New for 2015

The Cadenza was all-new for 2014, so changes for its sophomore year are relatively minor, including a handful of new standard features and some changes to the features available on specific trim levels.

A Luxury Car Value

Even luxury-car buyers can appreciate a bargain. Wanting the finer things in life doesn’t mean enjoying (or not being able to) pay a premium for it, and that’s where the 2015 Kia Cadenza comes in.

Kia is known for providing maximum value in more mainstream vehicle segments, and now it’s taking that philosophy into the upper reaches of the market with the full-size Cadenza sedan. It offers the space, refinement, and amenities of a luxury car at the price of a well-equipped mainstream midsize model.

Now entering its second model year, the Cadenza is a long way from the Sephias and Spectras of old. Its styling is every bit as classy as that of more expensive sedans, while its cabin includes many of the same features one would normally expect from traditional luxury brands, but at a significant discount.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2015 Kia Cadenza is only available with one option in this department, but it does everything a good large-car powertrain should, without the normal large-car powertrain drawbacks.

A 3.3-liter V6 produces 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, and drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the Cadenza manages a respectable 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).*

There’s plenty of power for brisk acceleration, but also a good helping of torque to keep things smooth and refined. The V6 is also transversely mounted. which frees up more room within the wheelbase, which in turn translates into a more spacious cabin.

Features and Trims

The 2015 Kia Cadenza is a four-door, five-seat, full-size sedan. It’s available in two trim levels, with prices starting at $34,900.**

Kia may be a bargain brand, but the Cadenza aims for and achieves a higher level of fit, finish, and features. That’s in addition to the company’s typical strategy of packing as much standard equipment into a model for a given price.

The base trim level is appropriately named Premium, and features standard equipment such as heated power exterior mirrors with LED indicators, 18-inch alloy wheels, an Infinity 12-speaker audio system, steering-wheel mounted audio, Bluetooth, and cruise controls, leather seats with front heating, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

All of that standard equipment means there’s not much further to move up in the Cadenza lineup. The second and top trim level is the Limited, and in addition to the applicable features from the Premium, includes a panoramic sunroof, hydrophobic glass, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, a seven-inch TFT LCD display, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and other features.

Exterior/Interior

The 2015 Kia Cadenza features a more upscale interpretation of the design language seen on recent Kia models, converting its upmarket aspirations. Up front is Kia’s signature “Tiger” grille, flanked by aggressively-shaped headlights with LED daytime running lights. The flanks are straight and nicely creased, while the greenhouse is upright to create a more formal profile and to let more light into the cabin.

That cabin is the perfect place for a long drive. Wood trim and leather seating are standard. The driver and front passenger get heated seats and 10-way power adjustment for the driver, and 8-way adjustment for the passenger.

The steering wheel features wood-style and leather trim to match the seats, and it’s got all of the gadgets, including paddle shifters and redundant controls for the audio, Bluetooth and cruise control.

Despite all of that, you’ll probably have to take your hands off the wheel eventually, and when you do, you’ll be greeted by an ergonomically-designed dashboard with analog clock and an available seven-inch display screen.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2015 Kia Cadenza includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, hill-start assist, and a full array of airbags. Several electronic safety systems, including Advanced Smart Cruise Control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are also available as options.

Bottom Line

The 2015 Kia Cadenza takes Kia’s value-focused philosophy to the upper reaches of the market, proving luxury doesn’t have to be expensive.

Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage may vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**Prices list are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other charges.

Image: Kia