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2009 Kia Rondo Safety Review

February 23, 2009

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

handled emergency maneuvers...with refreshing predictability
Jalopnik

safety rating is almost perfect
New York Newsday

impressive number of standard safety features
New York Times

The 2009 Kia Rondo has all the expected safety equipment, and it’s standard not optional. Additionally, it’s done well in crash tests.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Kia Rondo nearly perfect safety scores across the board. It scores five stars for front crash protection, five stars for driver-side impact protection, and four stars for passenger-side impacts and rollover resistance.

The New York Times reports that the "Kia has loaded an impressive number of standard safety features into this inexpensive family hauler, including electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitors, four-wheel antilock disc brakes and six air bags."

Canadian Driver isn't so fond of the 2009 Kia Rondo's stability and traction control, which is so sensitive that it becomes intrusive. If the "system senses some slip, it cuts some engine power...leaving you stranded at the corner." This can be a problem in snowy or icy conditions that are all too common along the northern tier and into the provinces. Jalopnik confirms this impression: "traction control kicks in if you push too hard, and causes an odd wha'happen sensation."

Fortunately, drivers can shut this feature off if necessary to get out of a snowy driveway, though TheCarConnection.com doesn’t recommend doing so elsewhere. Using different tires if you are driving in snow and ice might be the solution, as the stock tires have very little in the way of "grip."

Conclusion

The Kia Rondo for 2009 is a great value and safe for the family.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:handled emergency maneuvers...with refreshing predictabilityJalopniksafety rating is almost perfectNew York Newsdayimpressive number of standard safety featuresNew York Times The 2009 Kia Rondo has all the expected safety equipment, and it’s standard not optional. Additionally, it’s done well in crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Kia Rondo nearly perfect safety scores across the board. It scores five stars for front crash protection, five stars for driver-side impact protection, and four stars for passenger-side impacts and rollover resistance. The New York Times reports that the "Kia has loaded an impressive number of standard safety features into this inexpensive family hauler, including electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitors, four-wheel antilock disc brakes and six air bags." Canadian Driver isn't so fond of the 2009 Kia Rondo's stability and traction control, which is so sensitive that it becomes intrusive. If the "system senses some slip, it cuts some engine power...leaving you stranded at the corner." This can be a problem in snowy or icy conditions that are all too common along the northern tier and into the provinces. Jalopnik confirms this impression: "traction control kicks in if you push too hard, and causes an odd wha'happen sensation." Fortunately, drivers can shut this feature off if necessary to get out of a snowy driveway, though TheCarConnection.com doesn’t recommend doing so elsewhere. Using different tires if you are driving in snow and ice might be the solution, as the stock tires have very little in the way of "grip." ConclusionThe Kia Rondo for 2009 is a great value and safe for the family.  2009 KIA RONDO STYLING | [5 out of 10] Car and Driver: "Less glamorous than a minivan...ugh" Cars.com: "Friendly face has few edges" Edmunds: "Lack of pizzazz" Kelley Blue Book: "Clean lines" New York Times: "an attractive design" Inside and out, TheCarConnection.com notices that ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Closest to the 2009 Kia Rondo in size—at least in the U.S. market—is the Mazda5. But unlike the Rondo, the Mazda5 has sliding doors, which many may prefer; it's also peppier and more fun to drive—with a standard manual transmission—and looks the part, with sportier, more appealing styling. However, the Rondo is quieter and more refined, rides better, and has a space that’s more easily reconfigured than in the Rondo. The Chevrolet HHR and Chrysler PT Cruiser are other alternatives; both offer retro styling and flexible cargo arrangements, but neither has a third-row seat. The Scion xB is quite fuel-efficient compared to these other models, but its boxy interior somehow doesn’t translate to that much interior space. Finally, the new Toyota Venza is another larger rival. It’s a tall, carlike wagon offering a standard four-cylinder engine and roomy seating for five, but the Venza’s lower, sleeker profile doesn’t yield as much cargo space inside as some of the others.

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See the Kia Rondo in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

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