2017 Kia Cadenza, even MORE luxury and refinement.

The second generation of the Kia Cadenza hits the US market, promising to offer better handling, more refinement and improved quality.

The new Cadenza is based on a new lighter chassis that’s more than 35 per cent stiffer than the one used by the outgoing model. This is not only improving the handling character of the new model but also helps in achieving a better score in the NVH department. 

Power comes from a revised version of the company’s 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine offering 290hp and 253lb ft of peak torque. Kia’s first FWD-based eight-speed automatic gearbox promises a more engaging driving experience as well. 

The new chassis is complimented by adaptive shock absorbers and what Kia calls a ‘Hydraulic Rebound Stopper’ that offers a smoother ride over harsh or broken surfaces. 18-inch alloy wheels are offered as standard with optional 19s also available, shod in 245/40 Michelin tires. 

Apart from the better quality the cockpit now features a Head Up Display, an updated version of the Surround View Monitor, a wireless phone charger, Kia’s latest UVO infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard and an optional 12-speaker 630-watt Harman/Kardon audio system. 

“The new Cadenza adds an extra dose of excitement to the large-car segment with its striking looks and premium refinements,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America. “The Cadenza’s cabin has been improved in early every way, but it’s underneath where the Cadenza truly shines with a stiffer and lighter chassis, eight-speed transmission and vastly improved driving dynamics.”

Lower trim models will come with the “Diamond Butterfly” front grille, known from other Kia models while higher trim ones will get the “Intaglio” grille with the vertically oriented blades. Kia has yet to announce US pricing for the new Cadenza. 

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Four 2017 Kia Cadenza Facts From the New York Auto Show Floor

The Kia Cadenza was always kind of a forgotten car in the South Korean automaker’s lineup. It’s not that it was a bad car – it was a Big Test winner, in fact – it’s just that it easily got lost in the shuffle between the luxurious, LeBron James-approved Kia K900 and the upscale but budget-friendly Kia Optima. With the all-new 2017 Kia Cadenza, revealed this afternoon at the New York International Auto Show, Kia hopes to rectify that with a bolder design, more upscale features, and some semi-autonomous driving tech. Here are four minor details you may have missed from the new Cadenza launch.

Seoul by way of SoCal: The Kia Cadenza may be built in South Korea, but it was designed by Kia’s crack design team in California.

Carryover Engine, but new transmission: The Cadenza’s 3.3-liter V-6 may have carried over with just a minor power bump, but the transmission is new. The 2017 Cadenza’s eight-speed automatic is the first front-wheel drive application of that transmission from Kia, and we’re likely to see it proliferate across most of the lineup in the next few years.

Contouring Seats: To be completely honest, I’m not sure if this is a first or not, but Kia says the front seat cushions in the Cadenza are capable of twisting left and right (in addition to the usual range of motion) in order to help make the driver and passenger more comfortable.

Semi-Autonomous Tech: Kia’s “Drive Wise” semi-autonomous self-driving tech launches with the new Cadenza. The self-driving suite includes emergency braking, radar cruise control that can function in stop-and-go traffic, and lane keep assist tech.

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Kia uncovers all-new 2017 Cadenza at New York auto show

I wouldn't blame you if you have a difficult time remembering the Kia Cadenza exists. Along with the K900, the Cadenza sits at the bottom of the sales charts for the Korean carmaker, which is better known for its quirky Soul and competitive Optima midsize sedan. However, Kia isn't giving up on its full-size, front-wheel-drive sedan and has just uncovered a new second-generation model at the New York auto show.

Improvements begin at the foundation with a body structure that is now constructed from more than 50 percent advanced high-strength steel, which doubles what the original Cadenza was constructed from. More structural adhesives and hot-stamped areas further reinforce the body to help increase structural rigidity by more than 35 percent to better driving character, NVH and safety.

Additional dynamic improvements come courtesy of lighter aluminum suspension components, reengineered front and rear subframes, dual-valve amplitude selective dampers and an upgraded electromechanical power steering system that now features a 32-bit control unit in place of a 16-bit processor. Stopping muscle is also up with slightly larger disc brakes in front and rear, while the entire package rides on either 18- or 19-inch aluminum wheels wrapped with available Michelin tires.

To decrease NVH levels, the new Cadenza receives more acoustic absorbing laminate in the windshield and front windows, additional sound insulation around the A-pillars and a floor pan undercover that also helps improve aerodynamics.

An updated 3.3-liter V-6 engine will provide an estimated 290-horsepower with better fuel economy according to Kia. For reference, the 2016 Cadenza carries an EPA fuel economy rating of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway. The bigger news on the drivetrain front is a new, in-house-developed eight-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the old six-speed unit.

Visually, the new Cadenza receives a new front fascia that will be offered with two different versions of the company's signature tire nose grille. Lower trim models will come with the "diamond butterfly" mesh grille insert, while the higher-end models get a vertical blade insert.

Inside, the redone cabin features higher-grade materials throughout, a wraparound dashboard and real accent stitching. To dress up the cabin even more, Nappa leather with diamond quilted seat bolsters is optional. New technology features include an available head-up display, improved surround view monitor, smart automatically opening trunk and a wireless smartphone charger. All 2017 Cadenzas will come standard with the newest iteration of Kia's UVO infotainment system featuring both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. Audiophiles will have the option of equipping their Cadenza with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Safety features such smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning will be offered. For a Kia-first, a smart blind-spot detection system will be available that identifies unintentional drifting toward an adjacent car and helps maintain an intended course by automatically engaging the opposite side front wheel brake.

Look for the 2017 Cadenza to arrive in Kia dealers late this year. Pricing will be made available closer to the launch, but should be in the ballpark range of the current model that starts at $32,990.


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2017 Kia Cadenza hits the road

Just a day after specs for its home market were released, the luxury sedan stars in its first official videos.

Known as the K7 in South Korea and the Cadenza in other markets, Kia's new saloon is an interesting proposition that aims to take on the establishment.

The luxurious cockpit promises more comfort, with the automaker focusing on the Krell sound system, head-up display, wooden trim and three different leather upholstery accents. Safety is taken care of by Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking and High Beam Assist.

In South Korea, prospective buyers will be able to order the entry-level K7 with a new 187hp and 178lb-ft (241Nm) 2.4-liter four-pot. Those looking for more power can turn their heads towards a 286hp and 253lb-ft (343Nm) 3.3-liter turbo six-cylinder mill, and if low consumption is a priority, there's also a 2.2 diesel rated at 199hp and 325lb-ft (441Nm).

We are still waiting for info on the US-spec Cadenza, but the car is believed to go official ahead of its Geneva Motor Show premiere, in early March.

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Say hello to the all-new Kia Cadenza

The Kia Cadenza is a bit of an also-ran. Stuck between two of its own family members -- the Hyundai Genesis and the Kia K900 -- the Cadenza has never been a huge seller outside of Korea. It's currently pushing less than 1,000 units out the door per month in the US. But that's not going to stop the automaker from rolling out an all-new generation with an aesthetic redo that should help turn some additional heads in the Cadenza's direction.

Kia unveiled its new Cadenza in South Korea (where it's called the K7) today, but details are deliberately scant. For the time being, we're left with just two pictures. The automaker promises "high levels of interior quality and contemporary luxury," but there isn't much to back up those claims just yet.

Up front, the Cadenza gains a far more aggressive countenance. The lines in and around the front bumper are sharper, and the Cadenza's new grille is similar to the one on the also-recently-refreshed Optima sedan. Kia's traditional quad-lens fog light design returns in full force, as well.

The rear end continues to draw a bit of inspiration from other, better-established luxury brands. We see a hint of Lexus ES in the general form of the taillights, from the chrome strip spanning the trunk lid to the way the lights travel upward along the quarter panel. The trunk looks significantly less long than the Lexus', though, which gives the Cadenza more of a fastback-style rear end that's becoming increasingly popular in every segment.

It's a handsome car, there's no doubt about that. And it might be enough to put the Cadenza in a good position against others in its segment, including the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300 and Buick LaCrosse. We'll find out when the car debuts in multiple markets some time in 2016.

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Kia's Sprague Keeps Focus On Products And Brand On Message

Kia with a perception issue? Today? Its vehicles are highly regarded both in design and quality, and it has a strong message and position in the market, with key, high-visibility relationships such as its official partner status with the NBA. J.D. Power awarded Kia second place in initial quality among all auto brands this year, behind Porsche. 

Michael Sprague, who became Kia Motor America’s chief operating officer last spring, points out that five years ago, Kia was at the bottom of that list. The brand is indeed on the move, but Marketing Daily caught up to Sprague at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Q: I can't imagine Kia has anything like the perception issue it used to have.

A: There is still an issue in the marketplace, particularly for those consumers who have been holding onto their vehicles for 10 to 12 years, which more and more people are doing. Ten years ago, we were a much different company than we are now. Our portfolio has become all new over the past five years. So if you weren't in the marketplace over the last couple of years, you wouldn't know how Kia has changed, because you weren't shopping. So we have had to continue to reinforce all the great things about the brand. 

Q: What are the keys to achieving that? 

A: It's more than just the advertising, when consumers consume media in so many different ways now. You are talking traditional broadcast, new channels, PR, showing the SEMA vehicles as we are doing here. It's the experiential programs — the ride-and-drive events, showing up at unexpected places; it's in-cinema, where you know you have captured someone who is there to be entertained and has a more open mind. The NBA partnership has continued to strengthen. We patch our patch on jerseys in the All-Star Game, and that will raise awareness of the brand as well. It's the Super Bowl for the seventh consecutive year with a 60-second spot in the third quarter. It's social, and all aspects of digital. 

Q: Kia has traditionally focused communications on the product, and let the products speak for the brand.

A: …because we continue to launch new vehicles and that's part of building the awareness for the brand. I'd love to be able to do a big brand campaign, but in 2016 we are launching the all-new Optima, the all-new Sportage, a dedicated hybrid coming out later this year, a new Cadenza, so there are lots of things we have to keep telling consumers about, and each vehicle has a target customer we are going after, so the marketing plan for one is going to be very different from the plan for another because of who we are targeting. 

Q: Is it enough that the products speak to what the brand is, what it represents? 

A: The products need to support what the overarching brand stands for. From my perspective, if you look at the brand over the last six years, we have always considered ourselves a challenger in terms of the products we come out with and how we go to market. We have been talking about this idea of “defy ordinary,” meaning we don’t want to do things that everyone else is doing. Consumers are attracted to that. People want to stand out and be different from the crowd. From a product standpoint, we positioned ourself as a youthful, sporty, fun-to-drive car. I think that's the position of the brand, and the products need to deliver upon that, and I think they do. 

Q: Your agency [L.A.-based David & Goliath] has a strong vision, and, based on the work, a lot of creative autonomy. It’s a long-term marriage. Is there ever friction? 

A: There can be some creative tension between what our vision is and what their vision is, and I think that helps spark cool ideas that then become campaigns, whether it's Blake [Griffin], Lebron [James], the [Kia Soul] Hamsters, the Super Bowl, or whatever. We have a pretty lean organization, so there are not those layers and layers of reviews, where ideas get watered down. The agency comes in, and it's myself, [VP marketing] Tim Chaney, and the agency. They understand who we are, our vision for the brand, and have helped us articulate that vision.

Q: Will you do another Hamsters campaign for the Soul (compact crossover)?

A: We did not one this year, and it's one of those situations where the agency and client might become bored with it quicker than the consumers have. But our dealers love it, and the research shows the consumers still love it, so it hasn't outlived its usefulness. Whether or not we come out with another campaign, that's the subject of another story in the future.

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Kia gives us a glimpse of the second-generation Cadenza sedan

The Kia Cadenza is a full-size premium sedan meant to go up against cars like the Buick LaCrosse and Nissan Maxima. With a new Maxima on the market, and a new LaCrosse to follow in the next year, the segment is once again heating up. Kia's making sure its product is up to date, too, and what you see here is the first look at the Cadenza's second generation, set to launch next year.
Compared to the current model, the next Cadenza looks far more angular. It's longer, lower and wider -- a little less cartoonish than the current offering. The character line running the length of the body is also a bit stronger, and there are far more sharp edges hidden in the front fascia. The rear end looks to extend Kia's current design language, with large, flowing taillights and more of a fastback shape coming off the roofline.
The interior's rendering looks far more production-ready than the rest. The general focus on horizontal lines continues, and Kia mentions that there will be a new focus on high-end interior materials. Familiar Kia touches abound, like the steering wheel and the grouping of physical switchgear beneath the infotainment screen. All in, the Cadenza's new interior looks like it belongs on the brand's flagship K900 sedan.
If this second generation seems to be hard on the heels of the first, your assumption would be correct. The US received the first-gen Cadenza in 2013, halfway into the car's global lifecycle. Thus, the time has come to crown a successor to the throne of surprisingly cheap luxury. Kia says the new Cadenza will launch in 2016, but specifics about price and market availability are nonexistent.

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Kia plans 22 launches over 5 years

Kia will introduce 22 models over five years, which will include new generation versions as well as face-lifts.

Kia is planning 22 launches over a five year period. The launches will include “all-new or significantly redesigned” models, as said by Kia Motors America COO, Michael Sprague, to Wards Auto when he revealed the five-year plan to the publication.

 

Kia’s US portfolio will be upgraded with the new Kia Sportage, which is set for its North American unveil at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show next month. It will be followed later by the new Kia Optima hybrid and the Kia Optima plug-in hybrid.

Michael Sprague did not reveal the list of cars that will be launched in the continent, but spyshots of Kia cars in the US have indicated that the company will introduce the revamped Kia Cadenza and Kia Forte.

In addition, the South Korean brand is reported to be readying their own version of Hyundai’s Toyota Prius rival. It could be included in Kia’s five-year plan for the US. Codenamed Hyundai AE, the hybrid car is expected to debut early next year, or later this year.

Regarding the production plans of the ‘Kia GT’ sports car, Orth Hedrick, Kia Motors America’s Vice President of Product Planning, told Wards Auto, “We’re still under study. We don’t have any announcements to make.”

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2015 Kia Cadenza: Real World Review - Video

Kia has really upped its game in recent years -- and the 2015 Kia Cadenza proves it.

If you haven't heard of the Cadenza, it's a full-size premium sedan that boasts luxury-car comfort and performance. It offers two trim levels -- the well-equipped Premium, which starts around $35,000, and the fully loaded Limited, which starts at just over $40,000. While the Cadenza lacks a V8 or hybrid option, it does offer a powerful 293-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine that's paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Although a $40,000 Kia may be a hard pill for some shoppers to swallow, we think the Cadenza's build quality and sleek styling are on par with rivals such as the Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon. In fact, we think the Cadenza is better-looking than both of those sedans.

While the Cadenza was clearly designed with the driver in mind, it doesn't offer the razor-sharp handling of a sporty German luxury sedan. But we think a lot of drivers will like the Cadenza's quiet, comfortable ride. Drivers will also appreciate the spacious cabin, which features heated leather seats and power seat adjustments for both the driver and passenger seat. There's also a well-designed dashboard and an intuitive 8-inch touchscreen, which makes the interior feel modern and sophisticated.

As for equipment, standard technology features -- such as a backup camera, a navigation system and Kia's UVO infotainment system -- are all easy to use. Extras include heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof and a power sunshade. And if you upgrade to the technology package, you'll get cutting-edge safety features such as adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert and a blind spot monitoring system.

In terms of drawbacks, we can only name a few -- like the fact that there's no fold-down rear seat and that cars equipped with the panoramic sunroof can get especially warm in the summer.

The bottom line: If you want full-size comfort and performance for under $40,000, we think the 2015 Kia Cadenza is absolutely worth a try.

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2015 Kia Cadenza: New Car Review

The upscale V6-powered 2015 Kia Cadenza isn't just nice "for a Kia." It's one of the best large, front-wheel-drive sedans and features restrained styling, smooth driving dynamics and many desirable components. The Cadenza also comes with Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Everywhere you look, the 2015 Cadenza impresses. It has physical presence, with crisp, mature lines courtesy of Kia honcho and former Audi design boss Peter Schreyer. Inside, the materials are classy, giving the rival Toyota Avalon, for example, a real run for its money. Standard features are plentiful, including an Infinity audio system and an 8-inch touchscreen. Throw in appealing options such as xenon headlights and adaptive cruise control, and you have a whole lot of car for under $40,000.

What's New for 2015?

Changes for 2015 include the availability of the Technology package on Premium models, as well as a panoramic sunroof. Limited models will gain a new grille design along with new standard features such as Flex Steer, a surround-view monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

What We Like

Lots of standard luxuries; grown-up styling inside and out; roomy cabin; comfortable yet capable on the road; excellent touchscreen interface

What We Don't

Big-league pricing; V6 engine could use more low-end oomph; LED map lights remind us of bad fluorescent office lighting

How Much?

$35,700-$44,600

Fuel Economy

The front-wheel-drive Cadenza is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 290 horsepower. The only available transmission is a 6-speed automatic. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Cadenza's fuel economy at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, good for 22 mpg combined.

Standard Features & Options

The Premium ($35,700) includes 18-in wheels, an 8-in touchscreen navigation system, UVO voice recognition software, Bluetooth, a 550-watt Infinity 12-speaker audio system, a rearview camera, leather upholstery, and heated front seats with power adjustments for both the driver and passenger. Also standard are heated power mirrors, auto-leveling headlights, push-button starting, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and fog lights.

The Limited ($44,600) includes all the Premium trim's standard and optional equipment, leaving no major options. Standard equipment includes a surround-view monitor, a rear-seat center-armrest USB charging port and cupholders, premium trim for the headliner, pillars, sun visors and rear parcel shelf, a panoramic glass sunroof, a power rear sunshade, active HID headlights, 19-in alloy wheels, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, a lane-departure warning system, a blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, a power tilt-telescopic steering wheel, an upgraded thin-film-transistor gauge cluster, an electronic parking brake, Nappa leather seating, a12-way power driver's seat with extendable thigh support, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats (outboard positions only) and a heated steering wheel.

Many of the Limited's features can be added to the Premium package by ordering the Technology package (blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, electronic parking brake and 19-in wheels) and the Luxury package (HID adaptive headlights, a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a power tilt-telescopic steering wheel and a power rear sunshade.

Safety

The Cadenza comes standard with anti-lock brakes, stability control and eight airbags (front, front-side, rear-side and full-length side-curtain). The Technology package adds a blind spot monitoring system, a lane-departure warning system and water-repellent glass.

As of this writing, the Cadenza had not been crash-tested by either the government or the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Behind the Wheel

Settle into the driver's seat of the 2015 Kia Cadenza, and it immediately feels like a trusty companion. Whereas most other large, front-wheel-drive sedans feel, well, large, the Cadenza wraps around you with a driver-centric control panel and attractive, deep-set gauges. We also prefer the Limited trim (or upgraded Luxury package on the Premium) due to its 7-in LCD driver information display, which makes the base gauge cluster seem plain by comparison. There's nothing gaudy or over the top in here, though. On the contrary, the Cadenza's interior styling reminds us (dare we say it) of a BMW in the way it whispers "driver's car" with subtle cues.

The Cadenza's main controls are logically laid out -- not always a given in a premium sedan -- and we're thoroughly impressed with the 8-in touchscreen, which follows in the iPad's footsteps with friendly icons and a high-resolution display. As for build quality, time will tell, of course, but our initial impression is that Kia has raised its game to new heights. The materials look and feel upscale, and the dash-mounted analog clock only adds to the effect.

On the road, the Cadenza is dynamically neck and neck with established players such as the Avalon and the Chrysler 300. The Cadenza's sophisticated suspension lends it remarkable poise for a large car, and it smooths out rough pavement with minimal road noise as a premium sedan should. We wouldn't mind more punch off the line from the V6 -- the Avalon reigns supreme in this category -- but otherwise, the Cadenza's driving demeanor is hard to fault. Cars like this are typically more about the ride than the drive, but the big Kia lets you enjoy both.

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Test Driving the Kia Cadenza

Driving this car feels a little bit like riding a sleek aerodynamic beast, a shark perhaps. The upscale V6-powered engine isn't just nice "for a KIA" – it’s very nice. Period. The Cadenza is one of the best large, front-wheel-drive sedans a demanding client might want.
KIA’s superstar design boss Peter Schreyer created it, applying all the best options he could give to the car. Standard features include a luxurious Infinity audio system, an 8-inch touchscreen, blue xenon headlights and adaptive cruise control, all for less than $40,000 price tag.

A Winning Car
This month, it was announced that the Cadenza earned the prestigious AutoPacific’s “2015 Ideal Vehicle Award” in the large car category. An ode to its product design that completely fulfills a buyer’s needs and expectations.

Nice Tech Features
A charming feature is the “Parking Minder” – in case you forget where you last parked your car, it assists you by sending the location of your vehicle right to your phone. The discreet little compass indications (N/S/NW/NE/SW/SE) on the rearview mirror is also a nice touch, and a very helpful one in urban settings.
The UVO service with navigation lets you use your voice for many of the available functions, from searching Google Maps to connecting with roadside assistance and even to perform diagnostic checks. A safer way to access many options in case you need to, instead of having to look for buttons.
One of the standard features of the car is the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS).  According to the KIA website, “AFLS helps improve cornering visibility by moving the headlight beam into upcoming turns." Just as it says, the headlights turn around corners of the roads and cut through black patches for added visibility.
The large rearview camera display screen also offers additional safety when backing out the vehicle. Airbags all around offer enhanced safety to all passengers.
The Nappa leather seats are available in three colors: black, beige, or white. The driver's seat is both heated and cooled, while the passenger's seat and rear seats are heated.

The Performance
The V6 engine has 293 horsepower, making it a nimble car to drive. The car comes in two trims, the Premium and the Limited. Even though the Cadenza is a large car, it does not feel like one when driven, probably because it is so easy to manoeuver and fits nicely next to others with no ostentation. It also helps that the dashboard is laid out in a very driver-centric way. Like snuggling.
The 12-speaker Infinity surround-sound stereo system is of high quality, even for classical music.
Interior wood trims and chrome detailing add to the luxury of the sedan with stylish effect. The highly recognizable “tiger-nose” front grille keeps up with the KIA signature.

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2014 Kia Cadenza: 5 Reasons to Buy - Video

Just when you think Kia's done climbing the ladder, they go and build something like the new full-size 2014 Kia Cadenza sedan. With the stylish Optima, Kia's already shown it can build a world-class family sedan. With the Cadenza, they're taking on near-luxury sedans like the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon. Tough crowd, right? Hey, we were skeptical too, but here are five reasons why the new Cadenza really won us over.

1. Classy Styling

The Cadenza is a great-looking car. That's no surprise, because Kia's president used to run the design team at Audi. Check out the Cadenza's subtle, sophisticated lines. It really does have a refined, European look to it. We especially like the LED running lights in the front and rear -- that's another Audi-inspired touch. Look beyond the Kia badge and you'll see some real beauty in the Cadenza.

2. Strong V6 Performance

Unlike the cheaper Optima, which is strictly a 4-cylinder sedan, the Cadenza comes standard with a 3.3-liter V6 engine that cranks out 293 horsepower. Thanks in part to new technologies such as direct fuel injection, this V6 has an exceptionally lively feel when you hit the gas. Luxury sedan shoppers want confident power, and the Cadenza definitely delivers. You don't normally think of Kias as being fast cars, but the Cadenza breaks the mold.

3. True Luxury Ride

Although the Cadenza actually handles pretty well in corners, it's the luxurious ride that takes center stage. This is a luxury car in the classic sense of the term: It's designed to eat up highway miles and isolate you from impacts and noise, and it does a brilliant job. Many will prefer the Cadenza's compliance to the firm, sporty rides that are so in vogue these days.

4. Well-Equipped Cabin

The Cadenza looks great inside, too, but there's plenty of function to go with its form. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, a 550-watt Infinity stereo, leather upholstery and even push-button start. Plus, the materials are generally high-quality, and that's key in this segment. If you're thinking the Cadenza couldn't possibly be as nice inside as the Avalon, think again. It might even be nicer.

5. Huge Back Seat

Just take one look at the Cadenza's massive back seat and you'll see what we're talking about. A couple 6-footers could hang out all day back there, no problem. That's another thing we like about the Cadenza: It's a luxury car for all occupants -- not just those in front. Why cram into a compact or midsize luxury car's back seat when you can lounge in the back of a Cadenza?

AutoTrader's Advice

The more time we spent with the 2014 Kia Cadenza, the harder it was to find anything wrong with it. Kia's been moving on up for a while now, and luxury sedan shoppers are about to see why.

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Kia Cadenza Earns AutoPacific's 2015 Ideal Vehicle Award In Large Car Category

IRVINE, CA -- Aug. 20, 2015: The premium and stylish Kia Cadenza sedan has earned AutoPacific's 2015 Ideal Vehicle Award (IVA) in the Large Car category (tie). AutoPacific's IVA is based on over 66,000 surveys completed by new-car owners in the first half of 2015 and recognizes products that most closely meet buyer requirements and expectations. Based on the responses from vehicle owners, the survey encompasses the vehicle's ride and handling, driver's seat comfort, interior storage, safety features, engine power and acceleration, and technology.

"The introduction of the Cadenza was a response to customer demand for a Kia product that was larger and even more luxurious than the SXL trims of our Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan, and as our first step into the premium segments, it helped continue the transformation of the Kia brand, paving the way to our luxury flagship sedan, the K900," said Orth Hedrick, Vice President, Product Planning, Kia Motors America (KMA). "AutoPacific's Ideal Vehicle Award is important because it represents the voice of the customer and offers confirmation that the Cadenza's blend of world-class design, quality and features is hitting the mark with Kia owners."

The IVA is Cadenza's second honor from AutoPacific in 2015, following a Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) earlier this summer.

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