2008 Kia Rondo

Overview

The 2008 Kia Rondo debuted as a new model for 2007. The 2008 Rondo continues largely unchanged and adds an auxiliary input jack for audio devices. The Rondo is compact, yet it offers bold styling, spaciousness of an SUV, smooth handling and fuel economy of a sedan, all for an appealing price tag. A functional crossover, the Rondo can seat seven passengers and has smart storage spaces for its size. It is available in two trims, LX and EX. It is well equipped across the board and has a 10 year/100,000-mile warranty program.

Power and Performance

The Rondo is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 162 hp and 164 lb-ft. of torque teamed with a four-speed automatic. A 2.7-liter V-6 that makes 182 hp and 182 lb-ft. of torque teamed with a five-speed automatic comes optional on both trim levels. Both transmissions have the Sportmatic feature, which lets the driver select gears.

Body and Styling

The Rondo's fascia features a two-tier grille, large headlights, and an aggressive large air dam. The LX gets 16-inch alloys and body-color exterior moldings; the EX adds 17-inch rims and chrome moldings. Inside the cabin, the dash features rounded panels and air vents. Seats can hold seven passengers; second and third-row seats fold flat and Rondo models without the third-row have partitioned sections under the cargo floor.

Safety Features

Class-leading standard safety features include six airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control (ESC). The Rondo earned five-star crash safety ratings in frontal driver and passenger crash tests, from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).