You are here: Forums Wagons Kia Rondo 2007 Rondo vs 2007 CR-V

2007 Rondo vs 2007 CR-V

7 messages,  Last post on Sep 23, 2009 at 11:25 AM

You are in the Kia Rondo Forum. Your Host is kcram

What is this discussion about? Kia Rondo, Honda CR-V, Car Buying, Wagon

Messages Page 1 of 1 All Messages Displayed

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#1 of 7 2007 Rondo vs 2007 CR-V by conwelpic Apr 17, 2007 (7:36 pm)
When the new redesigned CR-V came out for 2007 I checked it out and added it to my consideration list. I liked the new style and size and the fact it was now offered in FWD (unfortunately only in the base model in Canada) and was so glad they changed to a lift gate rear door from the side hinged door and got rid of the spare. I went to the local dealer and looked over the vehicle carefully and took many pictures. I also downloaded the owner’s manual to get the full details on this vehicle. I need something with a rear hatch so that we can accommodate our Golden Retriever.   Since then, I discovered the Rondo and I have been comparing it to the CR-V as I liked the size of the Honda but as I looked more into the comparison (I set up a spreadsheet to compare features) it started to tilt in favour of the Rondo. Here are some of my findings: (the Rondo features are based on the EX 5-person Canadian model with the 2.4L engine) Within an inch it’s the same size as the CR-V Price comparison of the EX 4L 5 person model to the CR-V LX base model the Honda is over $6,000 more (that is including all the fees and taxes). (It’s odd that both manufacturers use the same model letters!)   With this in mind I found that the Rondo had the following features that Honda did not have or was an option: • Alloy wheels (a ridiculous $2774 option on the Honda) • Roof rack ($379 option on the Honda) • Fog lights (again another $592 option – how do they get away with charging such high prices!) • Windshield de-icer • Heated front seats (only available on the CR-V EX-L model) • Steering wheel audio controls (standard on the CR-V EX model) • Under floor storage area • Auto off headlights • Smaller turning circle • 6 speakers (only 4 on the CR-V LX but standard on their EX model) • both vehicles have all the same safety features (ABS, side curtain airbags, dual side airbags, ESC, TCS, heated side mirrors, advanced dual front airbags, anti-whiplash active front headrests • 5 yr 100/000km warranty vs a 3 yrs /60,000km for the Honda • same front and rear legroom • Rondo does have more front and rear headroom • Floor depth 14” greater on the Rondo (to the back of the front seats or to the base of the flip and tumble seats on the CR-V) • They both have the rear “theatre” seats   if you compared the Rondo EX to the CR-V EX model that would be well over $10,000 more (however, the CR-V would have AWD and a sunroof at that price), so I’m finding it hard to justify that extra cost for the Honda. I was wondering if anyone has compared the Rondo to the CR-V and ended up purchasing the Rondo and would appreciate your feedback. I should state at this point that I have not driven either one of these vehicles. Replies to this message: viamede (Apr 18, 2007 3:37 am) conwelpic (Apr 18, 2007 8:22 am) viamede (Apr 18, 2007 4:49 pm) fnamowicz (Apr 18, 2007 3:57 pm)
#2 of 7 Re: 2007 Rondo vs 2007 CR-V [conwelpic] by viamede Apr 18, 2007 (3:37 am)
Replying to: conwelpic (Apr 17, 2007 7:36 pm) Yes I have compared these vehicles but have not bought yet. Have not yet test driven the CR-V. Have driven the Rondo. You really do have to compare the EX as you have noted the LX CR-V lacks a number of items the Rondo EX has.   A few points...   The roof racks are an accessory on the Rondo it is not included but is cheaper than CR-V (Honda charges ridiculous amounts for accessories.   The EX CR-V will give you the trunk divider (maybe it's best feature).   The Rondo has more headroom front and back and more legroom up front.   The CR-V has more trunk room.   The Rondo drove very nice (I tested a 4 cyl.) but the stereo made the doors and windows rattle horribly which made me concerned how long before this happened without the loud music.   CR-V will barely depreciate. Rondo, if it follows other Kia's will depreciate rapidly.   CR-V has AWD in the EX which is desirable in Canada but not necessary for most people.   CR-V has a reliable history (new model not that different), Rondo has no history. CR-V is nicer inside. Rear seats really do recline, Rondo's just shift a bit.   Honda has big dealer network, Kia has small network that isn't always conveniently located.   A 2 year lease on the Rondo may be the way to go until reliability is established.   Good luck. Replies to this message: conwelpic (Apr 18, 2007 8:22 am) viamede (Apr 18, 2007 4:49 pm)
#3 of 7 Re: 2007 Rondo vs 2007 CR-V [viamede] by conwelpic Apr 18, 2007 (8:22 am)
Replying to: viamede (Apr 18, 2007 3:37 am) thanks for your input, as you have not filled in your location ..... (wish it would come up in the heading or a side bar, like some other sites, instead of having to hover the mouse over the screen name - tip for this site coordinator) .....I don't know whether you are from Canada or the US, but the roof rack is standard on the Rondo EX 5-seater model in Canada (not on the base model). All my comparisons were based on the Rondo EX 5-seater model.   Depreciate doesn't enter into it in my case, as I keep my vehicles for a very long time (I'm driving a '86 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera at present). The Honda reliability was one of the things for looking at the CR-V in the first place. The AWD comes standard on the EX CR-V in Canada, unfortunately not available with FWD in this version like in the US. Never had AWD, don't feel the need for it, plus its the extra purchase cost ($2000 on the base LX CR-V); extra maintenance cost and increase gas consumption.   When I looked at the CR-V, I found the seat did not recline much more than the Rondo as it hit the rear wheel well housing. I also noticed the front seat (after removing the headrest) reclines level with the rear seat, just the same as on the CR-V. This comes in handy if you want to carry 8' boards as you just drop the rear seat back forward, not quite as convenient on the CR-V due to the drop and tumble style.   Bottom line is that you will still pay nearly $11,000 more (EX Rondo vs EX CR-V)..........that's a lot of depreciation and unreliability........not sure if its justified! Replies to this message: viamede (Apr 18, 2007 4:49 pm)
#4 of 7 Re: 2007 Rondo vs 2007 CR-V [conwelpic] by fnamowicz Apr 18, 2007 (3:57 pm)
Replying to: conwelpic (Apr 17, 2007 7:36 pm) Alloy wheels are standard on the EX and EX-L CR-V.
#5 of 7 Re: 2007 Rondo vs 2007 CR-V [conwelpic] by viamede Apr 18, 2007 (4:49 pm)
Replying to: conwelpic (Apr 18, 2007 8:22 am) I am from Canada as well. You are right about the roof rack.   There is no doubt the Rondo is much better value out of the box. If you are going to keep it a while and are content that the improvements in initial quality at Hyundai/Kia will translate into better reliability down the road your decision should be an easy one. If the rest of my family didn't hate the Rondo I would be right in line with you.   The CR-V rear seats recline much more, but it is actually safer to not have the seats reclined in any event.
#7 of 7 Reclining seats by ofionnachta Sep 23, 2009 (11:25 am)
I don't allow my family to recline the seats more than a bit while the car is moving. the seat belt won't protect them. However, if we have to pull over in a rest area for a nap, reclining seats sure are comfortable!

Messages Page 1 of 1 All Messages Displayed

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Wagons Kia Rondo 2007 Rondo vs 2007 CR-V