2008 Kia Rondo EX Trim Overview

A few flashier styling notes, such as chrome trim and front grille, and more standard features set the 2008 Kia Rondo EX apart from the LX. Upgrading to the EX gets you wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, remote entry, heated mirrors, leather trim for the wheel and shifter, foglights, and a CD player with MP3 playback capability. New for 2008 is an input jack for an MP3 player. Other standards include full power features, front and rear intermittent wipers, a tachometer, and tilt steering.

A 2.4-liter, 162-hp DOHC V6 is the power source for this front-wheel drive compact crossover and gets 19/26 mpg. A 4-speed Sportmatic automatic is the only transmission. The wagon features car-like handling, thanks to a four-wheel independent suspension and rear multilink suspension. It rides on larger 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes come with electonic brakeforce distribution. Stability control, automatic headlights, active head restraints and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all rows are standard and earn four and five stars in crash tests.

The 2008 Rondo EX offers two rows of seats for five people, and an optional third row bench extends capacity to seven. The second row split-folds 60/40, the third 50/50, and the front passenger seat also folds flat. The second row also reclines and moves forward and back to help with third row access. Tie-downs are standard in the 35 cubic foot trunk, and a dealer-installed cover and net can be added. A roof rack and in-floor compartments (on 5-passenger vehicles only) are also standard. There are more available options for the 2008 Rondo EX, such as a sunroof, leather seats, heated seats, and 6-CD changer. The sport body kit is offered as well on the EX.