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2007 Kia Rondo EX V6 Road Test

The search for the perfect family vehicle is an exhausting task, leaving much

Rondo is not a bad looking car for something this practical. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

to be desired. It's also a frustrating task with affordability and functionality being just two of the standard criteria, but they aren't exactly at the top of the list for enthusiast's priorities. People don't buy minivans for their sporty driving characteristics. Enter the 2007 Kia Rondo, which might cause you to change the way you think about people-movers. While you won't soon sign it up for a day at the races, it is possible to get excited about driving a truly versatile vehicle that offers up everything to meet the standard of a “family-friendly” driving experience. The combination of a V6 in tall-form, five-door hatchback / wagon that can comfortably hold up to seven passengers puts the Rondo in a class of its own.

At first glance there is no doubt that it has more character than a van or sport utility vehicle, which is no surprise given its classification as an “Urban Utility Vehicle” according to Kia, and the Rondo fits this new branding. In terms of looks it can be explained as a tall hatchback with the qualities that I find useful and even visually pleasing from both vans and sport utility vehicles. It's an ingenious combination that is geared towards young families, meeting the demands of tight budgets with the practicality of a

Projector beam headlamps are bright, much like the glistening chrome trim on the door handles and body. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

larger vehicle while maintaining the luxurious aspects that are often sought out by car buyers.

On the outside the Rondo can be puzzling, not fitting into any one category. It's not a very large vehicle – it is shorter than a Volkswagen Jetta – and yet it has the interior space to accommodate seven without looking too tall or too narrow. With this in mind, I developed a liking for the clean cut lines, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome accents on the door handles. Yes, Kia has taken a more upscale approach to a breed of crossovers that tend to fall short of stylish good looks. Taking in the Rondo from the front, there is definite appeal in the positioning of the grille and projector beam headlamps, which are set back into the sides of the car, playing into its sleeker appeal. The back end is probably the most attractive aspect of the exterior, with a tailgate that reflects the obvious finesse that Kia is striving for, as it tapers from the top down and then kinks, a defining characteristic to a unique look.

The interior of the Rondo is surprisingly well developed throughout. The upgraded leather seating adds a little more comfort and

High seating position is like a minivan, but it drives much more like a car. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

class along with heated seats for the driver and passenger, and it doesn't take a step ladder to get into. The optional seating for seven is a plus, as the Rondo doesn't really change in proportion or looks between the standard five-seat configuration or seven-seat option; there is a loss of trunk space, however, which may be problematic for longer journeys where space for suitcases is limited. Also, the third row is primarily meant for children, as adults will find it a very tight squeeze. In five-seat guise, the Rondo's second row is comfortable, and it can be adjusted fore and aft while the seatbacks can also recline. The back seats all fold down to provide a more spacious area, and are quite easy to use with a one-step action.

Digital climate and media controls add to the ease of operation that is married to a well-organized setup offering lots of storage for smaller items. The console has an ergonomically correct gear shift that proved to be comfortable to use, but the lack of an adjustable armrest made it a little awkward at times to find a comfortable position for shifting, which would only be problematic if using the manual mode. The Rondo breaks away from the commonplace simplicity of minivans, playing on the feel of an SUV, but it's

V6 is as silky smooth as you could ask for. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

far ahead in the interior's functionality.

The Rondo has a pair of engines, starting with a 162-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder, but the 2.7L DOHC V6 (both with CVVT variable valve timing) is the more desirable option being that you'll never feel left behind in the constant rush of traffic. Offering 20 more horsepower and 20 additional lb-ft of torque over its four-cylinder counterpart, the relaxed, torque-rich characteristics mean that it doesn't struggle even when it's loaded up with friends and family. Shifting the manual mode on the five-speed automatic transmission offers a more hands-on approach to the driving experience, which is not what you'd normally associate with a family-oriented vehicle. With the V6 there is no doubt that driving the family around can be fun, and I found myself driving the Rondo more like a car, rather than a seven-seat crossover. Its handling is surprisingly on point, managing to maneuver around corners smoothly, proving that Kia has taken time to invest in a good suspension. Fuel economy was excellent and wins out against most vans and eliminates SUVs

Practicality when you need it: third row folds flat into the floor. Otherwise it's a very spacious five-seater. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

from the competition, allowing for a few extra trips to Krispy Kreme in the budget.

In terms of pricing, the Rondo is difficult to beat. With a window sticker starting at $16,995 and just about everything coming standard, it outshines competition from every van or compact SUV on the market. The only options that would need to be added to the base model would be air conditioning and keyless entry to bring it up to class with other vehicles in which such options come standard. From there, the Rondo can also be built up into a more luxury-class vehicle with the fully loaded V6 seven-seater adding almost $6,000 to the base price, which, compared to its rivals is unparalleled in value without cutting any corners on aesthetics. Overall the Rondo truly distinguishes itself from the competition and leads its class in every aspect; in fact, there doesn't seem to be another vehicle to compare it to in terms of versatility and value.

There is no doubt that the Rondo is a functional all around “urban utility vehicle”. It manages to surpass all takers in styling and pricing, not to mention the pragmatic aspects of car purchasing – quality, warranty and price, although the need to upgrade for air conditioning on the base model does inflate the price slightly. In the grand scheme of things, the Rondo carves out a class of its own by offering a totally unique and convincing package, making it a soccer mom or dad's dream in the hectic world of car-pooling and family life.

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