Overview

What's New for 2020

The Cadenza comes in two trim levels: Technology and Limited.

Pricing for the Technology trim starts around $38,000. Key exterior features are 18-inch alloy wheels, fully automatic LED headlights, power-folding heated side mirrors, puddle lights, a panoramic sliding moonroof, and rain-sensing wipers. Standard safety technology includes forward-collision warning, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors.

Inside the cabin, there is leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a 10-way power driver's seat, an 8-way power passenger seat, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, eight audio speakers, proximity keyless entry, four USB charging ports, a USB data port, a wireless device charger, one-touch power front windows, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED interior lighting,

The Limited, which has an MSRP of about $46,000, adds a Harman Kardon surround-sound system, heated front seats, a 14-way power driver's seat, a 10-way power passenger seat, a power steering column, one-touch power front and rear windows, and an upgraded center console. Other details include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Safety aids include reverse emergency braking, a surround-view camera, and a blind-spot camera.

Powering both trim levels is a smooth and refined 3.3-liter V6 engine. The Cadenza's motor offers plenty of power for any driving situation, from highway cruising to getting around town. It produces 290 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The Cadenza employs an 8-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic manual mode.

Fuel capacity is 18.5 gallons. Front-wheel-drive comes standard. The EPA estimates fuel economy of 20/28/23 mpg city/highway/combined.

The Cadenza has one of the most elegant and well-equipped interiors available at its price. For around $38,000, shoppers get a spacious leather interior with a large panoramic moonroof and brushed metal accents. Overall interior space is superb compared to other sedans. The front legroom is excellent at 45.5 inches, while rear legroom is good but lags top rivals.

Cargo space is average for the segment, at 16 cubic feet, but this is excellent compared to smaller sedans. One downside of the Cadenza is that its rear seat does not fold down. One wouldn't expect drivers of a near-luxury car to use it for hauling large items, but other vehicles in the segment offer this practical feature. To its credit, Kia has placed a small pass-through door behind the center armrest, useful for long narrow items like wood boards or skis.