Acceleration

EX, 4-cylinder	EX, V6	Class Average
4	5	5.6

With the 4-cylinder engine, Rondo has adequate power from a stop, but it struggles to gather speed for highway passing and merging. The V6 is modestly more potent around town and at highway speed, but some testers wish for more midrange power.

Fuel Economy

EX, 4-cylinder	EX, V6	Class Average
5	5	5.6

In Consumer Guide testing, V6 Rondos averaged 23.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Our extended-use EX V6 averaged 21.0 mpg over 12,668 miles. No opportunity to measure with the 4-cylinder. Rondo uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

EX, 4-cylinder	EX, V6	Class Average
6	6	6

Rondo's ride is composed and comfortable, even over larger road imperfections. Some float is noticable at highway speeds.

Steering/Handling/Braking

EX, 4-cylinder	EX, V6	Class Average
5	5	6

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

Quietness

EX, 4-cylinder	EX, V6	Class Average
6	7	6

Occupants are well isolated from road and wind noise. The 4-cylinder engine lacks refinement and sounds coarse at moderate to full throttle. The more refined V6 is less intrusive overall.

Controls

EX, 4-cylinder	EX, V6	Class Average
7	7	6.3

The large gauges are easily read. Major controls are logically placed.

Details

EX, 4-cylinder	EX, V6	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Interior materials and assembly quality are impressive for the price. The LCD clock can be hard to read in some lighting conditions, and the dome light illuminates the rear seat area but leaves the front in the dark.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

EX, 4-cylinder	EX, V6	Class Average
7	7	6.7

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

Room/Comfort (rear)

EX, 4-cylinder	EX, V6	Class Average
6	6	5.1

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

Cargo Room

EX, 4-cylinder	EX, V6	Class Average
6	6	4

The large rear opening and low load floor make the most of available space, though the 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 the 3rd-row seat provide handy small-item storage. The glovebox has adequate space, but the two-tiered center console is too small for anything other than a few CDs.

Value within Class

EX, 4-cylinder	EX, V6	Class Average
8	10	6.2

Kia calls Rondo a crossover, but its car-like design and lack of available all-wheel drive land it squarely in the wagon camp. Its roomy interior, flexible cargo accommodations, and attractive pricing make Rondo a Best Buy.

Total Score

EX, 4-cylinder	EX, V6	Class Average
66	70	63

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		63
High Score		74