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Rondo vs Outlander/Rav4/Santa Fe/Mazda5

271 messages,  Last post on Jul 30, 2008 at 1:09 PM

You are in the Kia Rondo Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Rondo, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4, Mazda MAZDA5, Car Buying, Wagon

Messages Page 27 of 28

#257 of 271 we tried the Rondo but Mazda5 won out by mrs_t

Jun 01, 2008 (4:45 pm)

Test drove both the Rondo and the Mazda5. We wanted at least 6 seats so that pretty much narrowed our options in the market. My hubby sat in the back of both and I turned on the air vents. He was sweating by the end of our ten minute test drive in the Kia and was far more comfortable in the 2008 Mazda5. We also liked the sliding doors and second row captain's chairs better than the bench seat in the Kia. Our double stroller fit better in the back of the Mazda5 than the Rondo too. We were almost enticed to buy the Rondo anyway because Kia offers a better warranty and the price starts a little lower. But when all was said and done the "deal" they were going to give us with the Rondo was only $1100 less than if we got the Mazda5 sport so we walked out of the Kia dealership and went directly to the Mazda lot. Two hours later we were finished signing papers and are now the owners of a Mazda5 sport automatic in Brilliant Black with the popular equipment package. We also chose the extended warranty- 7 years/75,000 miles. It should be here by Wednesday!

#258 of 271 Re: we tried the Rondo but Mazda5 won out [mrs_t] by ateixeira

Jun 02, 2008 (8:56 am)

Replying to: mrs_t (Jun 01, 2008 4:45 pm)
Congrats.
 
The recent powertrain upgrades were significant - EPA mileage is up and it should be as quick if not quicker.

#259 of 271 Re: we tried the Rondo but Mazda5 won out [mrs_t] by bobw3

Jun 02, 2008 (2:49 pm)

Replying to: mrs_t (Jun 01, 2008 4:45 pm)
Thanks for answering one of the questions I had...how hot it would get in the 3rd row of the Rondo and Mazda5. It sounds like the 5 is much cooler back there. I'm guessing because the cool air can pass between the 2nd row captain chairs better than between the 2nd row bench of the Rondo.

#260 of 271 Re: we tried the Rondo but Mazda5 won out [bobw3] by mrs_t

Jun 02, 2008 (7:17 pm)

Replying to: bobw3 (Jun 02, 2008 2:49 pm)
Glad to answer your question! I was thinking the same thing which is why dh decided to sit in the back to test it out. He also wanted to compare leg room and comfort. It wasn't even all that hot out... just not as much air circulating all the way in the back. I think it would be even worse if there were people sitting in the middle seats.

#262 of 271 Re: we tried the Rondo but Mazda5 won out [ateixeira] by riproy

Jun 20, 2008 (2:01 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 02, 2008 8:56 am)
Aside from the 5 speed auto, what are the other powertrain upgrades? I notice the manual trans models have improved ratings too. What is responsible?

#263 of 271 Re: we tried the Rondo but Mazda5 won out [riproy] by coolmazda5

Jun 21, 2008 (4:56 pm)

Replying to: riproy (Jun 20, 2008 2:01 pm)
Owning an 06 and an 08 I don't see a critical difference (both Manual) but the 08 seems more efficient overall (feels a little bit smoother as well). I'm assuming the improvements are mostly 3 years of engine fine-tuning and PCM enhancements.

#264 of 271 Re: we tried the Rondo but Mazda5 won out [coolmazda5] by ateixeira

Jun 24, 2008 (1:41 pm)

Replying to: coolmazda5 (Jun 21, 2008 4:56 pm)
Well, it was the automatics that got the major upgrade.

#265 of 271 Re: we tried the Rondo but Mazda5 won out [ateixeira] by coolmazda5

Jun 24, 2008 (5:47 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 24, 2008 1:41 pm)
Agree, but I was focusing on the 2nd part of the question though:
 
I notice the manual trans models have improved ratings too. What is responsible?

#266 of 271 Re: we tried the Rondo but Mazda5 won out [coolmazda5] by riproy

Jun 26, 2008 (11:41 am)

Replying to: coolmazda5 (Jun 24, 2008 5:47 pm)
Coolmazda5,
Are the gear ratios the same on both your 5s? One thing i find is that the RPMs are quite high when running at 100kph relative to other 4 cylinder cars i have driven. Leaves me wishing for a 6th gear.

Messages Page 27 of 28

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