New for 2017
The Cadenza is completely redesigned for 2017 with a new and improved platform, revised styling, and additional technology features.
Luxury without the premium price
The 2017 Kia Cadenza is a car that defies stereotypes. It proves that luxury cars don’t have to be expensive, and that Kia vehicles don’t have to be penalty boxes. The first-generation Cadenza became a hit thanks to its upscale design and features, combined with a low price. This redesigned second-generation model builds on that success with even better engineering and the latest convenience features.
Performance
One of the few items that carries over from the previous-generation Cadenza is the 3.3-liter V6, but even that has been heavily revised. Kia says it will produce 290 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The Cadenza is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).*
The V6 sends power to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This is Kia’s first use of an eight-speed in a front-wheel drive application. The new transmission was designed for both smooth shifting and enhanced fuel efficiency, and is even lighter than the six-speed automatic it replaces.
The Cadenza is meant to be more luxury car than sport sedan, but that doesn’t mean Kia didn’t try to make it engaging to drive. The new platform makes extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel, helping to cut weight without sacrificing rigidity. Retuned suspension with new shock absorbers helps keep body motion controlled, and a 32-bit processor for the electric power steering ensures better feel.
Features
The 2017 Kia Cadenza is a four-door, five-seat full-size sedan with pricing starting at $31,990.**
The Cadenza is a luxury car with Kia-typical value pricing. So while it may wear the badge of a brand known for economy cars, the Cadenza features an impressive array of standard equipment. Some of those features include 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-leveling headlights, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather seats, heated power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation system with 8.0-inch touchscreen display, and Smart Trunk.
Optional features include LED headlights and fog lights, panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, heated steering wheel, rear sunshades, power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, Nappa leather seat trim, integrated memory system, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, wireless smartphone charging, 12-speaker harman/kardon® audio system, head-up display, and an electronic parking brake.
Design
Kia design boss Peter Schreyer has been unbelievably successful in creating a handsome design language for the Korean carmaker over his past decade at the company, and the 2017 Cadenza is yet another hit. The updated design is meant to convey an air of sophistication but is also expressive and dynamic.
The overall exterior design focuses on simplicity with some dramatic flourishes like the Z-shaped lighting signatures in the headlights and taillights and the latest version of Kia’s “Tiger” grille. The new hexagonal shape emphasizes the Cadenza’s width, while the concave shape gives the front end a distinctive look.
The 2017 Cadenza is actually offered with two versions of the “Tiger” grille. Lower-trim models get the “Diamond Butterfly” version with a texture similar to other Kia models, while higher-level models get an “Intaglio” grille with vertical, faceted blades. Meanwhile, one thing most people won’t see is the underfloor tray, which helps improve the Cadenza’s aerodynamic performance and reduces wind noise.
The interior is just as upscale as the exterior. A wraparound dashboard helps visually widen the space and make it feel roomier. Kia designs also added soft-touch material, and the Cadenza gets standard leather seating surfaces (Nappa leather is optional). The driver’s seat was also lowered for a sportier feel, and has a new cushion extension mechanism that slides and rotates for greater adjustability.
On the technology front, the 2017 Cadenza doesn’t disappoint. An available head-up display shows important information like speed readout and directions, and the Surround View Monitor shows a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the car. The latest generation of Kia’s Uvo infotainment system includes Apple Carplay™ and Android Auto™ as standard equipment.
Naturally for a full-size sedan, the Cadenza is also very spacious, boasting 45.5 inches of front legroom, and 37.2 inches of rear legroom. Cargo volume is also a generous 16.0 cubic feet.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Kia Cadenza includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, back-up warning system, rearview camera, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, Surround View Monitor, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, and high beam assist.
Verdict
The 2017 Kia Cadenza is a luxury car infused with exceptional Kia value.
Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to schedule a test drive.
*Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition.
**Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest model trim. MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
The Kia Cadenza received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles reflecting higher quality among large cars in the J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Initial Quality Study based on 77,419 total responses, evaluating 189 models, and measures the opinions of new 2017 vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership, surveyed in February-May 2017. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com/cars.
Image Credit: Kia
