Used 2019 Kia Cadenza

The 2019 Kia Cadenza sedan is a sign of Kia’s growing confidence. The company is stretching its ambition in the direction of luxury cars. The strategy involves sharp design, generous passenger space, a refined ride, abundant standard equipment, useful muscle, and lofty build quality. Factor in a great warranty and the new Cadenza looks like an appealing choice to those seeking classy and comfortable accommodation for four occupants (five at a pinch) yet also wanting value for money.

Even though the Kia Cadenza has selectable drive modes that includes a Sport setting, (plus steering-wheel-mounted gearshift paddles in the top trim), don’t labor under the illusion that this large and luxurious sedan will suddenly transform into a BMW rival. Sport mode is great for limiting body lean should a driver take a route that includes tight and twisting roads. The new Cadenza’s real strength is its suppleness. Rough surfaces seem to be smoothed out just before the car reaches them. A 3.3-liter V6 endows the Cadenza with 290 horsepower, which is sufficiently brisk, while an 8-speed automatic transmission keeps things relaxed on freeway cruises. The electrically assisted steering provides a pleasing straight-ahead feel on the highway, with a welcome extra weight (although not much feedback) through corners.

There’s a fine logic to the Kia Cadenza’s layout. A split-level design places important gauges and screens above the physical switches and knobs used to control them. Both occupants up front have multi-adjustable seats, making a refreshing change from cars that treat the person riding shotgun like a second-class citizen (although power lumbar support for the front passenger is only available in the top trim). The true jewel in the Cadenza’s cabin, though, is its rear seat. Even tall passengers should be happy back there with 37 inches of legroom. Trunk space is 16 cubic feet, enough for four golf bags.

Cool details meld to form a bigger picture that should be easy on most people’s eyes. At each end are Z-shaped LED accent lights, connected by a subtle crease running along each shoulder. The “tiger nose” (that’s what Kia calls it) grille is concave, an uncommon feature, and comes with a mesh pattern or a “waterfall” (that’s what we call it) design, depending on the trim level. The combined effect is not too busy, not too minimal, but just right. And, crucially, classy enough for the Kia Cadenza sedan to be a credible alternative to luxury and semi-luxury marques like Lincoln and Buick.

ENORMOUS BACK SEAT
Take two adults of imposing size and put them in the Cadenza’s rear quarters. They’ll be purring contentedly in no time. There’s plenty of space in all directions and even the optional panoramic sunroof doesn’t encroach on headroom too much.

HARMAN KARDON AUDIO
In a cabin this quiet, a high-end audio system makes all the more sense. Harman Kardon supplies many premium marques with its excellent products. The 12-speaker/630-watt system in the 2019 Cadenza employs Clari-Fi technology to deliver sparkling highs, rich lows and an even mid-range.

As mentioned, the 2019 Cadenza gains more standard equipment for its Premium trim. In addition to those features listed above, the inventory includes 18-inch alloy wheels, hands-free/proximity-activated trunk lid, heated side mirrors, acoustic windshield, rear parking sensors, keyless entry/ignition, leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 8-way power-adjustable front-passenger seat, nine airbags, dual-zone automatic climate control, self-dimming rearview mirror, 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and a USB port. Conspicuous by its absence is forward-collision mitigation.

Buyers of the Premium model can stretch to the optional LED map reading light. Otherwise, the main choices regarding the 2019 Cadenza is which trim to buy. Technology is a smarter purchase than Premium. It includes forward-collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, automatic high beams, 19-inch alloy wheels, electronic parking brake, 8-inch touch screen, heated steering wheel, and all the newly standard features mentioned above. Limited trim adds rain-sensing/de-icing wipers, power-adjustable steering column, quilted Nappa leather upholstery, power rear sunshade, 14-way/10-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, heated rear outboard seats, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

No choices here, just a 3.3-liter V6, an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The engine develops a respectable 290 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, running on regular gasoline. The transmission shifts smoothly and the paddles (in Limited trim) work fine, but most Cadenza drivers will probably put it in D and consider that the extent of their involvement.

3.3-liter V6
290 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
253 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg