The 2009 Kia Rondo is somewhere between a SUV crossover and a wagon, with the legroom of a full-sized SUV, and a third row of seating which can make it a seven-seater, yet the handling and drive of a car and the appearance of a wagon. For the new age of fuel price uncertainty and economic slowdown tightening the budget this may just be the family vehicle of the future. Kia has added a new base model and more power on both engine sizes to keep it fresh and a few new options for the top-of-the-line EX model.
2009 Kia Rondo Performance
There are two engine sizes in the 2009 Rondo, yet both give plenty of power and driving ability. The 2.4-liter is a four cylinder that produces 175hp this year (an increase of 13hp from last year) paired with a four-speed automatic transmission that does a very respectable 19/26mpg city/highway on fuel economy – more than most small SUV crossovers. The 2.7-liter V6 engine produces 192hp (10hp more than last year) and is mated to a five-speed Sportmatic automatic transmission and does 18/27mpg. The new Base model Rondo is only available in the smaller engine, while the LX and EX are available in either engine sizes. With the V6 costing only a little more and offering almost the same fuel economy, from our perspective it is well worth the upgrade for the increase in power and the ability to push it uphills on the highway although mid-range power could be better.
In handling the Rondo is direct and responsive and feels much more like a wagon than a SUV. Gear changes are smooth and quiet and there is little of the gear hunting that seems to come with many of these larger wagon/crossovers. Quietness is one of the Rondo’s real virtues, surprisingly more so in the V6 than the four-cylinder models. Suspension is not overly soft but firm enough to zip around twisty country roads and feel a bit sporty. Road inconsistencies are absorbed easily and braking is solid, even on the 16-inch tires of the LX as opposed to the 17-inch EX Michelins.
2009 Kia Rondo Interior and Features
The Korean Kia Rondo has a surprisingly high-quality interior and versatile seating to allow for five or seven passengers comfortably. The Base and LX trims come standard with five seats and plenty of rear cargo space, and then optional on the LX but standard on the EX is a third row of 60/40 split folding seating. Both the second and third rows fold flat into the floor and there are so many seating variations that you will never get bored including the option of keeping the end seat on both the second and third rows folded up so that you can store long items like skis or even a kayak. Even the third row leaves enough legroom for small adults, although it is probably best left to the kids. There are plenty of storage cubbies throughout the car and cupholders for your big gulps.
The LX Rondo comes with cloth upholstery and optional heated and powered front seats, while the EX features leather perforated upholstery and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift. MP3 compatibility is standard, with Sirius satellite radio on the EX, and an optional upgrade to 8-speaker Infinity stereo system in the Premium package, as well as a sunroof and navigation system.
2009 Kia Rondo Safety
The 2009 Rondo earned five stars from government crash testing for frontal impact situations and side driver impact. Four stars were earned for rollover resistance and passenger side impact, which still earned the Rondo the best possible rating of “good”. This is large due to the safety features that are available in the Rondo, ranging from stability control, Anti-lock braking and traction control to full airbags at the front and side.
Safety features:
- Electronic stability control, ABS and traction control
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Front, front side and side curtain airbags
- LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children)
- Active head rests
Overall the 2009 Kia Rondo is a great family vehicle, offering the perfect combination of seating space and versatility, interior style and above average performance. Kia has improved the quality of their vehicles significantly over recent years and is now a serious contender in the US car market. The Rondo is worth a test drive to at least check out how far Kia have come. You never know – you may just come home with one!