Recommendations for the Real World

Kia Rondo

Best New Wagon: Once a brand known only for selling cheap cars with long warranties, Kia has transformed into a nameplate with an expanding stable of respected vehicles including a bona fide wagon dubbed the Rondo. Others may call it a crossover or a five-door hatch, but as a front-driver with five- or seven-passenger seating and generous cargo capacity, we believe the Rondo clearly qualifies as a family-friendly station wagon. It also happens to be available with four- and six-cylinder engines, an affordable base price of about $17,000, gobs of safety features, and a pleasant driving character, making the Rondo the perfect alternative to larger crossovers and SUVs.

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