2014 Kia Cadenza Review by Cars.com Staff

2014 Kia Cadenza

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2014 Kia Cadenza

Starting MSRP $35,100


Expert Reviews

By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National January 29, 2013

Vehicle Overview

Kia hasn't had a full-size sedan in the U.S. since the departure of the Amanti following the 2009 model year, but it returns to the segment for 2014 with the debut of the Cadenza, a front-wheel-drive sedan that comes standard with V-6 power. It offers a host of available technology and convenience features and competes with the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon. It hits dealerships in spring 2013.

Exterior

For a large sedan the Cadenza has relatively athletic lines. Kia's familiar front grille is set apart from the angular headlights, giving it more prominence than in Kia's other models. The rear is tidy with wraparound LED taillights and dual oval exhaust tips tucked below the bumper. Exterior features include:

  • Standard 18-inch alloy wheels, 19-inch wheels available
  • Fog lights
  • Automatic headlights, xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights available
  • Power-folding and heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators
  • Available panoramic sunroof with powered shade

Interior

Despite the Cadenza's position atop the Kia range it doesn't get significantly nicer materials; they're onpar with those in the Optima midsize sedan. The dashboard layout is relatively conventional, with a cluster of buttons in the center below an 8-inch touch-screen navigation system. In the middle of all the buttons there's an analog clock. It's the kind of design cue that can lend an upscale look to a car's cabin but it doesn't here.

Your passengers will be pleased with the Cadenza's spacious backseat; it's as roomy as the rear seats in some long-wheelbase full-size sedans. The stretch-out legroom is complemented by supportive seating that should aid long-drive comfort. Interior features include:

  • Leather upholstery, premium Nappa leather available
  • 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
  • Keyless entry with push-button start
  • Kia's UVO entertainment system
  • Infinity premium stereo with a subwoofer
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Available heated front and rear seats
  • Available ventilated driver's seat
  • Available power-adjustable heated steering wheel
  • Available power rear sunshade

Under the Hood

Power comes from a 293-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6 engine that features direct-injection technology for improved performance. The engine drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that incorporates shift paddles on the steering wheel for driver-initiated gear changes. Mechanical features include:

  • Four-wheel independent suspension
  • Electrically assisted power steering
  • Four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated front rotors

Safety

Safety features include:

  • Antilock brakes
  • Electronic stability system
  • Side-impact airbags for the front and outboard rear seats
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Available lane departure warning system
  • Available blind spot warning system

 

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