The 2009 Kia Rondo compact crossover wagon features crisp, pleasing lines highlighted front and rear by contemporary head light and tail light clusters. Three trims are available, Base, LX and the up-market EX. 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on the base and LX trim, 17-inch alloys with low-profile tires come on the EX as does a power, tilt-sliding moon roof. The Rondo is a carryover from 2008.
There are two power plant choices for the LX and EX: a 2.4 liter dual overhead cam inline-four that produces 162 horsepower and 164 pound feet of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.7-liter V-6 that generates 182 horsepower and 182 pound feet of torque. The V-6 comes with a five-speed transmission that can be sequentially shifted. The base trim is only available with the in-line four. Front wheel drive is standard with all engines.
Here are the highest and lowest EPA estimates for fuel economy:
Braking is provided by power-assisted ABS four-wheel disc brakes with electronic stability control standard.
The Rondo's standard safety features also include six airbags: dual-stage front airbags, front-seat mounted side airbags, and full-length, side curtain airbags.
The Rondo has earned an impressive five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Safety Administration in frontal driver and passenger crash tests.
Maximum seating capacity on our test Rondo was seven with access to the third row seats via tilting and sliding second row seats. Fold flat, third row and 60/40 split second-row seats allow up to 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
Our test Rondo also came equipped with the optional Infinity digital audio system that includes an in-dash disc changer, AM/FM/MP3 player and 10 speakers.
Base MSRP for the 2009 Kia Rondo is $17,495. A fully loaded EX V6 can cost as much as $27,000. All Rondo's come with an impressive 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty.
With these numbers and its blend of fun, functionality and safety, the '09 Kia Rondo is well worth considering when shopping for an efficient, reasonably priced compact wagon.