Overview & Reviews

The Kia Cadenza is further proof of Kia's current stature as a manufacturer of high-quality vehicles that are both stylish and affordable. With more luxury amenities and interior room than the typical midsize family sedan, the full-size Cadenza sits above the Optima in the manufacturer's sedan lineup.

All Cadenzas come very well-appointed, which results in a slightly higher starting price than some rivals. Still, given the wealth of standard features offered, the Cadenza represents a compelling value proposition. Offering smooth V6 power, a comfortable ride and outstanding craftsmanship, the Kia Cadenza is a solid pick for shoppers in search of a large sedan that looks and feels more expensive than its price tag suggests.

Current Kia Cadenza Specs
Introduced for 2014, the Kia Cadenza is a large luxury sedan. Two loaded trim levels are offered: Premium and the even more posh Limited.

Standard feature highlights include keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, powered and heated front seats, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a navigation system, Bluetooth and a 12-speaker sound system. The Limited further boasts, among others, active xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control and blind spot/lane departure warning systems.

The sole powertrain configuration is a 3.3-liter, 293-horsepower V6 that drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The Cadenza shares its platform architecture, engine and transmission with the Hyundai Azera. But Kia tweaked the steering and suspension to give the Cadenza a more sporting personality than its relative. The Kia's exterior styling is quite a bit different, too.

Inside the roomy cabin are well-shaped seats in both the front and rear. Very tall drivers may want to avoid the optional panoramic sunroof, as it eats up a few inches of headroom. Pretty much anybody should be able to find a good driving position, thanks to the wide range of steering wheel and seat adjustments. Even though the Cadenza comes loaded with the latest high-tech gadgets, the controls for the audio, climate, phone and navigation systems are all user-friendly. The Kia's touchscreen display features large virtual buttons and logical menus.

In reviews, we've been impressed with how the Kia Cadenza drives. The V6 is strong, and as a result, passing and merging maneuvers are dispatched swiftly. Power delivery is very smooth, and the transmission provides similarly seamless performance with its undetectable and timely gearchanges. Fuel economy is decent, but there are more frugal choices available in this class. The V6 is the only engine offered, and other models in this segment can be had with hybrid or diesel powertrains.

Around turns, the big Kia feels smaller than it is thanks to its precise steering and buttoned-down attitude. Although the suspension is a bit on the firm side for a luxury car, it's still able to absorb the bumps and ruts of ill-maintained city streets. Long interstate cruises are relaxing thanks to the quiet cabin and comfortable seating.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 35.00

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  Keep it up Kia - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By rick277 - September 23 - 3:55 pm

  I had an optima which I really liked. Great car and gas mileage with many options. I was impressed with the craftsmanship of that car. When I took it in for service and I saw the new Cadenza I had to drive it. Well nit only did I test drive it I drove it home. I have 10,000 miles on this car already and enjoy this car more everyday. I get about 21.5 on a average for gas mileage which I dont think is bad for such a large car. Around 24-25 MPG on long trips.

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  Cadenza-Simply a beautiful car - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By achero1 - November 6 - 3:29 am

  KIA of Somersworth is a great local dealership. Brian the Sales MGR does a great job without the heavy sales pitch. Ive been looking to trade in my 2013 KIA Optima SX for the new KIA Cadenza. Took the Cadenza for a test drive , the first thing that comes to mind is " what a beautiful car" Through out my initial drive of the Cadenza you just keep saying this is incredible. The interior is nicely appointed with high grade materials. There is a lot of attention to details right down to the stitching of the leather seats. The instruments are easy to use. The Cadenza Premium with a MSRP of 35k comes with a lot of nice features from Navigation heated seats,293HP V6, 18 inch chrome rims,infinity

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  My new favorite brand!!! - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By knightlee02 - September 21 - 1:48 am

  Just purchased a 2014 Kia Cadenza with Luxury Package and not looking back. A great all around car with a sport/luxury persona. The handling and engine response satisfies my joy of driving. The look, comfort and size makes it a very solid The interior is smooth and practical. Its old school with a modern touch. The navigation, voice command and bluetooth is key and learning(or reading the manual) is a breeze. Trunk space is awesome. I dont miss GM. I welcome my new car plus 3 year full maintenance plan! My experience with Hyundai and KIA have been through family and friends. As years pass, quality and convenience has become their calling card. I am glad I answered.

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  What a Deal - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By Jay Swearingen - July 14 - 12:57 am

  Got the car as a dealer demo model with 15K miles. I have put over 20k new miles on in 8 months. My average mileage, city and road, is about 26mpg, Love all the amenities and features. The entertainment/info capability is great and works very well. Easy Bluetooth connection. I did update the nav map info (about $180) that I thought was high. Not thrilled with mileage of original Hankook tires. I have to drive all over Colorado, so mountains and plains. Got some Pirelli Sottozero 3 winter tires and they really allowed great traction even in blizzard conditions. The bang for the buck is great, particularly as I got the car "used." All who have ridden in it love the features. Heated steering wheel has to be the favorite. Paddle shifters for the mountains, with adaptive headlights really helps. There arent many out there, but its absolutely a car to consider, if you need or want a more full sized sedan. The value over euro sedans is tremendous. Learn to love the name Kia.

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  Luxury at a bargain price - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By David R. Harris - December 6 - 3:49 am

  Great vehicle! Make a deal and drive away!

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  Pleasantly Surprised. - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By Andrew - August 6 - 9:18 am

  A nice KIA? That is an oxymoron, right? I test drove a Cadenza on a recommendation and was shocked. I bought one a week later. It reminds me of an Audi A6; big, comfortable, and lots of power. I have now owned it a year. Has about 50k miles. It still drives great.

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  Enjoying my Cadenza Premium - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By f1racer24 - December 8 - 9:55 pm

  Just purchased my new 2014 Cadenza. Love the room, features and pricing that under cuts the German competition by $10-15K. get the two thumbs up from strangers when driving. Kia has really stepped ups game to go after the large car segment and with hiring the ex-Audi designer, the car looks stunning. If the prestige brand is not a top priority (and this will save tonnes in service cost) Kia (and brother company Hyundai) if the way to go. Great work and looking forward to many years of use. Will update in 6 months time.

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  Surprisingly Great Tech Package - 2017 Kia Cadenza
  By Tom - December 19 - 9:33 pm

  I have owned BMW Convertible, 5 Series M Sport, Acura TSX & many Toyotas & Hondas. The 2017 Cadenza is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. Full of High Tech in Tech package. Smooth ride, excellent seats (better than Volvo).

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  So Far I like it! - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By jrgleason2003 - December 18 - 1:34 am

  I took on a new job that required a lot of travel. I had to get rid of my beloved pickup and downgraded to a Prius. I absolutely hated the prius. Granted it gets great gas mileage but the ride and everything about the car was not comfortable for me. I started researching luxury cars and decided between the Kia Cadenza and the Buick Lacrosse. I really felt the buick was a more comfortable ride, the seats were softer but that is pretty much where the pros for that car stopped. I settled into the Kia Cadenza Premium w/the luxury package for $27K. I am glad I did as I took a 500 mile trip and really fell in love with that car.

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  Amanti Believer 6 + Cadenza Follower - 2016 Kia Cadenza
  By Jim - December 5 - 6:09 am

  Absolutely loved the Kia Amanti drove for 6+ years..Bought 2016 Kia Cadenza...A great ride with important safety items in base price...Lane departure / cross traffic signal / large area viewing backup camera etc.....Other sedans you pay for add on safety...