Kia Cadenza
The Kia Cadenza was a full-size sedan with comfortable seating for five adults. As an economy brand, Kia is well known for offering feature-packed smaller cars and SUVs. However, the Cadenza was a roomy, upscale sedan with up-to-date technology and comforts for all passengers. The Cadenza also featured large doors and easy access for older passengers. Power came from a V6 engine, and an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive was standard.
Explore the evolution of the Kia Cadenza
Get our expert take on used Kia Cadenza models, or view year-by-year changes.
Second generation Kia Cadenza
In its second generation, Kia focused on keeping the Cadenza up to date with rapidly evolving infotainment and driver-assistance systems. In the top Limited trim, buyers get a standard Harman Kardon® audio system, a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control (standard on all trims in 2020), and support for Apple CarPlay® as well as Android Auto™ phone integration.
The 3.3-liter V6 engine provides adequate power, especially because it's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. As a full-size car, the Cadenza provides a smooth ride, though not as sophisticated as some other large sedans. Trunk space is key for a full-size car, but the Cadenza's 16 cubic feet is less than some rivals, although there's a pass-through from the rear seats.
Model highlights
Seating for five adults
V6 engine
Automatic transmission and front-wheel drive
Adaptive cruise control
Available Harman Kardon® audio system
First generation Kia Cadenza
Kia introduced the full-size Cadenza sedan for the 2014 model year. Designed to compete with the Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300, the Cadenza offered a basic 3.3-liter V6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. After 2015, a surround-view camera system was standard on the top Limited trim. That trim also included blind-spot monitoring, which was available on the Premium trim.
Inside, the Cadenza offers a basic cabin with upscale materials, though not truly luxury in look and feel. Even in the top Limited trim, the Cadenza has a family-friendly cabin atmosphere. There's an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system and all controls are easy to use. The seats are comfortable, and there's plenty of room.
Model highlights
Seating for five adults
V6 engine
Six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive
Large trunk
Touchscreen infotainment system
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2017 - 2020
2020 Kia Cadenza
Highlights
Final year for the Kia Cadenza
Base Premium trim discontinued
Updated styling and technology package
Learn more
2019 Kia Cadenza
2018 Kia Cadenza
2017 Kia Cadenza
Previous generation from 2014 - 2016
2016 Kia Cadenza
Highlights
New entry-level Base trim
Final year for the first-generation Cadenza
Learn more
2015 Kia Cadenza
2014 Kia Cadenza
Highlights
First year for the all-new Kia Cadenza
Limited trim, offering more upscale features, added midyear
Learn more
Looking for 2013 models or older?
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Reliability
RepairPal gave the Kia Cadenza an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Kia Cadenza 4th out of 13 among Fullsize Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Kia Cadenza is $482, compared to an average of $495 for Fullsize Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Kia Cadenza owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.9 times per year, compared to an average of 0.9 times for Fullsize Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 14% for the Kia Cadenza, compared to an average of 14% for Fullsize Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.
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