2019 Kia Cadenza
What’s new
- Minor usability updates on the touchscreen and instrument cluster
- Revised features availability
- Part of the second Cadenza generation introduced for 2017
Pros & Cons
- Well-equipped for the price, especially in the base Premium trim
- Vast amount of legroom allows all passengers to stretch out
- Generous warranty coverage
- Lots of available advanced safety features
- Headroom, especially with a sunroof, is a bit tight for tall occupants
- The ride isn't as composed as that of segment leaders
- Trunk is smaller than rivals, and rear seats don't fold down
- From acceleration to handling, the Cadenza isn't much fun to drive
2019 Kia Cadenza pricing
in Ashburn, VAWhich Cadenza does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
7.5 / 10It's no secret that car shoppers aren't buying large sedans like they used to. Recognizing the downward trend, automakers are ending production of their models or keeping them on life support. There are, however, a few standouts that make a good case for buying a spacious four-door. The 2019 Kia Cadenza might not be the most recognizable name in the class, but it is easily one of the best.
Sedans in this category prioritize passenger comfort above all else, and in this respect, the Cadenza shines. The interior is trimmed with high-quality materials, including seats with partially quilted leather. The overall design is modern and high-tech, and the button placement and user interface remain intuitive for first-timers. You also get plenty of features for the money, with a number of safety systems and creature comforts standard on the base model.
There are a few downsides. The Cadenza comes up a little short on headroom for this class of car, and its lackluster V6 engine and handling abilities mute any sense of driver excitement. But considering its other positive qualities, and the dearth of competition, the 2019 Kia Cadenza is a must-consider if you're in the market for a large sedan.
Kia Cadenza models
The 2019 Kia Cadenza is a large sedan that offers plenty of room for all its occupants. Even in its base Premium form, the Cadenza is well-equipped for what we think is a very reasonable price. The Technology model adds even more luxury features, while the top-trim Limited just might fool your passengers into thinking they're riding in a Lexus. There's one powertrain available: a 3.3-liter V6 (290 horsepower, 253 pound-feet of torque) that's matched to an eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.
The base Premium trim is loaded with features, including 18-inch wheels, foglights, heated and power-folding mirrors with puddle lamps, hands-free trunk opening, keyless entry and ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats (with driver two-way lumbar adjustment), a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system with satellite radio, two USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Standard safety features include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
The Technology model further adds 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and foglights, automatic high-beam control, a different grille, a panoramic sunroof, LED cabin lighting, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and HD radio. Also included are adaptive cruise control, a lane keeping assist system, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
At the top of the range is the Limited trim, which has all of the above, plus unique wheels, automatic wipers with a de-icing function, a power-operated trunklid, a power-adjustable steering wheel with paddle shifters, a head-up display, an upgraded driver information screen, upgraded cabin trim, upgraded leather upholstery, a 10-way driver seat (with four-way lumbar adjustment), two-way lumbar adjustment for the front passenger, driver-seat memory functions, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, side rear sunshades, a power rear sunshade, a 360-degree parking camera, and lane departure warning.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Kia Cadenza Limited (3.3-liter V6 | 8-speed automatic | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2017, the current Cadenza has received some revisions, including slight shuffling to its trim feature content. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Cadenza, however.
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.5 / 10 |
| Driving | 7.5 |
| Comfort | 8.0 |
| Interior | 8.0 |
| Utility | 7.5 |
| Technology | 7.5 |
Driving
7.5Acceleration
6.0Braking
9.0Steering
7.0Handling
6.5Drivability
7.5Comfort
8.0Seat comfort
7.5Ride comfort
7.0Noise & vibration
8.0Climate control
9.0Interior
8.0Ease of use
8.0Getting in/getting out
9.0Driving position
8.0Roominess
7.0Visibility
9.0Quality
8.5Utility
7.5Small-item storage
8.0Cargo space
6.0Child safety seat accommodation
8.5Technology
7.5Smartphone integration
7.5Driver aids
7.0Voice control
7.0Sponsored cars related to the Cadenza
Features & Specs
| Technology 4dr Sedan 3.3L 6cyl 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $38,200 |
| MPG | 20 city / 27 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Premium 4dr Sedan 3.3L 6cyl 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $33,100 |
| MPG | 20 city / 27 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Limited 4dr Sedan 3.3L 6cyl 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $44,100 |
| MPG | 20 city / 27 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6400 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Cadenza safety features:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Automatically applies the brakes if a front collision with a vehicle or a pedestrian is deemed imminent.
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Detects whether a vehicle is in the left- or right-side blind spot and sounds an alert if the turn signal is engaged in that direction.
- Parking Distance Warning-Reverse
- Sounds an alert as the Cadenza approaches an object while reversing.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Kia Cadenza vs. the competition
Kia Cadenza vs. Kia Optima
The Kia Optima is the Cadenza's little sibling, but the Optima still offers plenty of passenger and cargo room. It's also less expensive, and its engines are more fuel-efficient than the Cadenza's V6. On the other hand, the Cadenza's cabin is more luxurious, and it offers more amenities. To learn more about the Optima of this generation, read Edmunds' long-term road test of a 2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6T.
Kia Cadenza vs. Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon is the Cadenza's primary competition in the large-sedan category. Redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Avalon's upgraded interior and superlative ride comfort make it feel like a bargain-priced Lexus. The Cadenza is a solid choice in the segment, but the Avalon has a more distinctive personality.
Kia Cadenza vs. Kia K900
The K900 is the next step up from the Cadenza in Kia's sedan lineup. This executive sedan pulls out all the stops, with a powerful twin-turbo V6, power-adjustable rear seats, and more features than you can count. It's much more expensive than the Cadenza, but you're getting your money's worth.
FAQ
Is the Kia Cadenza a good car?
What's new in the 2019 Kia Cadenza?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2019 Kia Cadenza:
- Minor usability updates on the touchscreen and instrument cluster
- Revised features availability
- Part of the second Cadenza generation introduced for 2017
Is the Kia Cadenza reliable?
Is the 2019 Kia Cadenza a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2019 Kia Cadenza?
The least-expensive 2019 Kia Cadenza is the 2019 Kia Cadenza Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $33,100.
Other versions include:
- Technology 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $38,200
- Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $33,100
- Limited 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $44,100
What are the different models of Kia Cadenza?
More about the 2019 Kia Cadenza
2019 Kia Cadenza Overview
The 2019 Kia Cadenza is offered in the following submodels: Cadenza Sedan. Available styles include Technology 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A), Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A), and Limited 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A).
What do people think of the 2019 Kia Cadenza?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 Kia Cadenza and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2019 Cadenza.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Kia Cadenza and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 Cadenza featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2019 Kia Cadenza?
Which 2019 Kia Cadenzas are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2019 Kia Cadenza for sale near. There are currently 10 new 2019 Cadenzas listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $34,230 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2019 Kia Cadenza.
Can't find a new 2019 Kia Cadenzas you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Kia Cadenza for sale - 10 great deals out of 16 listings starting at $13,347.
Find a new Kia for sale - 9 great deals out of 10 listings starting at $19,624.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2019 Kia Cadenza?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Kia lease specials