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2008 Kia Rondo Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Kia Rondo Review:
2008 Kia Rondo Review
The 2008 Kia Rondo is largely unchanged. In size and price, this midsize front-wheel-drive wagon slots between Kia's compact Spectra5 hatchback and midsize Sorento SUV. Rondo offers LX and EX trim levels, both of which are available with a 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or a 182-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine. Five-passenger seating is standard. An optional 60/40 split folding 3rd-row bench increases seating capacity to seven. Four-cylinder models have a 4-speed automatic transmission, while V6s have a 5-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Power windows, locks, and mirrors are standard. Leather upholstery is available for EX models as part of a package that includes heated front seats.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
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2008 Kia Rondo Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Build quality | Acceleration (4-cylinder) |
| Passenger and cargo room | Ride |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
In Consumer Guide testing, V6 Rondos averaged 23.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Our extended-use EX V6 is averaging 20.5 mpg over its first 10,403 miles. No opportunity to measure with the 4-cylinder. Rondo uses regular-grade gas.
| EX, 4-cylinder | EX, V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, V6 Rondos averaged 23.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Our extended-use EX V6 is averaging 20.5 mpg over its first 10,403 miles. No opportunity to measure with the 4-cylinder. Rondo uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Rondo's ride is composed and comfortable, even over larger road imperfections. Some float is noted at highway speeds.
| 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 noted at highway speeds.
Steering/Handling/Braking
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
The large gauges are easily read. Major controls are logically placed.
| EX, 4-cylinder | EX, V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6.3 |
The large gauges are easily read. Major controls are logically placed.
Details
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.
| EX, 4-cylinder | EX, V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| EX, 4-cylinder | EX, V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
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
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.
| EX, 4-cylinder | EX, V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.1 |
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
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.
| 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 |
| 65 | 70 | 63.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 74 |
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2008 Kia Rondo Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base LX 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $16,395 | $15,625 | $600 |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $17,895 | $16,895 | $600 |
|
|
|||
| LX V6 4-door wagon | $18,895 | $17,795 | $600 |
|
|
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| EX 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $19,195 | $17,995 | $600 |
|
|
|||
| EX V6 4-door wagon | $20,195 | $18,895 | $600 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base LX
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, front-seat active head restraints.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, 2nd-row split folding seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Front and rear tow hooks, 205/60HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
LX adds to Base LX:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder or 2.7-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission (4-cylinder), 5-speed automatic transmission (V6).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails.
EX adds to LX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, illuminated visor mirrors, wiper deicer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 225/50R17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
LX
|
$300
|
$250
|
|
Cruise control, remote keyless entry, alarm. NA Base LX.
|
||
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
EX
|
$1,200
|
$1,050
|
|
Power sunroof, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
|
||
|
Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
EX
|
$1,000
|
$850
|
|
Leather upholstery, heated front seats.
|
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Body Kit
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||
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Base LX, EX, LX
|
$995
|
$865
|
|
Body cladding, lower rear spoiler.
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||
|
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||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Air conditioning
|
||
|
Base LX
|
$900
|
$800
|
|
3rd-row split folding seat
|
||
|
Base LX, EX, LX
|
$500
|
$425
|
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Cargo tray
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||
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Base LX, EX, LX
|
$75
|
$60
|
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Floormats
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||
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Base LX, EX, LX
|
$85
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$65
|
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w/3rd-row split folding seat
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$95
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$75
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Roof rack
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LX, EX
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$200
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$175
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NA Base LX.
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Rear bumper protector
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||
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Base LX, EX, LX
|
$65
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$55
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Upper rear spoiler
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Base LX, EX, LX
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$350
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$300
|
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Lower rear spoiler
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Base LX, EX, LX
|
$200
|
$175
|
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Kia Rondo Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Kia Rondo 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 179.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3333 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 35.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 | 2.7 /163 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 162 @ 5800 | 182 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 164 @ 4250 | 182 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 19/26 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 18/26 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Kia Rondo 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 10/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
South Korea
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Also in the 2008 Kia Rondo Review:
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