Kia Rondo vs Lexus LM
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular People Movers compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Kia Rondo
Price TBC
People Mover
Petrol
2.0L GDi Petrol
122kW
7.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
492L
Lexus LM
From $160,888
People Mover
Hybrid
2.5L Petrol-Electric Hybrid (A25A-FXS)
184kW
5.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
110L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Rondo features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus LM gets a 14-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The Lexus LM counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting that the Kia Rondo does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Rondo uses a 2.0L GDi Petrol producing 122kW and 213Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Lexus LM responds with a 2.5L Petrol-Electric Hybrid (A25A-FXS) making 184kW and 239Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Lexus LM has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 122kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Rondo measures 4,525mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 605mm shorter than the Lexus LM at 5,130mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus LM generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 492L in the Kia Rondo and 110L in the Lexus LM, giving the Kia Rondo a 382L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.8m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the Kia Rondo and $1,568/year for the Lexus LM. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Lexus LM.
Estimated annual total: $2,252 (Kia Rondo) vs $1,568 (Lexus LM). The Lexus LM saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Rondo) vs 5 years (Lexus LM). The Kia Rondo has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Rondo if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LM if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Kia Rondo and Lexus LM trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Lexus LM will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Rondo has a clear edge. The Kia Rondo adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Rondo and Lexus LM?
The Lexus LM is the cheapest at $160,888 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus LM uses the least fuel at 5.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Rondo all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Rondo has the largest boot at 492L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Rondo has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,400kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Rondo has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus LM makes the most power at 184kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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