Round two for Kia's Cadenza
The second-generation Cadenza sedan began arriving at Chicago area Kia dealers last November. The first-generation incarnation arrived in the U.S. back in 2014 after launching in other parts of the globe four years earlier. Cadenza may be the best-kept secret within the South Korean automaker's lineup.
The entry-luxury Cadenza sedan remains an aspirational vehicle for dedicated Kia customers satisfied with Soul or Optima purchases. As with these two vehicles, Cadenza includes front wheel drive standard. For a brief period, Cadenza stood as the top-tier vehicle choice within the Kia fold, until the 2015 model year when the pricier, rear-wheel-drive K900 sedan took over flagship status.
The Kia brand made a name for itself by delivering value-priced compact and midsize cars and crossovers. In all, Kia reached 593,245 sales from January through December 2016. Total U.S. Cadenza sales in 2016 ended at 4,310 units, down from 2015 numbers due in part to the impending second-generation arrival.
As with the first generation effort, Kia markets Cadenza as a full-size sedan, but skewing towards the cozier end of this spectrum, as flagship K900 occupies the other extreme. While Gen Two wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle), and overall length have grown, measurements check in less than four-tenths of an inch.
Body structure consists of more than 50 percent advanced high-strength steel, twice the percentage utilized in Gen One. This 2017 effort sheds a few unwanted pounds thanks to strategic use of light-weight aluminum. Side body panels check in more 'ding' resistant.
Front windows and the windshield get an extra dose of acoustic-absorbing laminate subduing outside wind noise and work in tandem with an elongated under-floor pan to quiet the interior. Increased front A-Pillar insulation also silences the ride.
The sole engine powering Cadenza's three trims is a retuned 3.3-liter gas-direct-injected double overhead cam delivering 290 horsepower. It connects to newly developed, lightweight eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing a six-speed automatic. City fuel economy improves to 20 mpg city (from 19) while highway mpg remains unchanged from 28 utilizing regular 87-octane petro.
On Chicago area expressways expect a smooth, quiet ride with a dependable suspension soaking up many road imperfections. It's a more luxury experience than a sporty one. Stopping performance improves thanks to larger-dimension brakes both front and back.
The 2017 trim structure (Premium, Technology, SX Limited) gets updated from 2016's Base, Premium and Limited with a simplistic, easy-to-digest pricing structure.
Both 2017 Technology and SX Limited come well-equipped with no factory options. Premium offers a $3,000 option package including an upgraded sound system, power-folding outside mirrors, blind spot detection, rear park assist and rear cross-traffic alert. Also available is a $1,000 panoramic sunroof.
The lowest priced Cadenza, a Premium trim, starts at an enticing $31,990, a $1,000 decrease from the 2016 starting price. Our top-shelf, fully loaded SX Limited tester started at $44,390 and with a $900 destination charge, upped the bottom line to $45,290.
Both Technology and SX Limited trims include new higher-tech equipment never before available in Cadenza. Pedestrian detection/emergency braking, forward collision warning, high beam assist headlights and in-dash surround view monitor/camera are now on tap.
Two new novelties exclusive to SX Limited; a heads up display projected on the windshield directly in front of drivers with digital odometer speed, blind-spot icon alert and navigation information along with a power-operated rear sun screen.
The mid-size front grille incorporates a waterfall-type of pattern with horizontal slants interspersed with a hexagonal shape which Kia interprets as a 'Tiger Nose.' Kia's oval logo rides above and outside the grille.
Kia's trunk lid (in SX Limited) powers open automatically without need of a foot swipe or other gyrations of the anatomy. Simply by standing within a couple feet of the lid with the key fob on person motivates the lid into action, convenient with both hands occupied. Lift the flat-panel floor inside to unearth a temporary spare tire, something not all redesigned vehicles offer. At 16.0 cubic feet, the trunk tilts more mid-size than full-size.
Flanking the lid are LED taillights striking a 'piano key' pose with a 'Z-shaped' underscore. Secondary amber-colored blinker bands adorn side-view mirrors and frame the bottom of front headline housing, consisting of three growing-in-size diagonal stepped be-jeweled LED lights.
Power-folding outside mirrors come standard in the upper two trims. Chrome accents adorn side windows. Inboard dual exhausts contribute to a smooth elegance.
Inside, Cadenza's overall experience is easily interpretable and driver friendly with a combination of well-marked buttons and small dials. Push-button start, just right of the power-operated steering column stalk, comes standard. Large fuel door and trunk release buttons are up off the floor, left of the steering column. Centering the dash is an elegant analog clock with hands and a face.
Above is a full-color screen, seven-inches in size in Premium, growing to eight-inches in the top two trims. The larger touch screen includes in-dash navigation.
Flanking the circular clock are two rows of push buttons with circular dials at end extremes to update dual temperature zones. Below is a narrow, horizontal audio system with compact disc slit. Below that, a semi-deep, coverable storage area with auxiliary and iPod plug ports along with a 12-volt outlet. A second outlet resides inside the center arm rest.
Also standard is the latest generation of the automaker's 'UVO' branded infotainment connectivity, capable of interacting with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and more than a dozen telematics services with increased storage capacity. In addition, it's voice-activated (UVO is tech-talk for "Your Voice") while also providing maintenance reminders. The top-two trims include a Smartphone charging system.
Select one of three available drive modes (normal, eco and sport) by a button push left of inline beverage holders.
The easy-glance, three-dimensional instrument panel has two circular, chrome framed analog gauges with white backlighting and fire-red needles flanking a center, multi-panel digital message window controlled via 3 o'clock steering wheel buttons sharing an orb with cruise control functions. At 9 o'clock, secondary audio controls await fingertips.
The interior now includes four unique color combinations. Door panels have extra padding and soft-touch surfaces. Row two provides plenty of leg and enough shoulder room to accommodate three travelers, although head space may be tight for those measuring taller than six feet two inches.
When factoring its price advantage, Cadenza stacks up very well against the likes of a Toyota Avalon or Buick La Crosse.
Kia's sole U.S. production facility is located in West Point, Georgia with the capacity to produce 360,000 vehicles annually. Currently, Kia churns out the Sorento crossover and mid-size Optima sedan. The plant started production in 2009. Kia's Parent company, Hyundai, borrows line time to assemble its Santa Fe crossover.
2017 Kia CadenzaPrice as tested: $45,290
Engine: 3.3-liter V-6
Horsepower: 290
Wheelbase: 112.4 inches
Overall length: 195.7 inches
Overall width: 73.6 inches
Overall height: 57.9 inches
Fuel economy: 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
Curb weight: 3,770 pounds
Assembly: South Korea