2007 Kia Rondo: Rondo Vs. Audi Q7

People are busy buying stuff for other people that they don't need, don't want, won't be used or will break soon. In a trend somehow tied to growing environmental concerns, people are finding that less is often more. There are even articles appearing saying "buy less stuff and be happier." A friend of mine has hired a personal organizer and reports that getting rid of all that stuff is psychologically uplifting.

With these ideas in mind I took the Rondo for the Thanksgiving weekend and found it, well, pleasantly adequate. No, actually, I was impressed (or rather "reimpressed") with the build quality and performance. The doors close like a bank vault. It's geared low so the V6 digs in when you need it. In cruise mode, it is quiet and well behaved. Parking is a breeze thanks to good visibility and modest dimensions (unlike the bulky Q7 which requires a backup camera to safely dock). And you don't need a Phd to operate the controls.

With my family I took a drive in the mountains and it was more than enough to carry us all, carry all our stuff and still impart a surprising feeling of roominess. There is even a third row seat which could be used for small people on a short hop.

So what does buying the Audi accomplish? Well, if you're overburdened with cash it will certainly lighten the load. German nameplates are much more impressive to the neighbors. It is taller and larger and faster than the Kia. Also, surpluses of gasoline (premium gas) can quickly be eliminated by the Audi. One clear advantage offered by the Q7 is its name. After all, who wants to go around saying they drive something that sounds like an old Beach Boys song?

Philip Reed, Edmunds.com Senior Consumer Advice Editor @ 3,499 miles