Overview

Endowed with numerous amenities, capable handling, impressive standard convenience and safety features, the 2010 Kia Rondo is a four-door wagon available in four trims - LX, LX V6, EX, and EX V6. It can be equipped with a third row of seats to carry seven passengers. Satellite radio and air-conditioning are standard. The Rondo is a very practical and desirable vehicle for small families. The Rondo offers the same variety of seating arrangements as a full-size SUV or minivan without the bulk or low fuel economy. It also features the addition of standard side-view mirrors with integrated turn signals and a standard EcoMinder indicator, which aids drivers in operating the vehicle in a more fuel-efficient manner by alerting them when they have reached optimum fuel efficiency, important as gas costs remain high. A back-up camera also is available as part of the Premium Package, which assists drivers in avoiding objects behind the vehicle while reversing.

Power and performance

The LX and EX are equipped with a standard 2.4-liter 175-horsepower I4 engine that delivers 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard with the I4 engine. The EX V6 is powered by a standard 2.7-liter, V6 engine that generates 198-horsepower and has an estimated fuel efficiency of 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard with the V6 engine.

Body and styling

The LX and LX V6 features 16-inch steel wheels with covers; body-colored exterior door handles; body-colored side moldings; black front grille crossbars; auto-off projection headlights; dual power remote black mirrors; and variable intermittent windshield wipers. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels; chrome exterior door handles; chrome side moldings; chrome front grille crossbars; front fog lights; and dual power heated body-colored mirrors are standard on the EX and EX V6 trims. The interior of the 2010 Rondo consists of 60/40 multi-fold second row seats; four-way manual passenger's seat; adjustable headrests for all rows; AM/FM/CD/MP3/SIRIUS audio system with front tweeters; USB auxiliary input jack; air conditioning; power windows; power door locks; cruise control with steering wheel mounted control buttons; tilt steering column; and center console with armrest and dual storage as standard. The 50/50 fold flat third row seats (includes second row fore/aft slide function), leather-wrapped steering wheel/gearshift knob, heated front seats, and six-way manual driver's seat are standard on the EX and EX V6 trims. The Plus Package with alloy wheels, Michelin tires, floor mats, and heated seats and the Premium Package with power tilt/sliding sunroof and the Infinity AM/FM/MP3/SIRIUS 315-Watt digital audio system with an in-dash 6-CD changer and navigation are the available packages.

Safety Features

The 2010 Kia Rondo's long list of standard safety features includes important aspects such as six airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. It has received a five-star safety rating in frontal-impact tests from the US government. Three-point seat belts for all seating positions; energy-absorbing steering column; frontal active headrests; front active headrests; front seat-belt pre-tensioners with force limiters; lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH); airbag and seat-belt Latch sensors; and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) are standard.