Kia Rondo: Value But Little Spirit

Crossover utility vehicles by definition try to be all things to all people. One vehicle that can do it all - from commuter car to little league team bus, odd-job cargo hauler to cross country family vacation transport - this class is now so crowded with entries it's difficult to keep score. Kia Rondo is one of the more recent additions to the North American crossover fray. First introduced here in 2007, the Rondo has been sold in other world markets as either the Rondo or Carens since 1999.

Built in Hwasung, South Korea, the Rondo doesn't break any new ground design wise, but does offer unique and somewhat exaggerated styling cues that set it apart from the crowd. With very rounded lines, large pronounced headlight assemblies, and rounded roofline, the Rondo's overall size is a bit deceiving. In reality, the Rondo sports an overall length of 179 inches and rides on a 106 inch wheelbase. That's large enough to accommodate an optional third row of seating. Rondo can be ordered in either a five- or seven-passenger configuration, with generous legroom in the second row of seats and the third row best reserved for kids.

Kia is recognized as a value brand and the Rondo is positioned to be a price leader in the crossover segment. Base price on the four-cylinder Rondo is $16,395, but that's a true entry level model that doesn't have air conditioning. Add A/C and the base LX model shoots up to $17,895. Our test model was a V-6 EX and carried a base price of $20,195. With leather and the Premium package that includes a power sunroof and Infinity sound system, as well as the third row seat, the bottom line comes to $23,495.

The Rondo is not what we would call a driver's car. To the contrary, it's functional and seems to handle most situations with relative ease, but don't expect much excitement behind the wheel. Overall performance is okay and the Rondo does what it is asked without argument. Its just one of those vehicles that we never really felt in tune with during our time behind the wheel. Rondo is pure and simple a family transportation appliance. Ride quality is pleasantly refined and the cabin is impressively quiet at freeway speeds.

We did appreciate the tall, upright driving position, which provides a truck-like command of the road with good visibility in all quadrants. The seats are firm - almost European firm, but not quite as supportive. Driver controls are all straightforward and easy to operate, with a center dash extension that includes the radio, climate controls, and the shift lever. The V-6 Rondo is comes standard with a five-speed automatic transmission with a gated shift lever that surprisingly has a manual up-down shift position, though we were never inspired to drive the Rondo in a sporting fashion.

The base 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder comes with a four-speed automatic and produces 162 horsepower and 164 lbs-ft of torque. At just 2.7 liters, the DOHC V-6 provides an additional 20 horses at 182 horsepower and a like 182 lbs-ft of torque. Unfortunately, with the relative small displacement, the horsepower peak comes at a lofty 6,000 rpm and peak torque at 4,000 rpm. Acceleration is good if you are willing to let the engine rev, and 0-60 mph comes up in about 9 seconds. This is the same powertrain in the Optima sedan, but in the Rondo it just has to work a bit harder. Both the four-cylinder and V-6 carry 50-state LEV-II (ULEV) Tier-2 BIN 5 emissions ratings.

The Rondo's 2008 EPA fuel economy numbers are 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Interestingly, the four-cylinder is one better at 19 mpg in town, and has an identical 26 mpg number on the highway, likely because is comes with only a four-speed automatic. Those numbers are pretty accurate if you carry much of a load in the Rondo. For around town errand running, mileage in the high-teens and low-20s is less than we expected from this class of vehicle. At a steady 65 mph on the highway, we were able to do slightly better than the EPA highway number on one trip, but that was pulling out all our high-mileage tricks. Fortunately, the Rondo has a fairly generous 15.8 gallon fuel tank.

As a family vehicle, the Kia Rondo earns a five star government safety for frontal crash rating for both driver and passenger. Side impact is five stars for front seat passengers and four stars for rear seat passengers. Likewise, Rondo rates a four star rollover rating.

Overall, the Rondo offers good value for the money, especially if you're buying an entry level model. If you shop for cars like you shop for major appliances, then this scenario may well work for you. We don't, and because cars are far removed from just appliances from our perspective, the Rondo - even with its value equation - wouldn't be our first choice for everyday driving.