2007 Kia Rondo Trims and Specs

Kia's compact minivan is new for 2007, and the 2007 Kia Rondo Base is the entry level trim. Two rows of seats can be expanded to three, with the third row featuring a 50/50 split-fold and the second row a 60/40 split-fold to expand the shortened cargo area. The 2007 Rondo Base comes with a 2.4-liter, 162-hp DOHC I4 engine and a 4-speed auto tran only. It sits on 16-inch wheels, and features ABS brakes, stability control, a tire pressure monitor, and dual front-side airbags with a passenger deactivation sensor.

The 2007 Rondo Base is actually well equipped for a base trim. Power windows, locks, and mirrors, intermittent front and rear wipers, a front and overhead console, and a CD player are all standard. Air conditioning is optional. Other options include a body kit that adds flared fenders, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. The third row is also optional. Gas mileage hovers around 20/30 mpg. Drivers of the 2007 Rondo Base say it is comfortable, fairly peppy, and comes with a nice set of features.

The next level up from the base is the 2007 Kia Rondo LX, a four-door compact minivan that seats five, but can be expanded to seat seven with an optional third row. The 2007 Rondo LX features the 2.4-liter, 162-hp DOHC I4 engine found in the base model. This engine is matched only with a 4-speed auto tran. It too has ABS brakes, traction control, dual front-side airbags, and a tire monitor.

The 2007 Rondo LX adds a few more features to the base model. In addition to the standard power features, intermittent front and rear wipers, and front and overhead consoles, and CD player, the LX offers air conditioning and a roof rack. The second row split-folds 60/40 and the optional third row splits 50/50. The cargo area provides tie-downs, and a cargo tray is optional. The body kit, with flared fenders, side skirts, and a rear spoiler is available on the 2007 Rondo LX. So is a Convenience Package, which adds keyless entry, a remote alarm, and cruise control. A crossbar for the roof rack is also optional. High points include the minivan's handling, affordability and quiet ride.

A more powerful engine and smoother transmission is available in the new 2007 Kia Rondo LX V6. Otherwise, in terms of features, it's much like the 4-cylinder LX. A 182-hp, 2.7-liter DOHC V6 lies under the hood, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel drive minivan sits on 16-inch alloy wheels, and comes standard with two rows of seating, with an optional 50/50 split-fold third row. Standard safety features include ABS brakes, dual front-side airbags with a deactivation sensor, a tire monitor, and stability control.

Standard accessories are identical to the I4 LX. Intermittent front and rear wipers, power windows, locks, and mirrors, air conditioning, front and overhead console, a CD player, and a convenient roof rack are included on the 2007 Rondo LX V6. For a sportier look, you can opt for the body kit, which gives you a rear spoiler, side skirts, and flared fenders, and extended fascias. The Convenience Package adds remote entry, cruise control, and an alarm. A cargo tray and roof crossbar are also available. The minivan gets so-so mileage for this segment, at 20/30 mpg.

A little more luxury and convenience is provided in the 2007 Kia Rondo EX. This front-wheel drive compact minivan is front-wheel drive and packed with a 2.4-liter, 162-hp DOHC I4 engine, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity reaches 5000 pounds. ABS brakes, stability control, a tire monitor, and dual front-side airbags are standard. The 2007 Rondo EX adds fog lights and a security system as well.

Adding on to the power features, intermittent front and rear wipers, roof rack, and front and overhead consoles on the LX models, the 2007 Rondo EX boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, cruise control, a CD player with MP3 compatibility, six speakers, and leather trim on the steering wheel and shifter. On the outside, there chrome trim replaces the body-colored molding on the LX. A body kit option decks the Rondo out with flared fenders, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. A Premium Package is offered for the EX, featuring a sunroof and 6-CD changer. Leather seats, a rear spoiler, and a roof crossbar are also available. Owners liked the roominess, the optional third row, overall handling, comfort, and affordability. Negatives include no sliding doors.

The 2007 Kia Rondo EX V6 is the top-line trim of the new compact minivan. Its main difference from the 4-cylinder EX is a stronger 182-hp 2.7-liter DOHC V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic. Luxury and convenience features are the same in both EX models. The EX has the standard safety features of ABS brakes, a tire monitor, stability control, and dual front-side airbags with a passenger deactivation sensor. It adds fog lights and a security system to the package.

Other 2007 Rondo EX V6 equipment that goes beyond the LX V6 are cruise control, a CD player with MP3 playback, a leather-trimmed wheel and shifter, audio controls on the steering wheel, larger 17-inch tires, and chrome exterior accents. An optional third row makes room for seven passengers. Both second and third rows split-fold. There is a roof rack for more storage and cargo area tie-downs. A cargo tray and roof crossbar is optional. Front and overhead consoles provide further storage flexibility. The powerful 2007 Rondo EX V6 tows up to 5000 pounds. Options offer leather seats, a sunroof, 6-CD changer, and a sporty body kit that comes with a rear spoiler. Comfortable, roomy, quiet, and affordable are all words satisfied owners use. Some would like tinted windows and a trip computer.