2017 Kia Cadenza Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$31,990 to $44,390

Original MSRP

7.8
of 10

expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(14 reviews)
7.8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
9/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
7/10
Form & function
6/10
Cost-effectiveness
10/10
2017 Kia Cadenza Test Drive Review summaryImage

In a country dominated by SUVs and populated by aspirational consumers seeking to move up to a luxury brand just as soon as the lease payment is affordable, it's hard to make sense of the 2017 Kia Cadenza.

There is nothing particularly wrong with the redesigned 2017 Kia Cadenza. At the same time, there is nothing particularly memorable about this new full-size sedan, either. And it competes within a segment that is increasingly ignored by American car buyers.
8/10

Once upon a time, big cars like the 2017 Kia Cadenza ruled American highways and byways. They had big engines, huge interiors, gigantic trunks, and oversize bodies. Coupes, sedans, and station wagons served a variety of needs, whether you were a dashing advertising executive, a hard-working tradesperson, or shuttling your family around new post-war suburbs.

Today, people don’t buy big sedans. Governments do. State and local municipalities do. Rental car companies do. Livery services do. But for the most part, people like you and me do not. We buy SUVs instead, which replaced station wagons starting in the 1990s.

Yet Kia has rolled out a redesigned 2017 Cadenza, a full-size sedan that slots between the much more popular midsize Optima and the much cooler upcoming Stinger in the automaker’s lineup. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, as Jerry Seinfeld famously said. After all, if Kia invested in this vehicle, there must be a business case to support it, right?

You can buy a brand new Kia Cadenza for as little as $32,890, which is on par with the Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300, and Toyota Avalon, but is more than a Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, or Ford Taurus. Here’s the thing, though: The Cadenza delivers impressive value, and not just because of its industry-leading roadside assistance and warranty programs.

Every Cadenza has a powerful V6 engine, heated leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, free connected safety and convenience services, a hands-free power trunk lid, and a generous list of amenities. If you have extra money to spend, you can upgrade the car with a panoramic sunroof, a Luxury Package, Technology trim, or Limited trim.

My test vehicle was the Cadenza Limited, which includes everything Kia offers for this car except for a handful of dealer-installed accessories. The price tag came to $45,340, including a cargo net ($50) and a quite reasonable destination charge of $900.

A good-looking car with an upscale appearance, the new Cadenza is nevertheless bland, an impression that admittedly could be explained by its Snow White Pearl paint job, which seemed to absorb reflections and mask body detail. Aside from its appealing Z-shaped front and rear lighting signatures, perhaps its most unique design element is its concave grille, which is offered only for the Technology and Limited versions of the car.

Inside, my test car’s Limited trim includes premium Nappa leather with quilt-stitched bolsters and perforated inserts. The available white leather contrasts sharply with the otherwise dark décor, giving the Cadenza an undeniably rich look, and both the headliner and roof pillars are covered in simulated suede, just like a real luxury car.

As might be expected at this price point, however, the lower part of the cabin is covered in hard plastic, and the simulated wood trim is obviously not the real deal. Hey, you’ve got to remember, the price tag is just over 45 grand, not double that amount.

Christian Wardlaw
Published May 25, 2021 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

User reviews for 2017 Kia Cadenza

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User rating:
by Joel V
Nov 27, 2024
The engine did not sound correct! Didn’t want me to rub the engine up, why? Something was wrong with it.Nov 27, 2024
by Al J
Jun 10, 2024
This car has everything I would expect in a very expensive car. It has style comfort and performance that I really appreciate.Jun 10, 2024
by Darrico M
Aug 05, 2023
I have driven a Cadenza for 6 years and it has delivered a very satisfying driving experience at an affordable price. Thats why when I decided to get another vehicle I chose to return to the Cadenza. Aug 05, 2023

2017 Kia Cadenza Pricing

Original MSRP
$31,990 to $44,390
Price range
$11,446 to $13,442
Average price on CG
$11,446
YoY price change
$13,440 to $11,446

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.32

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 630 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: covered · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.32

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: UVO · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 630 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.32

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: anti-trapping feature · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (3)