Toyota Matrix vs. Kia Rondo Review

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the Rondo to the dealership as the Toyota. In terms of MSRP, the Toyota Matrix costs considerably less than the Kia Rondo. The Toyota Matrix will save you a bunch of money at the pump every year compared to the Kia.

Utility
The Kia will definitely prove handier than the Toyota Matrix for those of you with frequent kid-cargo.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Rondo offers a bit more head room than the Toyota Matrix, there really isn't much of a difference. The Kia Rondo provides more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the Toyota does.

Dimensions
The Kia Rondo is significantly heavier than the Toyota Matrix. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Kia Rondo than the Toyota Matrix because of its more capacious tank. The Toyota Matrix and the Rondo compete for the same parking spaces.

Performance
As far as horsepower, the Kia packs quite a wallop and will knock the Toyota down a few rungs. On the other hand, note that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
With their comparable turning circles, the Kia Rondo and the Toyota Matrix indubitably handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Toyota Matrix's engine is quite a bit smaller than the Kia Rondo's. Remember that smaller engines can be stressed more; however, smaller engines typically get better gas mileage. The Kia packs quite a wallop compared to the Toyota Matrix with respect to torque, which is roughly equivalent to acceleration. The Matrix could learn a lesson or two from the Kia Rondo with respect to pickup.

Overview
The basic warranty that comes with the Toyota Matrix isn't quite as generous as the Kia Rondo's.