Not many vehicles lay claim to providing three-row seating in the same footprint occupied by the Honda Civic, but Kia can. The 2009 Kia Rondo sits on an identical wheelbase as the Civic, and is just a smidge longer overall. Yet, it offers optional seating for seven passengers. The only other vehicle that comes close to duplicating this trick is the Mazda 5, but that mini-minivan features a maximum of six-passenger capacity. The Rondo arrived for the 2007 model year, a small, tall, roomy wagon designed for overseas markets – where small, tall and roomy are critical characteristics of family transportation – and has quietly sold in modest numbers since its debut. JDPower.com is reviewing the Rondo because it is the most fuel-efficient model in its class, according to the EPA.

Here is a summary of the major changes for the 2009 Kia Rondo:
• More power and torque
• Improved fuel economy for four-cylinder models
• New LX Plus option package with alloy wheels, heated front seats, and floor mats
• Standard Sirius satellite radio with free 3-month subscription
• Standard auxiliary input jack and USB port
• Infinity sound system and navigation system now offered in Premium Package for Rondo EX

The 2009 Rondo is offered in LX or EX trim. Rondo EX models add leather upholstery, heated front seats, power heated exterior mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, chrome exterior accent trim, upgraded cabin décor, floor mats, and a third-row 50/50 split bench seat. Buyers can equip the Rondo LX with a third-row seat and the LX Plus Package, which adds 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and floor mats. The Rondo EX is offered with the Premium Package, including a power sunroof, an Infinity premium audio system, and a navigation system. Other options are available through the dealer, such as mud guards, roof rack cross bars, and a cargo cover.

The 2009 Rondo is equipped with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 2.7-liter V-6 engine. Horsepower and torque figures are upgraded over last year, with the four-cylinder model making 175 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 169 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. (In regions where the Rondo is rated a Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV), the four-cylinder engine makes 167 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque.) Upgrading to the V-6 provides 192 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm.

A 4-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Rondo with the four-cylinder engine, and a 5-speed automatic with a manual shift gate is standard on the Rondo V-6, both driving the front wheels. The four-cylinder is rated to deliver 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway while the V-6 is expected to return 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway. Our test car, a Rondo EX V-6, averaged 18.7 mpg in mixed driving.

Safety equipment on the 2009 Kia Rondo includes dual front airbags, dual seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats. Every Kia Rondo also comes equipped with four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control. The front seats are also equipped with active head restraints.

Kia says the 2009 Rondo’s closest competitor is the Mazda 5. However, it might also be considered by people shopping for a Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Caliber, Honda Element, Hyundai Elantra Wagon, Jeep Compass, Pontiac Vibe, Scion xB, Subaru Forester, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Matrix, and Volkswagen Jetta Wagon.