Rondoism, as Kia explains it, is the freedom drivers experience when they realize there is an alternative to the mainstream SUV. The particular alternative Kia would have us embrace is the 2007 Rondo.

To underscore Rondo's gently subversive mission, commercials for the newest Kia feature the song "Let the Sunshine In" from the counterculture '60s monster hit musical, "Hair".

Though evoking the peaceful sense of rebellion of the musical, Kia eschews the casual nudity and tie-dye of the controversial stage production for a choir of enthusiastic rainbow-sweater-clad wholesome-looking youth.

2007 Kia Rondo
Rondo buyers may choose from either a 162-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine,
or a 182-horse 2.7-liter V6. Only automatic transmissions are offered.

With the young crooners somewhere in the background, a Rondo goes about its chores, loaded with happy people, a surprising amount of cargo, and conspicuously passing gas stations along the way.

As the Kia easily goes about doing what's required of it, a somewhat dreamy voiceover explains Rondoism, using Rondo-speak new-ageisms that include "giddyupidness" (power), "precision steerology" (handling), "huge cabinocity" (space), and "safety alloverness" (safety).

Kia bills Rondo as a crossover, but even a quick once over suggests a vehicle with more car DNA than truck. Using Kia's own enlightened metrics, let's have a closer look at what the Rondo really is, and how well it lives up to its SUV alternative assignment.

"Giddyupidness"
Out of the chute, Rondo betrays its car roots with powertrains lifted directly from the make's Optima midsize sedan. Rondo buyers may choose from either a 162-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, or a 182-horse 2.7-liter V6. Only automatic transmissions are offered. The four-cylinder gets a four-speed unit, the V6 a five-speed.

Both powertrains seem immediately dwarfed by the larger V6 and V8 engines available in the midsize SUV class, but in reality the Rondo's relatively modest 3300-3500-pound curb weight--1000 pounds lighter than the average midsize SUV--somewhat reduces the aspiring crossover's need for power. For those who have no plans to tow, Rondo's diminutive power plants could well be enough. In exchange for its modest power Rondo offers what Kia calls "MPG Happiness." Kia defines that happiness as EPA ratings of 21/29 mpg (city/highway) with the four-cylinder engine, and 20/27 with the V6.

Precision "Steerology"
Kia's worst fear is that shoppers will dismiss Rondo as a station wagon. But an upright grille and modestly flared fenders do little to counter that impression. In fact, Rondo shares most of its steering and front suspension componentry with the aforementioned Optima, affording the vehicle pleasant, car-like "steerology."

2007 Kia Rondo
Rondo has EPA ratings of 21/29 mpg (city/highway) with the
four-cylinder engine, and 20/27 with the V6.

Wheels and tires follow suit. Rondo's standard 16-inch wheels and the optional 17s include tires lifted directly from the Optima parts bin. So, if "Precision Steerology" is Kia-speak for handles like an Optima--and Consumer Guide has found Optima to be a fine handling sedan--then mission accomplished.

Huge "Cabinocity"
While huge is a relative word, Rondo seems to make good use of what space is available. Kia admits Rondo is mechanically and structurally identical to the Optima from the windshield forward, but claims the remainder of the vehicle is unique. Compared to the Optima, Rondo enjoys a similar-length wheelbase but its roof is four inches higher. The high roof pays dividends inside, where front- and second-row passengers enjoy nearly three additional inches of headroom.

Part of what allows Kia to claim Rondo as an SUV alternative is its available third-row seating. Predictably, the two-place bench is best reserved for smaller and more agile passengers, but offers more generous accommodations than the rear-most seats now being offered on small SUVs like the Mitsubishi Outlander or Toyota RAV4. As would be expected of a wagon-style vehicle with a rear hatch, the second and third seating rows fold flat to accommodate bulkier cargo items. Perhaps less expected is the Rondo's "seat flexology." Naming a for-and-aft-sliding second row might smack slightly of arrogance, but the feature proves handy, allowing either side of the 40/60 split second-row bench to adjust for third-row-passenger knees or larger cargo items.

2007 Kia Rondo
Rondo's second and third seating rows fold flat to accommodate bulkier cargo items.

Safety "Alloverness"
Rondo brings nothing new to the safety party, but does bring virtually everything that's already out there. Keeping passengers cushioned in a crash are front side airbags. Supplementing those are curtain side airbags that protect all three seating rows. Also standard are antilock brakes, an antiskid system, and traction control. All these features can be had together on a number of midsize SUVs, but are rare on vehicles that start under $17,000.

Experience "Rondoism"
In reality, Kia has launched a promising wagon version of its capable Optima sedan. In the end, Rondoism may be less about a new breed of car, and more about altering perceptions of the station wagon. It is noteworthy that Cadillac was able to jump-start sales of its wagon-looking SRX SUV simply by adding the word "crossover" to its advertising.

Whether Rondo is an SUV or a wagon will be irrelevant to shoppers savvy enough to realize that Rondo is more than the sum of its parts. Kia's compelling new non-SUV may be just subversive enough to seem like a smart choice, all the while dodging the dreaded wagon stigma. And that is what Rondoism is really about. Let the sunshine in.