Kia likes to call the Rondo a crossover utility vehicle, that is the trendy catchphrase these days. The Kia Rondo is a vehicle with a sensible amount of functionality and adaptability for its size and price. The four-door Rondo will carry up to seven passengers. It’s nimble and crammed with clever storage space. If you are in the market for a compact crossover or something smaller than a minivan, the Rondo is worth a careful comparison.
Though there’s nothing fancy regarding the Kia Rondo, it still manages to overachieve in many areas. On the market in two trims, LX and EX, the Rondo is nicely equipped from the bottom model on up. Even rock bottom LX trim comes with necessary safety features, like stability management and anti-lock brakes. Other satisfying customary options embody sixteen-in. wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories and an audio system with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. A third row of seats is optional on the LX and normal on the EX, which boosts total capability to seven people.
Moving up to the EX trim level adds seventeen-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Other options include a sunroof, a navigation system, an iPod adapter and an upgraded stereo. Whichever Rondo trim you choose, there are 2 engine options. The bottom engine may be a 2.four-liter four-cylinder good for one hundred seventy five horsepower, although in California-emissions states, the SULEV-rated version makes 167 hp. There’s additionally a 2.seven-liter V6 that puts out 192 hp no matter where you buy it. A four-speed automatic transmission is normal with the four-cylinder, and therefore the V6 comes with a five-speed automatic. Both transmissions have the Sportmatic feature, which lets the driving force select their own gears.
Despite its tiny size, the Kia Rondo is terribly functional. With the third-row seating possibility, the Rondo seats up to seven passengers, though the third row is certainly best suited to children. The second-row seats slide fore and aft, and fold flat in a very 60/40 split. The optional third-row seats additionally fold flat, however in a 50/50 split. And there’s no shortage of storage, as well as ten cup-holders.
In road tests, our editors found the Kia Rondo to perform surprisingly well. Each the four-cylinder and V6 deliver sleek acceleration. The V6 is notably responsive, giving punchy acceleration and commendable passing power. Its steering is good, especially for a tallish family vehicle. Although we’d prefer less body roll, the Rondo never feels tipsy. In many everyday situations, like parking and negotiating traffic, the Rondo can fool you into thinking you are actually in a very little automotive, that is the point.
