2017 Kia Cadenza
The 2017 Kia Cadenza has
sharper styling and more luxury.
Prices: $32,000-$34,000 (Estimated)
The second-generation front-drive Cadenza isn't Kia's hottest ticket,
but has jazzed up this sedan to be a stronger contender for 2017.
The Cadenza comes as the Premium, Technology and Limited models with
estimated prices ranging from approximately $32,000 to $34,000. (No
firm pricing as of this writing.) But it looks as if Kia will charge
less than some better-known rivals. I tested the Limited version.
The new Cadenza has sharper styling, a more upscale and
quieter interior and new eight-speed automatic
transmission. It's also got a stronger body structure and major
semi-autonomous driver assistance features available on the Technology
and Limited trim models.
These features are advanced smart cruise control with stop-and-go
functionality, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency
braking, along with lane departure warning. Another Kia "first" is a
smart blind spot detection system that senses unintentional drifting to
an adjacent vehicle and automatically brakes the opposite side front
wheel to help maintain the car's intended course.
The new Cadenza is positioned between the top-line Kia K900 and
mid-line Kia Optima. The car is the same length as its predecessor, but
the wheelbase is a little longer at 112.4 inches, and the car is a bit
lower and wider. A character line along the body provides a taut look,
and the roofline has been extended more than two inches rearward for a
sleeker top profile. Give credit to Kia's California design studio.
A newly designed front fascia offers two different grilles, depending
on which version you choose. There also are newly designed 18- or
19-inch alloy wheels, and the dual integrated exhaust outlets look
sexy.
The approximately 3,700-pound Cadenza is easy to maneuver in tight
spots. It has quick acceleration and fast--but slightly
heavy--revamped steering. Larger brake rotors improve overall braking
performance and feel, and the brake action is linear. Handling is
pretty good, but this is no sports sedan.
Under the hood, which raises on twin struts, is a carryover,
transversely mounted 3.3-liter V-6 with 290 horsepower and and 253
pound/feet of torque.
That's down 3 horsepower and a little torque from the 2016 engine. But
a new Kia butter-smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, which
replaces a six-speed unit, helps keep the engine at peak power and
provides quicker acceleration. (0-60 m.p.h. in 6 seconds).
The new transmission is one of the car's stronger points.
Estimated fuel economy is 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on
highways. I averaged 23 miles per gallon during a moderately fast
mix of city and highway driving. Fuel tank capacity is 18.5 gallons.
The quieter interior is roomy and decidedly upscale. Door panels, arm
rests, seats and the dashboard are covered in soft-touch materials, and
there's attractive fake wood and chrome. Nappa leather is available
with quilted seat bolsters accented by diamond shaped stitching.
Another Kia "first" is seat heaters that use a smart control
system to automatically lower the heater operating mode after a certain
period of time.
Long, heavy doors make it hard for those with shorter arms to close
them if a door is flung open all the way. but the quiet interior has
easily read backlit gauges.
The backlit gauges can be quickly read, and the many small but clearly
marked dashboard buttons are generally easy to use. A nifty touch is a
Heads-Up display on the windshield that shows both the car's speed and
posted speed limits--along with turn-by-turn navigation directions
Front seats are supportive, as are the rear ones, but the center of the
backseat is too firm for comfort and best accommodates the fold-down
armrest with dual cupholders.
The large trunk has a low, wide opening, but it's a long reach to get
at cargo at its far end.
The 2017 Kia Cadenza has enough pizzazz to draw more buyers who don't
particularly care if it doesn't have a prestigious nameplate.
