjusts fore and aft on models with the optional third-row seat. Back-row seats are easy to access with second row fully forward, and offer tolerable short-trip comfort for two adults. A large rear opening and low load floor make the most of available cargo space, though the hatch does not rise far enough for six-footers to stand beneath without stooping. Second- and third-row seats fold flat. So does the front passenger seat, forming eight continuous feet of cargo space. Below-floor bins in models without the third-row seat provide handy small-item storage. The glovebox has adequate space, but the two-tiered center console is too small for anything beyond a few CDs.

Value for the Money
Kia has called Rondo a crossover vehicle, but its car-like design and lack of available all-wheel drive land it squarely in the wagon camp. Judged in that mode, its roomy interior, flexible cargo accommodations, and attractive new-car pricing make Rondo worth a look. Compared to its likely rivals, the Rondo scores around average in resale value, so used models may be reasonably-priced but not necessarily huge bargains.