2017 Kia Cadenza First Look Review

The Kia Cadenza, although far from a top seller, serves as a showcase for some of the automaker’s top luxury features. For 2017, the Cadenza not only gains more luxury appointments but also benefits from a retuned suspension, revised steering, and other updates.

Visually, our Cadenza looks a lot like the Korean-spec version we saw last year (pictured in silver, below). The model’s new hexagonal grille pushes inward toward the engine bay, creating a concave form. Lower trim models feature a concave version of the three-dimensional grille pattern we see on a number of other Kia cars. But higher tiers feature concave vertical blades that help distinguish the model from the rest of the lineup. Other visual details on the new Cadenza include chrome accents and Z-shaped lighting signatures on the headlights and LED taillights.

The Cadenza measures in at the same length as the outgoing model, although it’s slightly wider and lower in height. A longer wheelbase contributes to nearly a half-inch of increased legroom in the back, Kia claims. The roofline has been extended rearward more than 2 inches, and trunk space has increased slightly.

Under the sheetmetal, the Cadenza benefits from more high-strength steel and increased structural stiffness, which promise to improve driving dynamics. Same goes for the Cadenza’s retuned suspension and retuned steering. Larger brakes up front should help reduce stopping distances.

Kia has retuned the Cadenza’s 3.3-liter V-6 engine for better fuel economy. The engine likely won’t gain power, as Kia gives a preliminary estimate of 290 hp for the model. It will come paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Inside the cabin, the Cadenza brings features you’d perhaps expect on the more expensive K900. Nappa leather is available with quilted seat bolsters accented by diamond stitching. New tech features include a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger, and an automatic smart trunk opener. Other changes were made to boost ergonomics; the driver’s seat has been lowered, and the seat cushion has been extended.

The automaker is targeting a five-star rating in government crash tests and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. For 2016, the Cadenza was not rated in the small overlap test by IIHS or at all by the government. The model adds a driver’s knee airbag for 2017 and offers plenty of driver assistance features, including autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. Smart blind-spot detection will intervene if the driver drifts toward an adjacent vehicle, automatically braking the opposite side front wheel to help the car stay on track.

The Kia Cadenza goes on sale late this year, and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

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