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2009
Kia Rondo

Starts at:
$17,495
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New 2009 Kia Rondo
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Wgn I4 LX Base
    Starts at
    $17,495
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn I4 LX
    Starts at
    $18,495
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn V6 LX
    Starts at
    $19,495
    18 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn I4 EX
    Starts at
    $21,295
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn V6 EX
    Starts at
    $22,295
    18 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

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Notable features

Compact minivan
Four-cylinder or V-6
Optional third-row seat

The good & the bad

The good

Manageable dimensions
Seating and cargo capacity
Tons of safety features
10-year powertrain warranty

The bad

Uninspired styling
Dowdy interior
Base model not as well-equipped as Mazda5

Expert 2009 Kia Rondo review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Breaking with segment trends, the Rondo is much smaller than most other vehicles with three rows of seats. It slots below Kia’s larger Sedona and competes with the other mini-minivan on the market, the Mazda5.

With the optional third-row bench, the Rondo can seat seven. The Rondo is available in base, LX or top-of-the-line EX trim levels. The LX and EX trims come with a choice of a four-cylinder engine or a small V-6.

New for 2009
The 2009 Kia Rondo gets a standard Sirius Satellite Radio with three months of free service and an available GPS navigation system.

Exterior
The Rondo has a two-tier grille, large headlights and openings on each side of the bumper that can house optional fog lights. An accessory body kit includes fender flares and ground effects for visual flare.

At 179 inches long and 71.7 inches wide, the Rondo is slightly shorter and wider than the Mazda5.

  • Available 16- or 17-inch wheels
  • Standard power mirrors
  • Standard automatic headlamps
  • Standard roof rails (LX and EX)
  • Optional sports body kit
  • Chrome door handles and side moldings (EX)
  • Power sunroof (optional on EX)
  • Fog lamps (EX)

Interior
The Rondo has two standard rows of seats that can accommodate five people. A third row can fit two more, though larger passengers won’t want to climb back there.

The Rondo’s interior features rounded dashboard panels and air vents. The gauges and center controls have an orange illumination. The Rondo has some innovative storage solutions, including a dashboard shelf atop the glove compartment.

The second- and third-row seats fold nearly flat; a Rondo without the third row offers several partitioned compartments under the load floor. There’s a maximum 155.9 cubic feet of passenger space with the optional third row. With all three rows up, the Rondo’s cargo space is a cramped 6.5 cubic feet. Still, the Rondo beats out the Mazda5 for both passenger and cargo space.

  • Standard air conditioning
  • Standard power windows, locks and keyless entry
  • Standard cruise control (LX and EX)
  • Optional iPod cable
  • Available heated front seats (optional on LX, standard on EX)
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter (standard on EX)
  • Navigation system (optional on EX)
  • Infinity six-disc CD changer with eight-speaker audio system (optional on EX)
  • 50/50-split third-row bench (optional on LX, standard on EX)

Under the Hood
The Rondo comes with either a four- or five-speed automatic transmission, depending on the powertrain. Both transmissions have a gated shifter with a manual-shift mode.

  • 175-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 169 pounds-feet of torque
  • 192-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 with 184 pounds-feet of torque
  • Four-speed automatic transmission with four-cylinder
  • Five-speed automatic transmission with V-6

Safety

  • Standard side curtain airbags
  • Standard side-impact airbags
  • Standard active head restraints in front
  • Standard antilock brakes
  • Standard electronic stability system

2009 Kia Rondo review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Breaking with segment trends, the Rondo is much smaller than most other vehicles with three rows of seats. It slots below Kia’s larger Sedona and competes with the other mini-minivan on the market, the Mazda5.

With the optional third-row bench, the Rondo can seat seven. The Rondo is available in base, LX or top-of-the-line EX trim levels. The LX and EX trims come with a choice of a four-cylinder engine or a small V-6.

New for 2009
The 2009 Kia Rondo gets a standard Sirius Satellite Radio with three months of free service and an available GPS navigation system.

Exterior
The Rondo has a two-tier grille, large headlights and openings on each side of the bumper that can house optional fog lights. An accessory body kit includes fender flares and ground effects for visual flare.

At 179 inches long and 71.7 inches wide, the Rondo is slightly shorter and wider than the Mazda5.

  • Available 16- or 17-inch wheels
  • Standard power mirrors
  • Standard automatic headlamps
  • Standard roof rails (LX and EX)
  • Optional sports body kit
  • Chrome door handles and side moldings (EX)
  • Power sunroof (optional on EX)
  • Fog lamps (EX)

Interior
The Rondo has two standard rows of seats that can accommodate five people. A third row can fit two more, though larger passengers won’t want to climb back there.

The Rondo’s interior features rounded dashboard panels and air vents. The gauges and center controls have an orange illumination. The Rondo has some innovative storage solutions, including a dashboard shelf atop the glove compartment.

The second- and third-row seats fold nearly flat; a Rondo without the third row offers several partitioned compartments under the load floor. There’s a maximum 155.9 cubic feet of passenger space with the optional third row. With all three rows up, the Rondo’s cargo space is a cramped 6.5 cubic feet. Still, the Rondo beats out the Mazda5 for both passenger and cargo space.

  • Standard air conditioning
  • Standard power windows, locks and keyless entry
  • Standard cruise control (LX and EX)
  • Optional iPod cable
  • Available heated front seats (optional on LX, standard on EX)
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter (standard on EX)
  • Navigation system (optional on EX)
  • Infinity six-disc CD changer with eight-speaker audio system (optional on EX)
  • 50/50-split third-row bench (optional on LX, standard on EX)

Under the Hood
The Rondo comes with either a four- or five-speed automatic transmission, depending on the powertrain. Both transmissions have a gated shifter with a manual-shift mode.

  • 175-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 169 pounds-feet of torque
  • 192-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 with 184 pounds-feet of torque
  • Four-speed automatic transmission with four-cylinder
  • Five-speed automatic transmission with V-6

Safety

  • Standard side curtain airbags
  • Standard side-impact airbags
  • Standard active head restraints in front
  • Standard antilock brakes
  • Standard electronic stability system

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2009 Kia Rondo base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection

Consumer reviews

3.7 / 5
Based on 31 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.8
Interior 3.8
Performance 3.5
Value 3.9
Exterior 3.6
Reliability 3.8

Most recent

  • Best car ever

    Bought my first Rondo new in 2008. Drove it for 297,000 miles over 14 years! Best car ever for both short and long distance driving. It was still running when I gave it away and bought another one (2009 this time) with 87,000 miles on it. I have every expectation to drive this one for years to come as well. I only wish KIA still imported them to the US.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I would grade this car a four + star

    Absolutely no serious problems in my 10 years of ownership, best car I ever owned..I hesitate to let it go..I would recommend it to anyone...never unhappy with it...
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Extreme Reliable

    163K miles and Counting. I’m the second owner of a 2009. Bought in 2012 for Under $8K (flood car from Florida) I’ve put over 110k miles on it. Only issue was a Crack in the master cylinder I got one on eBay from a Junk yard for $70 two years ago. Mine is the 2.4. Has plenty of power still gets 27MPG highway. ZERO Rust and Zero Oil burn for me. I have heard that is some issues. Keep in mode I live in South GA so we don’t use salt on the roads etc…. Great car. My 17 year old daughter drives it now(says it’s ugly). We will drive it till the wheels come off. Prob the best value car I’ve ever owned. Only maintenance. We ever do is Oil changes. Every 4K miles.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great, reliable car

    Great car! I bought mine new in '09 and it hasn't given me a lick of trouble. It now has a little over 100K miles on it. Best purchase ever and I'll keep it as long as possible.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Bad Subframe

    The car has been good . The subframe rotted out. They rot on all of them. Kia would do nothing said I was the first complaint even the dealer agreed with me. Kia charged 1000.00 for the frame, I should have gotten it for free.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • K-frame cracks and rust

    Subframe or k-frame cracks usually right side. Welds not perfect resulting in rust and cracking along Subframe. Metal to thin. Need stronger or thicker metal or support
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Would Definitely Recommend This Car!!

    I have owned this car since 2009 and it is still running in 2020. I have used this car everyday to go to work as well as taken it to Florida and back. It is still running very well (as i have had oil changes regularly). The interior is very spacious and it has lots of storage.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    12 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Ok Car

    Car is small after using all 7 seats, slow, accelerator to expensive, bad brakes it also has a tip-over risk. Handles poorly and has an issue with door not closing correctly.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • No problems so far. Very reliable. 2009 Rondo.

    Very roomy inside. Good on gas. Never had to get repairs except for the two factory recalls which we had no issues with. Bought new 2009 Rondo, still have it, 2019, over 140,000 miles and still going strong. Great car for the price.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Motor Blew Up

    Worst car I ever owned, will never buy a Korean car again because of this example. Was the first brand new car I had ever bought, 6 years old and 130,000km, after warranty finished in Canada (if in US would have had 10yr or 100,000mile), connecting rod goes through side of block after shell bearing craters, value to zero.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Practical, economical, reliable

    My family currently owns two 2009 Kia Rondos. I liked the first one so much that when it was time to get another car, I opted for more of the same. The safety features, Consumer Reports review and low price in class were what drew my attention to the 2009 Kia Rondo. I like how it's a mini minivan -- it's not low to the ground, so I can see over some of the other cars on the road (great for when you're in traffic). It's relatively small, so it's easily maneuverable -- parallel parking is a breeze. It's got standard features -- nothing really luxurious about it. Nevertheless, I really enjoy driving and riding in it. It's comfortable and fun.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Okay car

    Car is okay but it has several performance issues. Pros: - Okay car - decent room - 7 seat but if you use all of them there is no room for luggage. Cons: - One of them is acceleration. - Too sensitive for the fuel cap..this gives "Check Engine Light" - Rust
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2009 Kia Rondo?

The 2009 Kia Rondo is available in 3 trim levels:

  • EX (2 styles)
  • LX (2 styles)
  • LX Base (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2009 Kia Rondo?

The 2009 Kia Rondo offers up to 20 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2009 Kia Rondo reliable?

The 2009 Kia Rondo has an average reliability rating of 3.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2009 Kia Rondo owners.

Is the 2009 Kia Rondo a good Minivan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2009 Kia Rondo. 64.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.7 / 5
Based on 31 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.8
  • Interior: 3.8
  • Performance: 3.5
  • Value: 3.9
  • Exterior: 3.6
  • Reliability: 3.8
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