Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2009 Kia Rondo Full Review
Date Published: 5/13/08
Also in the 2009 Kia Rondo Review:
2009 Kia Rondo
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Kia Rondo should see no major changes. 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. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Kia Rondo.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 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 speeds, but some testers wish for more midrange power.
| EX, 4-cylinder | EX, V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 5.4 |
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 speeds, 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 | 5.8 |
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 | 6.1 |
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 | 5.9 |
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 | 5.9 |
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 | 6.4 |
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 | 6.8 |
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 | 5.3 |
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 |
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 2008 Best Buy.
| EX, 4-cylinder | EX, V6 | Class Average |
| 8 | 10 | 6.7 |
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 2008 Best Buy.
Total Score
| EX, 4-cylinder | EX, V6 | Class Average |
| 65 | 70 | 63.9 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 74 |
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 Kia Rondo Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/30/2007
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2009 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 |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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%.
Built in:
South Korea
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2009 Kia Rondo Review:
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Locate a Dealer
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
