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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  Almost one year with Cadenza - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By aikonerom - October 31 - 9:26 am

  Some problems started early on and some continue. Here is my list of issues: 1. Sunroof button is terrible and way to sensitive - need to redesign. I have had one button replaced. 2. Metal Clanking noise from front end while driving slow. Dealer tightened hood but problem still continues. 3. Intermittent wind noise from drivers side mirror. 4. Bluetooth is buggy. Software was updated November 2014. You must wait 3-4 seconds when using the hands free system. 5. Voice control is annoying. Literally the system yells at you if you talk too soon after hitting the hands free command button. You must wait 3-4 seconds every time you hit the hands free button. Frustrating.

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  Cadenza Premium - 2015 Kia Cadenza
  By swpcadenza - October 11 - 11:43 pm

  I purchased my Cadenza Sept 2014. Overall, Im very happy with my selection. I was certainly torn between choosing the Cadenza over the Chevy Impala. They were identical in terms of what I wanted in a fully loaded full size sedan, however the Cadenza had just more of that "it" factor I was looking for. There is no way possible I could get this much standard luxury at the price I paid in a BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Audi, etc.

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  Korean Cadillac? - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By richie_car_nut - February 24 - 2:27 pm

  Im leasing a fully loaded Smokey Blue Cadenza with the Premium, Technology and the white Napa leather packages. I have gotten lots of compliments. The car is very good looking. Ive had the car for 2 months, 2,300 miles now and am quite impressed with it. The fit and finish, the quiet and smoothness of the engine and the ride is comparable to the luxury nameplates that cost several thousand dollars more. The technology features are great and for $42K sticker it has every bell and whistle you can think of. If you are tired of paying big bucks for a prestigious hood ornament and want understated elegance and value, do yourself a favor and give this car a look!!

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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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  26,000 miles - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By Tunabear1 - April 2 - 3:28 pm

  Still enjoying the ride. Dread eventually having to replace expensive 19" tires. When Im using the wipers, I wish they would automatically sweep once each time I step off the brakes (like in my former 01 Acura TL). Trunk door collects rainwater which drips into cargo compartment when opened. Badly obstructed side-view vision.

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  terrible road noise - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By toretiredron - December 7 - 10:11 pm

  I own a 6 year old Kia Amanti and a new Kia Cadenza with the optional “Luxury Package”. I have enjoyed driving my Amanti long distances. It is quiet and a pleasure to drive. The Cadenza is Kia’s new luxury car since the Amanti was discontinued. Instead of a quiet ride, the Cadenza has horrible road noise. It sounds as if a window is always partly opened. I called Kia Customer Service (Kelly) to complain that a car branded as a luxury car should be first and foremost a quiet ride. I was told that essentially the car is the way it is supposed to be, that the road noise is my opinion and have a nice day.

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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!