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 11 through 20 of 35.00

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  Some disappointments - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By consumer64 - November 14 - 1:29 am

  The car is unsatisfactory 1) as it does not give the estimated mileage that was advertised on the window sticker and 2) the engine does not have sufficient pickup. 3) The navigation on the car has been giving erroneous directions over the last several months.I took the car to Braman Kia for service. The service advisor is not knowledgeable nor competent. I had taken the car to resolve this problem and for a maintenance (oil change). I asked him if he could take care of both while I went to lunch and come back a few hours later. After I did, neither had been done on the car. The Kia service person did not know how to solve the navigation problem even after I explained how to.

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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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  Perhaps too much - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By Jeff Davis - May 6 - 12:36 am

  The dashboard seemed to contain too many things and appeared to be too close to the driver

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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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  four months in - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By cmadden - May 11 - 2:17 am

  I traded in a 3 series BMW for my 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium model. This has a much better ride, but is slower off the starting line. The front wheel drive 3.3 liter V6 produces 298 horsepower and 255 ft-lbs of torque. Doesnt belong on a race track, but fine for city driving. The ride in comfortable with above average seating front and rear. Exterior styling bold and is almost identical to their $54,500 K900 model.

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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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  The moron who left Toyota for the 2014 Cadenza - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By 6406nb - December 6 - 1:01 am

  Dont get me wrong. I love the HD radio, the heated steering wheel along with the ride & handling. But so many little things have broken or gone wrong--the backup camera, the panoramic sunroof rattling which took 4 tries to fix, the volume control on the steering wheel broke, the sun visor tore, the seat belt stopped retracting, and the bluetooth is frustrating. I leased it thankfully because the value has crashed so to get out with 15 months to go would cost thousands out of pocket. If you love what you are driving dont experiment. Stick with the brand you know. I am now waiting for parts while driving a dodge loaner. Its nauseating. This wasnt the plan. The dealer tries its best.

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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...

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  Niiiiice ride - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By cadenza owner - June 5 - 9:42 am

  Really surprised at the look and feel of this little known of vehicle.