It wasn't that long ago that the full-size sedan was seen as the paragon of luxury in America. But tastes change, and crossover SUVs have slowly supplanted large sedans as the vehicle of choice for families and drivers who prefer a tall seating position. If you don't need to ride up high or require the vertical cargo space, a sedan is still a good choice. For the price of a modestly equipped midsize crossover, you could get a car such as the 2017 Kia Cadenza, replete with safety and technology features, along with exceptional rear seat room and a lust-worthy cabin.

The Cadenza has been redesigned for 2017, just three years after its debut. Although the first-generation car was just fine, we thought its ride wasn't as comfortable as others in the class and interior materials quality wasn't up to snuff in the pricier trims. The new model's ride is much better sorted, with less harshness from road imperfections. The cabin looks premium and may actually dissuade buyers looking to get into a new Lexus or Lincoln. Some issues remain, such as uninspiring handling and tight headroom for tall occupants. But provided you aren't a professional basketball player living in the Hollywood Hills, you'll probably like it just fine.

2017 Kia Cadenza configurations

The 2017 Kia Cadenza is a large, full-size sedan that offers an abundance 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. Its two available features packages are incorporated into the Technology package (along with a few other desirable additions), 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) matched to an eight-speed automatic with front-wheel drive.

The base Premium trim is loaded with features, including 18-inch wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, hands-free trunk opening, keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats (with driver two-way lumbar adjustment), a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system with HD and satellite radio and two USB ports.

The Premium is available with the Luxury package, which adds power-folding mirrors, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Additional safety features include rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors and advanced blind-spot monitoring.

The Panoramic Sunroof package (requires Luxury package) adds LED interior lighting and, you guessed it, a panoramic sunroof.

The Technology is one level up, adding the contents of both above packages, along with 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and foglights, automatic wipers, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, a 10-way driver seat (with four-way lumbar adjustment), two-way lumbar adjustment for the front passenger, ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory settings and wireless phone charging.

You can't go any higher than the Limited trim, which equips the Cadenza with power trunk opening and closing, a head-up display, side rear sunshades, a power rear sunshade, upgraded leather upholstery and heated rear seats.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects.The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the (3.3L V6; 8-speed automatic).

Driving

3.5

Under the Cadenza's hood is a familiar 3.3-liter V6 engine, carried over from the previous generation but slightly less powerful. The new eight-speed transmission is fuel economy-focused and isn't as refined as some rivals. Like most in the segment, the Cadenza is not particularly fun to drive.

Acceleration

2.5

Acceleration from a stop is gradual in every driver mode but Sport. Passing maneuvers require a heavy foot because the transmission is reluctant to downshift and takes a moment even at full throttle. We recorded a 0-to-60 mph sprint time of 6.8 seconds, a few ticks slower than average for the class.

Braking

5.0

The brake pedal is easy to engage, with very mild braking pressure occurring as soon as you put your foot down. It's also easy to modulate, with predictable increasing effort. In Edmunds testing, a Cadenza Limited came to a stop from 60 mph in 115 feet, shorter than average for a large sedan.

Steering

3.0

Steering effort is light in the normal Comfort driving mode, firming up slightly when Sport is selected. The steering wheel requires a fair amount of rotation to navigate in turns, and back-to-back transitions get tiring quickly. Steering feel is mostly numb.

Handling

3.0

Large sedans optimize comfort over athletic ability, and the Cadenza is no exception. A healthy amount of body lean will have you resting on the seat's leg and side bolsters anytime you drive through a corner with some enthusiasm. Mid-corner bumps don't affect the Cadenza at all.

Drivability

3.5

The transmission is smart enough to hold a low gear up steep grades, even in the gas-friendly Eco mode. In the normal Comfort setting, the Cadenza gets into high gears quickly. There's a noticeable lag when leaving from a stop, where the engine gets louder but you don't move until a moment later.

Comfort

4.0

The Cadenza is a comfort-focused sedan, and it performs its primary function well. We like the hushed cabin at high speeds and the car's effective climate controls. The ride is less refined than in some rivals, and the front seats aren't great for road trips, however.

Seat comfort

3.5

The seats are initially comfortable, with plenty of cushion and cushy leather. Even without the ventilation function, the seats feel breathable. They are best suited for short trips because thigh support isn't great; long-distance driving required multiple adjustments to alleviate driver fatigue.

Ride comfort

3.0

The comfort-tuned suspension glides over most rough road surfaces, but dips in the asphalt cause the body to lean and rock to the side, more so than in other large sedans. Impacts are better controlled and much less noticeable than in the previous Cadenza.

Noise & vibration

4.0

The cabin is quiet enough that you never need to raise your voice to talk. Wind and tire noise is noticeable but not overpowering, and you will hear the engine's unimpressive groan at low speeds. Vibration at idle is nonexistent to the point that you might think there's an engine start-stop system.

Climate control

5.0

Heated front seats are standard on all Cadenzas, with the midtier Technology trim adding ventilated fronts and a heated steering wheel. Heated rears come only on the Limited. All seats get nice and hot, and the cooling effect is greater than in many rivals. Rear air vents keep passengers happy.

Interior

4.0

The cabin of the Cadenza can only be described as expansive. There's plenty of room for front and rear seat passengers. Even when the Easy Entry feature scoots the seat back, the driver won't hit the knees of the occupant behind. Materials quality is particularly impressive.

Ease of use

4.0

All buttons and knobs on the center stack are within arm's reach of the driver and front passenger. The touchscreen is a little far away, however. Either front occupant will have to lean forward slightly to press the virtual buttons accurately.

Getting in/getting out

5.0

Wide doors, a tall door opening, narrow side sills and unobtrusive seat bolsters make it easy to get into and out of the front seats. A gently sloping roofline makes for similarly easy entry and egress for the back row.

Driving position

4.0

The driver seat offers a number of adjustments, including four-way lumbar and an extendable thigh bolster. The power steering wheel telescopes out pretty far, making it easy for tall drivers to find a comfortable position. It's also easy to see over the low hood.

Roominess

3.0

The Cadenza's large interior provides ample room all around for most occupants. Legroom is generous, allowing 6-foot adults to sit behind each other without knees hitting the seatback. Only very tall passengers in a sunroof-equipped Cadenza will brush up against the headliner.

Visibility

5.0

Tall, wide front windows promote excellent forward and side visibility. The rear roof pillars are thick, but the associated small windows help reduce the blind spots. The rear window is generously sized, so it's easy to see out the back.

Quality

4.5

The Cadenza Limited's materials quality seems appropriate given its price tag. Quilted seat bolsters are an unexpected touch in this class, and thoughtful touches such as a padded driver knee rest are appreciated. Glossy piano black and wood trim do not reflect glaring sunlight.

Utility

3.5

You'll find many places to store small items, including a deep glove compartment and a pocket in each door. The trunk is large overall compared to those of most sedans, though it is slightly smaller than some in its class. The rear seat doesn't fold to expand the cargo area.

Small-item storage

4.0

Front seat occupants get a cubby beneath the center stack and a bin under the armrest to store small items. There's not much in the rear, aside from the seatback map pockets. All doors have a cutout with room for a very small water bottle. Four normally sized cupholders are split between front and rear.

Cargo space

2.5

The cargo load floor is large and mostly flat, aside from a slight hump in the middle to provide room for the spare tire jack underneath. Cargo area measures 16 cubic feet, average for the segment but less than in the Impala and Taurus. There is a ski pass-through, but the rear seats don't fold.

Child safety seat accommodation

4.5

Four lower LATCH anchors are hidden beneath plastic covers on the outboard seats that fold down under pressure but cannot be removed. Three upper anchors are located on the rear shelf and are also concealed under covers. All are easy to access.

Technology

3.5

The Cadenza offers the latest tech features, including adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree parking camera and Apple CarPlay. Execution is lacking, mostly due to the infotainment system's menu structure and the wonky logic of driver aids. Navigation doesn't utilize predictive city and street names.

Audio & navigation

4.5

The 12-speaker Harman Kardon system sounds awesome, with a wide volume range and a surround-sound effect that makes instruments and voices sound closer to the listener. We wish more than just treble, bass and mid were adjustable. Slow responses make the nav system a bit difficult to operate.

Smartphone integration

3.5

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come on every Cadenza, while the Technology and Limited trims add a wireless phone charging pad under the center stack. Apple CarPlay is unusually difficult to find in the touchscreen menus. There's one USB port in front and another behind the center console.

Driver aids

3.0

Adaptive cruise control keeps speed well, exceeding the limit set by just 1 mph on a steep downhill grade. Unfortunately, it's slow to reapply acceleration if the car in front of you has turned or changed lanes. Lane departure warning is too sensitive, triggering an alarm with little provocation.

Voice control

3.0

Kia's voice recognition software could use some work, as the navigation system is easily confused by numbered streets (e.g., "5th Street") and north/south/east/west descriptors. Phone book recognition is better. Siri Eyes Free is available if an iPhone is connected.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2017 Kia Cadenza.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.810 reviews

Write a review See all 10 reviews

5(90%)

4(0%)

3(10%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

2 for 2

jeff,08/27/2017

I leased a 2015 cadenza, for 2 years after leasing a infinity. The cadenza was a better all around vehicle. I now lease a 2017 cadenza and l love the new style,I have not had a single problem with either car.Plush interior and great performance!

Gotta Have A Cadenza!!!!!

Bruce,12/14/2017

As my lease on my 2015 Chevy Malibu was almost up, I started car shopping and I HATE car salesmen. I looked at several cars including buying a Malibu, Sonata, Cadillac and more, and I had a salesmen suggest I drive a new 2017 Cadenza, which I did. I am glad that I listed to him. I loved the ride, but I was not going to pay $46K for the top of the line model. The lease deal they had

Surprisingly Great Tech Package update

Tom,08/01/2017

I have owned BMW Convertible, 5 Series M Sport, Acura TSX & many Toyota's & Honda's. The 2017 Cadenza is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. Full of High Tech in Tech package. Smooth ride, excellent seats (better than Volvo). August 2018 update To date this is the best car I have ever owned. No repairs in 1st year and 21,000 miles. No adjustments of any sort. By comparison my

review

tom,09/20/2017

nice car better than expected gas mileage great service

Write a review

See all 10 reviews

Write a consumer review of your vehicle for a chance to WIN $100!

Write a review

See Official Rules for eligibility and other requirements.

Write a review

Features & Specs

MSRP

$31,990

MPG

20 city / 28 hwy

Seats 5

8-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

290 hp @ 6400 rpm

MSRP

$44,390

MPG

20 city / 28 hwy

Seats 5

8-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

290 hp @ 6400 rpm

MSRP

$38,990

MPG

20 city / 28 hwy

Seats 5

8-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

290 hp @ 6400 rpm

See all 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Cadenza safety features:

Autonomous Emergency Braking: This feature automatically applies the brakes if a forward collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is deemed imminent.
Blind-Spot Detection: Sensors detect if a vehicle is in the Cadenza's left- or right-side blind spot. If the turn is activated, an alert will sound.
Lane Change Assist: This system works in conjunction with BSD and monitors vehicles that are in the next lane and approaching the Cadenza's proximity.

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
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good

People who viewed this also viewed

2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan for Sale

Sorry! There aren't any 2017 Kia Cadenza for sale near you.

Widen your search area Shop similar vehicles

Get more for your trade-in

Edmunds shoppers get on average $235 more for their trade-in.

Receive offers from our dealer partners fast.

See your car's value

More about the 2017 Kia Cadenza

It takes a bit of nerve to draw a bead on the well-established leaders in the large sedan market, but the 2017 Kia Cadenza stakes its claim with sophisticated design, a spacious and refined cabin and a host of the latest technology and safety features. Shoppers looking for a near-luxury four-door that brings everything but a high price tag would do well to add the Cadenza to their test-drive list. They may be surprised by the Kia's upscale interior appointments, long list of standard equipment and quiet, comfort-tuned ride.

The all-new 2017 Kia Cadenza distinguishes itself from its predecessor with a sleeker, more elegant design, cleaner lines and rakish fender flares, while still retaining some characteristic Kia hallmarks, like the unique "tiger nose" grille. There's also a smoother ride, improved handling and a softer, more luxurious interior.

The only available powerplant is a 3.3-liter V6 — carried over from the previous generation — that produces 290 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque and drives the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Although unremarkable in the class, it gets the job done in a smooth, quiet manner. Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined (20 city/28 highway).

On the road, the Cadenza admirably fulfills its mission of providing a comfortable, relaxed ride. The suspension system, upgraded from the outgoing model, is designed to absorb bumps with aplomb, not getting upset in the corners but, at the same time, having no sporting pretensions. That said, handling is better than most drivers will expect, with good straight-line stability and a decent amount of feedback through turns. An available drive-mode selector, with settings that include Comfort and Sport, allows drivers to fine-tune responsiveness to some degree.

Inside is where the 2017 Cadenza really stands out. Front-seat occupants enjoy a generous amount of head-, shoulder and legroom, while those in back luxuriate in the class-leading rear compartment's expanses. And, as a bonus, the Cadenza boasts one of the largest trunks in its segment. Materials and design are appropriately upscale, with piano black and wood trim and the choice of four available decor themes. Standard technology includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, rearview camera and Bluetooth connectivity, and many more such features are available as options.

The base Premium trim level comes equipped with such appointments as leather upholstery, multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The Technology level adds a number of convenience features, and the top-of-the-line Limited trim includes more of those, plus several additional luxury touches. Whatever your preference, let Edmunds help you find the 2017 Kia Cadenza that best meets your needs.

2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan Overview

The 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan is offered in the following styles: Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A), Limited 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A), and Technology 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A).

What do people think of the 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Cadenza Sedan 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. 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 2017 Cadenza Sedan.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Cadenza Sedan featuring deep dives into trim levels including Premium, Limited, Technology, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan here.

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall3.5 / 5

Driving

3.5 / 5

Acceleration2.5 / 5

Braking5.0 / 5

Steering3.0 / 5

Handling3.0 / 5

Drivability3.5 / 5

Comfort

4.0 / 5

Seat comfort3.5 / 5

Ride comfort3.0 / 5

Noise & vibration4.0 / 5

Climate control5.0 / 5

Interior

4.0 / 5

Ease of use4.0 / 5

Getting in/getting out5.0 / 5

Driving position4.0 / 5

Roominess3.0 / 5

Visibility5.0 / 5

Quality4.5 / 5

Utility

3.5 / 5

Small-item storage4.0 / 5

Cargo space2.5 / 5

Technology

3.5 / 5

Audio & navigation4.5 / 5

Smartphone integration3.5 / 5

Driver aids3.0 / 5

Voice control3.0 / 5

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 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan?

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedans are available in my area?

2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan Listings and Inventory

Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan for sale near you.

Can't find a new 2017 Kia Cadenza Cadenza Sedan you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Kia Cadenza for sale - 11 great deals out of 20 listings starting at $20,189.

Find a new Kia for sale - 2 great deals out of 9 listings starting at $18,940.

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan and all available trim types: Technology, Premium, Limited. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2017 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

2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan

2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan pricing

Which Cadenza does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

2017 Kia Cadenza configurations

Trim tested

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Sponsored cars related to the Cadenza

2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan for Sale

Get more for your trade-in

2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan Overview

What do people think of the 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan?

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds Scorecard

Our Review Process

What's a good price for a New 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan?

Which 2017 Kia Cadenza Sedans are available in my area?

Can't find a new 2017 Kia Cadenza Cadenza Sedan you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Why trust Edmunds?

Should I lease or buy a 2017 Kia Cadenza?

Related vehicle information

Related Kia Vehicles