
There are few small people-movers in the U.S.
market, but nothing quite like the 2010 Kia Rondo.
The closest offering is the Mazda5, which has sliding doors and looks a little more like a compact minivan.
But you’re bound for surprise once you get behind the wheel of the "5"—it’s a lot peppier and fun to drive, especially with the manual transmission.
The Rondo leaves a more conservative impression, with a dowdy appearance matched with a more comfortable and quieter interior, plus a more easily reconfigurable space.
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 boxy exterior of the latest generation of the Scion xB somehow doesn’t translate to much interior space, though it is attractive and fuel-efficient.
If you want to go larger, you might take a look at the base four-cylinder version of the Toyota Venza.
It’s not significantly larger for interior space but it feels like a more substantial vehicle, and it includes a more richly appointed interior.
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Quick Specs | |||||
You likely won’t be drawn to the 2010 Kia Rondo because of its looks, but you’re likely to see it in a different light if you do your research first. |
The 2010 Chevrolet HHR has love-it-or-hate-it styling, but it should appeal to those who want good cargo capability in an economical ride. |
For families looking for fuel-efficient, maneuverable, and roomy transportation—with a fun-to-drive feel—the 2010 Mazda5 is your best and only choice. |
Either as an alternative to a mid-size sedan or a taller crossover SUV, the 2010 Toyota Venza makes a lot of sense; it's just hard to muster much excitement. |
The 2010 Scion xB has a lot of space, polarizing looks, and lots of safety features. It provides good value for those on a budget, trendy or not. |
There's no more convertible, but if you want to be seen, the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser still lends some novelty to everyday driving. |
MSRP From | |||||
$19,195 | $18,720 | $18,510 | $26,275 | $15,850 | $18,000 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
20 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Gas I4 | Gas/Ethanol I4 | N/A | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Midsize Station Wagons | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | N/A | Sport Utility | Small Station Wagon | Subcompact |
Style Name | |||||
4-Door Wagon LX | FWD 4-Door LS | 4-Door Wagon Manual Sport | 4-Door Wagon I4 FWD (GS) | 5-Door Wagon Manual (GS) | 4-Door Wagon |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | N/A | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
7 | 5 | N/A | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
4 Door | 4 Door | N/A | 4 Door Wagon | 4 Door Wagon | Small Station Wagon |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic | Manual | N/A | Automatic | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2010 Kia Rondo vs. 2010 Chevrolet HHR | 2010 Kia Rondo vs. 2010 Mazda MAZDA5 | 2010 Kia Rondo vs. 2010 Toyota Venza | 2010 Kia Rondo vs. 2010 Scion xB | 2010 Kia Rondo vs. 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser |