1. Home
  2. Kia
  3. Kia Cadenza
  4. 2018 Kia Cadenza

2018 Kia Cadenza

2018 Kia Cadenza
Save up to $4,509
See All For Sale
MSRP range
$32,290 - $44,690
Edmunds Rating
3.5 out of 5.0
Consumer Rating
(1)
New
2018
2017
Used
2016
2015
2014

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • From acceleration to handling, the Cadenza isn't much fun to drive
  • Trunk is smaller than rivals, and rear seats don't fold down
  • The ride isn't as composed as in segment leaders
  • Headroom is a bit tight for tall occupants (especially with sunroof)
Save as much as $4,509

2018 Kia Cadenza pricing

in Ashburn, VA
Ad
2019 Crosstrek
msrp$21,895
starting price
Explore More
Build & Price
See all Cadenza lease offers
2018 Kia Cadenza incentives

Which Cadenza does Edmunds recommend

The Kia Cadenza is at its best when you leverage its comfort and convenience attributes, so to that end we say skip the base model and head straight to the Technology trim. Doing so gets you additional lumbar support for front-seat occupants, ventilated seats plus LED exterior lighting. The Limited trim's power rear sunshade and beautiful diamond-pattern leather seats are nice, but it comes at a steep price relative to the Technology trim.

Edmunds' Expert Review

overall rating

3.5 / 5

Sedan sales have been eroded by the popularity of crossover SUVs of late, but there are shoppers who don't require the cargo solutions or tall seating position they provide. If you're one of them, a large sedan such as the 2018 Kia Cadenza is simply a more suitable choice.

Among large sedans, the Kia Cadenza skews heavily toward comfort and space for its passengers. The Cadenza made a big leap forward in its ride comfort and the quality of the cabin materials when it was redesigned in 2017, and it carries into 2018 unchanged. Its interior has a premium vibe — especially considering the car's reasonable price — and legroom is plentiful for all occupants. Its acceleration and handling won't quicken your pulse, so if you're a driving enthusiast you might be left wanting for more. Otherwise, the 2018 Cadenza's intersection of value, space and luxury makes it worthy of your attention.

trim levels & features

The 2018 Kia Cadenza is a large 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 available Luxury package is incorporated into the Technology trim, along with a few other desirable additions. And 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 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 a panoramic sunroof, power-folding mirrors, LED cabin lighting, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. This package also includes rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors and advanced blind-spot monitoring.

The Technology is one level up, adding the contents of the Luxury package, 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's 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. The Technology also gets you forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

You can't go any higher than the Limited trim, which has all of the Technology trim's equipment plus a power-operated trunklid, 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 2017 Kia Cadenza Limited sedan (3.3L V6 | 8-speed automatic | FWD).

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 0-60 mph sprint time of 6.8 seconds, a few ticks slower than average for the class.

braking

5
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
The 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
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. Midcorner 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; the engine gets louder but you don't move until a moment later.

comfort

4
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. But the ride is less refined than in some rivals, and the front seats aren't great for road trips.

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
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 than in other large sedans. Impacts are better controlled and much less noticeable than in the previous Cadenza.

noise & vibration

4
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 stop-start system.

climate control

5
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
The cabin of the Cadenza can only be described as expansive. There's plenty of room for front and rear passengers. Even when the Easy Entry feature scoots the seat back, the driver won't hit the knees of the occupant behind. The materials quality is particularly impressive.

ease of use

4
All buttons and knobs on the center stack are within arm's reach of the driver and the 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
The wide doors, tall door openings, 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 access in and out of the back row.

driving position

4
The driver's 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
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
The 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 of 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. The 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
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 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. The 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 accomodation

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

Top consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2018 Kia Cadenza.

1 reviews
My Dream Car!
Shennywynn Wynn, 4/14/2018
Don’t sleep on Kia’s
Write a review
See all 1 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
$44,690
MPG
20 city / 28 hwy
Seats 5
8-speed shiftable automatic
Gas
290 hp @ 6400 rpm
MSRP
$32,290
MPG
20 city / 28 hwy
Seats 5
8-speed shiftable automatic
Gas
290 hp @ 6400 rpm
MSRP
$39,290
MPG
20 city / 28 hwy
Seats 5
8-speed shiftable automatic
Gas
290 hp @ 6400 rpm
See all 2018 Kia Cadenza features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Cadenza safety features:

Autonomous Emergency Braking
Automatically applies the brakes if a front collision with a vehicle or a pedestrian is deemed imminent.
Blind-Spot Detection
Detects whether a vehicle is in the left- or right-side blind spot and sounds an alert if the turn signal is engaged.
Lane Change Assist
Alerts the driver if vehicles in adjacent lanes are approaching.
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

2018 Lexus ES 350 Sedan
Lexus ES 350
(3)
2018 Toyota Avalon Sedan
Toyota Avalon
(20)
2018 Buick LaCrosse Sedan
Buick LaCrosse

2018 Kia Cadenza for Sale

Kia Cadenza 2018 Limited 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A)
New 2018
Kia Cadenza
Limited
(41)
King Kia
16.8 mi away
MSRP$45,870
Est.Loan: $798/mo
Great Deal!
Great Deal!
View Details
Dealer Notes
Snow White Pearl 2018 Kia Cadenza Limited FWD 8-Speed Automatic 3.3L 6-Cylinder Cadenza Limited, 3.3L 6-Cylinder, 8-Speed Automatic, Snow White Pearl, Black Leather.Recent Arrival! 28/20 Highway/City MPG
Kia Cadenza 2018 Limited 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A)
New 2018
Kia Cadenza
Limited
(20)
Hersons Kia
18.3 mi away
MSRP$45,725
Est.Loan: $797/mo
Good Deal!
Good Deal!
View Details
Dealer Notes
Herson's Kia includes a Two year or 24,000 mile maintenance package with every new Kia purchased or leased. The maintenance package includes oil changes and all regularly scheduled maintenance according to the vehicles maintenance minder system. This offer is exclusive to Herson's Kia. For more details visit our website www.hersonskia.com or call 301-340-3100 and speak to our service consultants.
Kia Cadenza 2018 Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A)
New 2018
Kia Cadenza
Premium
Brown's Manassas Kia
18.9 mi away
MSRP$33,465
Est.Loan: $589/mo
Good Deal!
Good Deal!
View Details
Dealer Notes
What a great deal on this 2018 Kia! You'll appreciate its safety and convenience features! Kia prioritized fit and finish as evidenced by: delay-off headlights, front bucket seats, and a split folding rear seat. It features an automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, and a 2 liter 4 cylinder engine. You will have a pleasant shopping experience that is fun, informative, and never high pressured. Stop by our dealership or give us a call for more information.
More about the 2018 Kia Cadenza

It takes a bit of nerve to draw a bead on the well-established leaders in the large sedan market, but the 2018 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 Kia Cadenza was all-new last year, and it distinguishes itself from its predecessor with its sleeker, more elegant design, cleaner lines and rakish fender flares. It still retains some characteristic Kia hallmarks, such as 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 nevertheless focused on ride comfort rather than sporting pretensions. That said, handling is serviceable, 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 the cabin is where the 2018 Cadenza really stands out. Front-seat occupants enjoy a generous amount of head-, legroom and shoulder room, while those in back enjoy truly class-leading space. Its 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, a rearview camera and Bluetooth connectivity, and many more such features are available as options. Furthermore, the Cadenza boasts one of the largest trunks in its segment.

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 packs in more of those, plus several additional luxury touches. Whatever your preference, let Edmunds help you find the 2018 Kia Cadenza that best meets your needs.

2018 Kia Cadenza Overview

The 2018 Kia Cadenza is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include Limited 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A), Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A), and Technology 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A).

What do people think of the 2018 Kia Cadenza?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Kia Cadenza and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Cadenza 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 2018 Cadenza.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Kia Cadenza and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 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.

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall3.5 / 5.0

Driving

3.5 / 5.0

Acceleration2.5 / 5.0
Braking5.0 / 5.0
Steering3.0 / 5.0
Handling3.0 / 5.0
Drivability3.5 / 5.0

Comfort

4.0 / 5.0

Seat comfort3.5 / 5.0
Ride comfort3.0 / 5.0
Noise & vibration4.0 / 5.0
Climate control5.0 / 5.0

Interior

4.0 / 5.0

Ease of use4.0 / 5.0
Getting in/getting out5.0 / 5.0
Driving position4.0 / 5.0
Roominess3.0 / 5.0
Visibility5.0 / 5.0
Quality4.5 / 5.0

Utility

3.5 / 5.0

Small-item storage4.0 / 5.0
Cargo space2.5 / 5.0

Technology

3.5 / 5.0

Audio & navigation4.5 / 5.0
Smartphone integration3.5 / 5.0
Driver aids3.0 / 5.0
Voice control3.0 / 5.0
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 2018 Kia Cadenza?
2018 Kia Cadenza Technology 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A)

The 2018 Kia Cadenza Technology 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $40,190. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Cadenza Technology 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) is trending $2,629 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $2,629 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$37,561.

The average savings for the 2018 Kia Cadenza Technology 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) is6.5% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 1 2018 Kia Cadenza Technology 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Kia Cadenza Limited 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A)

The 2018 Kia Cadenza Limited 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $45,590. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Cadenza Limited 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) is trending $4,280 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $4,280 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$41,310.

The average savings for the 2018 Kia Cadenza Limited 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) is9.4% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 4 2018 Kia Cadenza Limited 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Kia Cadenza Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A)

The 2018 Kia Cadenza Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33,190. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Cadenza Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) is trending $4,509 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $4,509 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$28,681.

The average savings for the 2018 Kia Cadenza Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) is13.6% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 5 2018 Kia Cadenza Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

Which 2018 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) 2018 Kia Cadenza for sale near. There are currently 34 new 2018 Cadenzas listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $33,245 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 Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Kia Cadenza. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $5,558 on a used or CPO 2018 Cadenza available from a dealership near you.

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.

Related vehicle information