2016 Kia Cadenza

Pros: Confident acceleration from standard 293-horsepower V6; loads of standard equipment, including a navigation system, rearview camera, and heated front seats; high-class cabin

Cons: Ride composure doesn’t quite measure up to class leaders; no stand-alone options, only Luxury and Technology packages that cost around $2K and $3K each, respectively

CG Says: Kia Cadenza adds a base model for 2016. The new entry-level Cadenza is $3000 less expensive than the midrange Premium. A panoramic sunroof is added to Premium’s standard equipment. Cadenza slots above the midsize Optima sedan in this South Korean brand’s lineup. The front-wheel-drive Cadenza shares its basic design with the Azera sedan from Hyundai, Kia’s corporate parent. Like its Azera cousin, Cadenza sports expressive styling, upscale interior trimmings, and a good selection of comfort and convenience features. Cadenza is a recent addition to the U.S. market, but Kia has been selling a version of this model overseas since 2009. Kia positions Cadenza as a “premium-segment” entry; it competes primarily with large cars such as the Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, and Toyota Avalon. Cadenza shares many of its strengths and weaknesses with its cousin, the Hyundai Azera. In the plus column are its sprightly acceleration, a classy interior, good passenger/cargo space, and a generous helping of standard features. In the negative column are a lack of stand-alone options and ride composure that doesn’t quite match class leaders.

The Facts
Class Large Car
Body Style(s) 4-door sedan
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive
Manufacturer Kia
Nation of Manufacture South Korea
Base Prices Base: $32,990
Premium: $35,990
Limited: $44,940

Base Engine
3.3-liter V6
Horsepower
293
Std. Transmission
6-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
19
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
28

2016 Cadenza
2016 Kia Cadenza
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