2014 Kia Rondo EX Luxury, from above | Photo: Kia
Much nicer to look at than to drive
When I saw the latest Rondo at the Toronto Autoshow this past February, I understood right away that Kia was a hot topic. The company’s desire to revamp their image is obvious.
I believe the company has succeeded in developing a more youthful edge with the family-oriented Rondo. Its look won me over right away. All that was left to do was to give it a spin. Recently, I got the chance to do just that. Unfortunately, what I experienced behind the wheel of the 2014 Kia Rondo did not live up to the promise of its new design.
When I saw the latest Rondo at the Toronto Autoshow this past February, I understood right away that Kia was a hot topic. The company’s desire to revamp their image is obvious.
I believe the company has succeeded in developing a more youthful edge with the family-oriented Rondo. Its look won me over right away. All that was left to do was to give it a spin. Recently, I got the chance to do just that. Unfortunately, what I experienced behind the wheel of the 2014 Kia Rondo did not live up to the promise of its new design.
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What is a Kia Rondo?
Admittedly, choosing a desired vehicle type is not always clear cut. I have a feeling that the Rondo is aimed at people who can’t decide between a hatchback, minivan or a compact SUV. So, to increase the vehicle’s versatility, the Kia Rondo draws on a few specific elements from each.
It’s plain to see that Kia ventured to build a roomy car that isn’t cumbersome. Plus, the basic model is offered at a pretty attractive price.
2014 Kia Rondo Price and Specs
This latest Kia Rondo model is equipped with the latest, direct-injection engine: a 2.0L, 4-cylinder that delivers an impressive 164 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. You can couple that with either a manual 6-speed or automatic Steptronic transmission with the same number of gears (optional).
Suspension-wise, the 2014 Kia Rondo has support legs in the front and a beam axle in the back. All four wheels have disc brakes, and the front wheels are vented.
Estimated fuel ratings for the automatic (my test vehicle) are 6.3L/100km on the highway and 9.2L/100km in the city. I managed 10.5L/100km during a mixed urban/rural drive.
The cost? $23,360 for the LX and $33,860 for the EX Luxury. The intermediate model, the EX, is available for $28,660.
Driving the 2014 Kia Rondo
Driving the Rondo is not unpleasant, but it’s not that impressive, either. Don’t expect sporty handling. The semi-independent suspension does nothing for the rolling action. However, the engine runs pretty well.
What disappointed me the most about the 2014 Kia Rondo was how badly its technology worked. The vocal commands are practically impossible to use, not to mention extremely irritating. The ridiculously complicated GPS won’t adjust to traffic. Finally, the noise signals from the parking assist sensors are sure to make drivers more nervous, especially when parallel parking on city roads. I had to deactivate them over and over again. My preferences weren’t saved, as I’ve seen before on other models from Hyundai and Subaru. So, I had to press the deactivation button each time I put the 2014 Kia Rondo into reverse.
I loved the front and rear visibility, thanks to small windows located in front of the A and C pillars. The back-up camera looks after the rest.
Strictly speaking, I enjoyed the drive itself, overall. Words like “calm” and “silent” come to mind. There’s one hitch, though: To stay competitive, Kia should improve the technological devices it already has before offering a greater array of them.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Kia Rondo
The latest Rondo is simply breathtaking. It has been completely redesigned and is far more modern than its predecessor. It’s more elegant, too, with LED brake lights and brand new front grille.
The Rondo’s roominess can be fully felt in the front seats. The sharply sloping windshield, as is the current trend, provides a much appreciated, clear view. The modern dashboard in the 2014 Kia Rondo is filled with all kinds of controls. I would have liked a more minimalist approach to the dash and the wheel, which is also pretty much packed.
The 2014 Kia Rondo EX Luxury’s panoramic roof is wonderful. It lets the light in and brings occupents closer to the outdoors. However, is it worth spending $34,000 for? I’m not so sure…
Although both 5- and 7-passenger models are available, I was assigned a 2014 Kia Rondo with two bench seats in the back. We can’t expect miracles, here. Because of its relatively compact size, only children can access the third row. However, the first bench slides -- an effective solution to larger occupents accessing the seats.
Honestly, there’s not much cargo space to speak of: even with only five passengers, the trunk ceases to exist once the second bench is up.
However, small details like a flashlight integrated into the trunk, make the vehicle very practical for day-to-day use.
Comparing the 2014 Kia Rondo
Its biggest rival, the Mazda5, has sliding doors. If you prefer standard doors, consider the Dodge Journey or the Chevrolet Orlando. Roughly the same size, Ford’s C-MAX hybrid would also be a good alternative.
One thing is for certain, the 2014 Kia Rondo is the most charming of the lot. If you’ll allow me to give you a tip: Get the basic version without an arsenal of overly complicated technology -- the price is definitely more appealing.
What is a Kia Rondo?
Admittedly, choosing a desired vehicle type is not always clear cut. I have a feeling that the Rondo is aimed at people who can’t decide between a hatchback, minivan or a compact SUV. So, to increase the vehicle’s versatility, the Kia Rondo draws on a few specific elements from each.
It’s plain to see that Kia ventured to build a roomy car that isn’t cumbersome. Plus, the basic model is offered at a pretty attractive price.
2014 Kia Rondo Price and Specs
This latest Kia Rondo model is equipped with the latest, direct-injection engine: a 2.0L, 4-cylinder that delivers an impressive 164 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. You can couple that with either a manual 6-speed or automatic Steptronic transmission with the same number of gears (optional).
Suspension-wise, the 2014 Kia Rondo has support legs in the front and a beam axle in the back. All four wheels have disc brakes, and the front wheels are vented.
Estimated fuel ratings for the automatic (my test vehicle) are 6.3L/100km on the highway and 9.2L/100km in the city. I managed 10.5L/100km during a mixed urban/rural drive.
The cost? $23,360 for the LX and $33,860 for the EX Luxury. The intermediate model, the EX, is available for $28,660.
Driving the 2014 Kia Rondo
Driving the Rondo is not unpleasant, but it’s not that impressive, either. Don’t expect sporty handling. The semi-independent suspension does nothing for the rolling action. However, the engine runs pretty well.
What disappointed me the most about the 2014 Kia Rondo was how badly its technology worked. The vocal commands are practically impossible to use, not to mention extremely irritating. The ridiculously complicated GPS won’t adjust to traffic. Finally, the noise signals from the parking assist sensors are sure to make drivers more nervous, especially when parallel parking on city roads. I had to deactivate them over and over again. My preferences weren’t saved, as I’ve seen before on other models from Hyundai and Subaru. So, I had to press the deactivation button each time I put the 2014 Kia Rondo into reverse.
I loved the front and rear visibility, thanks to small windows located in front of the A and C pillars. The back-up camera looks after the rest.
Strictly speaking, I enjoyed the drive itself, overall. Words like “calm” and “silent” come to mind. There’s one hitch, though: To stay competitive, Kia should improve the technological devices it already has before offering a greater array of them.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Kia Rondo
The latest Rondo is simply breathtaking. It has been completely redesigned and is far more modern than its predecessor. It’s more elegant, too, with LED brake lights and brand new front grille.
The Rondo’s roominess can be fully felt in the front seats. The sharply sloping windshield, as is the current trend, provides a much appreciated, clear view. The modern dashboard in the 2014 Kia Rondo is filled with all kinds of controls. I would have liked a more minimalist approach to the dash and the wheel, which is also pretty much packed.
The 2014 Kia Rondo EX Luxury’s panoramic roof is wonderful. It lets the light in and brings occupents closer to the outdoors. However, is it worth spending $34,000 for? I’m not so sure…
Although both 5- and 7-passenger models are available, I was assigned a 2014 Kia Rondo with two bench seats in the back. We can’t expect miracles, here. Because of its relatively compact size, only children can access the third row. However, the first bench slides -- an effective solution to larger occupents accessing the seats.
Honestly, there’s not much cargo space to speak of: even with only five passengers, the trunk ceases to exist once the second bench is up.
However, small details like a flashlight integrated into the trunk, make the vehicle very practical for day-to-day use.
Comparing the 2014 Kia Rondo
Its biggest rival, the Mazda5, has sliding doors. If you prefer standard doors, consider the Dodge Journey or the Chevrolet Orlando. Roughly the same size, Ford’s C-MAX hybrid would also be a good alternative.
One thing is for certain, the 2014 Kia Rondo is the most charming of the lot. If you’ll allow me to give you a tip: Get the basic version without an arsenal of overly complicated technology -- the price is definitely more appealing.
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