The Kia Rondo is one of the quickly disappearing class of mini-vans that are still mini. It's Mazda 5 size, which puts it at about the same size as the original Chrysler magic wagons. The current crop of mini-vans looks positively gargantuan in comparison. The Rondo tries to avoid the look of a van by keeping regular swing-out rear doors instead of sliders, but however they slice it, it's still more van than CUV.
That's not a bad thing, because vans have more usable space than CUV's. The Rondo has 1,840 L of room for stuff behind the first row. That compares to 1,580 for Hyundai Tuscon, or 1,803 from the much larger Chevrolet Equinox. The Rondo is a box, but there's a lot of space in a box. Seating for five is standard, with a third row and room for two more seats optional on LX and EX Value trims. The box is even well equipped, with even cooled seats available. That's a very rare feature in this price class.
For 2015 the Kia Rondo gains some new trim levels, but it's mostly some shuffling around. The standard engine for the Rondo is a 2.0L direct injected four-cylinder that puts out 165 hp and 156 lb-ft. The transmission most will have is a six-speed automatic, but there is a six-speed manual on the LX MT trim. That model gets 16-inch steel wheels, projector headlights, heated mirrors, AC, and a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio. There are even bluetooth, USB and aux inputs. The windows and locks are powered, and there is cruise control.
The next level is LX Value AT (and all the trims from here up are automatic only), which adds fog lights, a convex mirror to see in the back, wiper-de-icer, a cooled glovebox, and heated front seats. Automatic headlights and back-up sensors are optional, as are 17-inch alloys, a third row and leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. After that is EX Value which gets 17-inch alloys, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, power folding mirrors, and a backup camera. There is also dual-zone climate control, UVO infotainment with touchscreen, push button start, automatic wipers, and a heated and leather wrapped steering wheel. Available options include power adjustable and leather seats.
The top trim is EX Luxury and that gets front parking sensors, leather seats with heat in the first two rows, cooled driver's seat, and rear door sunshades. Optional are 18-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, xenon headlights, and navigation with premium stereo.
The Kia Rondo is rated for 10.8 L/100 km city, 7.4 highway with the manual transmission and 10.6/7.6 with the auto.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
