Auto Review :: 2008 Kia Rondo EX
Kia may have introduced the Rondo a year too early. When the mid-sized crossover rolled out in 2007, it received a lukewarm reception. Today, a car with seating for seven that gets 26 miles-per-gallon on the highway is music to most people's ears.
I recently drove the Rondo EX to Sedona: a round trip of about 270 miles. Adding in a couple of days driving between the towns of Sedona and Oak Creek, I logged 290 miles on the trip meter, and used up eleven gallons of fuel.
My average fuel economy was 26.3 miles-per-gallon: better than the EPA estimate. The fact that the drive included a net ascent of 3000 feet, and two days of driving at altitude makes the Rondo's fuel economy even more impressive.
The Rondo is lighter than most crossover vehicles: the base model weighs just over 3300 pounds, while the seven-passenger EX tested weighs 3511 pounds. Keeping weight off the car has a positive effect on fuel economy.
The Rondo shares chassis components with Kia's Optima sedan. Like the sedan, it has a low center of gravity, and while Kia doesn't include coefficient of drag in its specifications, the Rondo's profile is more aerodynamic than many two-box designs.
Value for the real world
The front-wheel drive Rondo deserves attention for its content as well. Kia has built its reputation on giving buyers a lot for their money: the Rondo is no exception. The base model, powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission, costs about $17,000.
The EX model tested starts at $20,195, not including a $600 destination charge. Power comes from a 2.7-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic. The upscale model comes with seventeen-inch wheels and all-season tires, versus sixteen-inch rims on the LX.
Standard comfort and convenience features on the EX include remote keyless entry, a MP3 compatible audio system, air conditioning, cruise control, intermittent front wipers, a rear wiper, roof rails, and a 60/40 split folding second-row seat.
A leather package on the test car adds leather trim and heated front seats ($1000). The test car is also equipped with the optional Infinity audio system and a sunroof ($1200).
Adding the third row of seating costs $500. Since the Rondo is a relatively small car, buyers should think seriously about the value of the rear seats. The second-row seats slide forward, so access and egress is relatively good. But there is very little legroom in the third row: enough for children, but not adults.
A bigger concern is that the third-row headrests are inches from the rear glass. Though side curtain airbags protect all three rows of passengers in a side collision, a rear impact severe enough to shatter the glass would put passengers in back at serious risk.
Enough power for the passing lane
Buyers who can afford the upgrade should opt for the 182-horsepower V6. It has twenty more horsepower than the four-cylinder engine. Overdrive gears in the five-speed automatic transmission give the V6 the same highway gas mileage as the four-cylinder.
The V6 has more torque as well, and peak torque comes on at lower engine speeds. The torque makes it easier to pass slower vehicles on the highway, especially when the window of opportunity is short.
A fully independent four-wheel suspension gives the Rondo a car-like ride. Power rack-and-pinion steering produces a positive on-center feel at speed.
Visibility around the car is pretty good. Despite a relatively thick D-pillar, I wasn't aware of any large blind spots to the rear.
The Rondo has 6.1-inches of ground clearance: much less than competitive products. It gives the car a lower center of gravity and better coefficient of drag on the highway, but limits the Rondo's ability to go off-road. The Rondo can handle the occasional unimproved dirt road, but taking it on off-road trails would be risky.
Spacious interior
Inside, the Rondo feels more spacious than its small footprint suggests. All three rows of passengers have plenty of headroom. Legroom in the second row is somewhat limited, but it should be adequate for smaller adults. The front-wheel drive configuration eliminates the transmission tunnel that can obstruct legroom in the middle position.
Both the driver and front passenger get power adjustable seats. A tilt steering wheel gives smaller drivers better forward visibility. The gate shifter is located on the center stack, freeing up the floor console for some extra storage bins. The five speed transmission comes with a manual shift option.
The center console bin is deep enough to hold a stack of compact discs. There are two, twelve-volt power points in front: inside the bin, and in the floor console. The center console bin also contains the MP3 plug-in.
All four doors have map pockets with molded-in bottle holders. Front passengers have access to two large cupholders in the floor console. Two smaller cupholders pop out of the back of the center console for second-row passengers.
There are cupholders and covered bins to the outside of the third-row seats.
The glovebox is average size: a dished shelf on top holds maps or small electronic devices. All three rows of passengers get overhead reading lamps. The optional sunroof lets additional light and fresh air into the back of the car.
The third-row seats are easy to fold flat using a strap on the seatback. With the third-row seats flat, there is enough room in the cargo area for luggage, but not a bicycle.
The second-row seats are a project to fold flat: straps on the back of the seat cushions fold them forward. A lever folds the seatbacks flat, once the headrests are removed. While the Rondo can easily hold a bicycle, the amount of time it takes to fold the second-row seats flat exceeds our bicycle-friendly standards.
Low liftover height for easier loading
The Rondo's low liftover height makes it easier to load items in back than taller sport-utility vehicles. All but the base grade come with standard roof rails. Anyone planning to carry a bicycle regularly should add a roof rack.
A standard rear wiper keeps the rear glass clear of snow and rain. Intermittent front wipers are standard on all models.
A twelve-volt power point to the right of the liftgate recharges electronic devices on the go. A storage shelf under the cargo floor keeps smaller valuables out of sight.
Standard safety
All cars come with standard four-channel antilock brakes side curtain airbags and electronic stability control. Kia's ten-year/100,000 mile warranty protects the buyer against any breakdowns due to manufacturing, and includes a five-year/60,000 mile roadside assistance plan.
The fuel-efficient Rondo is available at Kia dealerships nationwide.
2008 Kia Rondo EX
Likes: An affordable, fuel-efficient crossover vehicle with a high level of standard safety, comfort and convenience features.
Dislike: Second row seats are difficult to fold flat. The third-row seatbacks are dangerously close to the rear glass.
Quick facts:
Make: Kia
Model: Rondo EX
Year: 2008
Base price: $20,195
As tested: $23,495
Horsepower: 182 Hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 182 lbs.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle-friendly: No
Off-road: No
Towing: No
Fuel economy: 18/26 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $600 delivery charge.
Join us every Tuesday as Nina Russin reviews the year's hottest rides.
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