Our 2007 Kia Rondo has the optional third-row seat. This has to be one of the cheaper ways to get seven-passenger capacity in a new vehicle. As noted in our long-term introduction, our fully-loaded Rondo checks in at $22,495.
Given the Rondo's budget price and small-ish size, I was prepared to write-off the third row as gimmicky or troublesome. Our Outlander's third-row, for instance, is flimsy and hard to fold. But to my surprise, raising and getting to the Rondo's third-row seat are both quite easy.
The second-row seats slide fore and aft to increase rear legroom or luggage space. On each side, a handy seat-mounted lever allows one to slide the seat forward with the seatback canted forward. This opens up a nice walk-through to get to the third row.
The third-row seat is a 50/50-split design. You raise and lower the seatbacks by pulling a strap. That's it. No need to RTFM, look at pictograms that might as well come off a Klingon battle cruiser or risk a hernia by removing anything.
Comfort? Well, I'm 5-foot 10-inches. In the third row, my head brushes up against the headliner and my knees are perched uncomfortably high. But they don't touch the back of the second-row seat and I can snug my feet underneath the second-row. It's really not all that bad. For kid-related occasional use, I'd say the Kia Rondo's third-row seat would work out great.
Additionally, the second-row seat can be folded flat by flipping up the seat cushions, removing the head restraints and lowering the seatbacks. And did I mention that second-row passengers benefit from four good-sized cupholders, a flat floor and air vents?
Rondo!
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor @ 4,230 miles
genius163 says:
12:38 PM, 12/17/07
That's the same car seat I have. It looks like it fit pretty well in the back seat. Did it leave enough legroom for the front passenger?
flipb says:
12:55 PM, 12/17/07
Kudos to Kia for doing both 5- and 7-seat versions of the Rondo "right". That is to say, they didn't just bolt in a third row... here's a list of the differences between 5 and 7 seaters:
5: 2nd Row Fixed
7: 2nd Row Slides
5: Large underfloor storage space where
7: Third row occupies this space
5: Cargo space maximized
7: Armrest/Storage bins & cupholders for 3rd row, slightly compromising cargo space
Even the way that the 2nd row folds is different in 5 vs 7 seaters.
And despite all these differences, the 3rd row is only a $500 option.
bromans says:
01:06 PM, 12/17/07
Genius: It is a little tight for the front passenger with a rear-facing car seat installed. Not horrible, mind you, but not as roomy up front compared to a regular family sedan like an Altima or Accord.
Flipb: Thanks for the extra info! -- Brent
estreka says:
05:47 PM, 12/17/07
Thirdrowspaciousnessology!
Seriously, that's pretty impressive.
redliner says:
09:11 PM, 12/17/07
mazda5, move over...
stovt001 says:
11:18 PM, 12/17/07
Props to Kia. That looks like a quality three row setup. Good room for the size of the car, good access, good folding procedure, and the seats at least look more comfortable than your average economy class third row.
datsunguy says:
03:55 PM, 03/13/08
We have been loving the KIA rondo, but were disappointed on one key feature (or lack thereof): According to the KIA website, the Rondo has LATCH in the 2nd and 3rd rows. When we took delivery of our 7 seater, we found that there are actually only two LATCH positions in the 2nd row - nothing in the 3rd row. The belts have been working, but take more time and effort...