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2017 Kia Cadenza review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Kia Cadenza highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Well-appointed base trim with luxury features
  • Spacious with ample legroom
  • Suite of driver assistance technologies

Cons

  • Small trunk space
  • Lacks fold-flat rear row rear
  • Uninspiring ride personality

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 28 highway, 23 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year

Large sedan with pleasing luxuries as standard

For the 2017 model year, the passenger-pleasing Kia Cadenza sedan got a full redesign, with enhanced exterior styling and a premium-feel interior with more tech and luxuriously appointed features than ever before. A pleasing carry-over from its previous model year is the impressive 3.3L V6 engine, able to deliver smooth performance and handling on everyday routes and challenging climbs. With fresh attention to detail evident for this 2017 refresh, the five-seat Cadenza sedan offers a compelling combination of style, comfort, and performance.

All Kia Cadenza years

What is new for the 2017 Kia Cadenza?

  • The Cadenza is available in a new trim called the Technology.
  • The Base trim has been discontinued for 2017.
  • Cadenza trims have been upgraded with Head Up Display, Power Hatch/Deck Lid, Satellite Radio Ready, Bluetooth Technology, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Harman Kardon Sound as standard equipment this year.

Kia Cadenza photos

5 reasons to buy the 2017 Kia Cadenza

1. Ride comfort 

The 2017 Cadenza's seats are designed for comfort with ample cushioning and leather upholstery. Standard heated front seats on all trims, with additional ventilation and a heated steering wheel on higher trims, contribute to a cozy driving experience. The suspension is tuned for comfort, smoothly navigating most road imperfections, although the trade-off is a bit of body lean. 

2. Limited trim elegance 

The Limited trim of the Cadenza offers a heightened sense of luxury, with quilted seat bolsters and premium materials throughout the cabin. Glossy trim elements are carefully placed to avoid distracting reflections. The trim also adds convenient features like a power-operated trunk, head-up display, and upgraded leather upholstery. 

3. Driver conveniences 

The Cadenza's driver-centric design includes a wide range of seat adjustments, including lumbar support and an extendable thigh bolster. The easily adjustable steering wheel aids in finding the right driving position. Tall, expansive windows enhance visibility, contributing to a confident driving experience. 

4. V6 powertrain 

The sole powertrain option, a 3.3L V6 engine, delivers 290 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, it provides a balanced driving experience, suitable for various scenarios. If fuel-sipping performance is important to you, the V6 manages an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined but will do 28 mpg on the highway.

5. New-for-2017 Technology trim 

The newly introduced Technology trim adds modern conveniences and driver-assist features, including 19-inch wheels, LED lighting, advanced blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The trim also includes luxury amenities like a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system, and wireless phone charging. This enhances the overall appeal of the Cadenza, making it an ideal choice if you want to balance luxury features with driving experience. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Kia Cadenza an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Kia Cadenza 4th out of 13 among Fullsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia Cadenza

Kia Cadenza features and specs

Technology 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Leather Seats
  • Rear Sunshade

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.3L

Horsepower

290

Torque (ft-lbs)

253

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

18.5

Wheelbase

112.4"

Overall length

195.7"

Width

73.6"

Height

57.9"

Leg room

F 45.5"/R 37.2"

Head room

F 38.5"/R 37.6"

Front tires

P245/40VR19

Rear tires

P245/40VR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2017 Kia Cadenza FAQ

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