2017 Kia Cadenza in North Haven, CT - $16,365

The all-new 2017 Kia Cadenza sedan arrives to market with higher levels of luxury, technology and convenience than its predecessor, and it comes wrapped in a beautiful, bold design inspired by the simplicity of the straight line. The second-generation Cadenza boasts a stronger body structure and powertrain enhancements along with a more engaging driving experience than before.

Designed at Kia’s California design studio, the Cadenza’s high-end image exudes confidence and modernity. Head on, the Cadenza is more expressive thanks to the newly designed front fascia. While the signature Kia “tiger nose” grille is still an unmistakable design trait, it has evolved into a new hexagonal shape that emphasizes the Cadenza’s visual width with lines extending underneath the headlights. But the more substantial change to the front end is the distinct concave grille, which curves in toward the engine bay, giving the Cadenza its handsomely chiseled face.

Unlike other cars in the segment, the Cadenza is available with two different grilles. Lower trim models will come with the “Diamond Butterfly” front grille that features the same three-dimensional pattern as several siblings within the Kia lineup, but with its own unique appearance thanks to the curved form. Higher trim models will come with the “Intaglio” grille, featuring vertically oriented, faceted blades.

Available in Premium, Technology and Limited trim levels, power for the Cadenza is generated by a 3.3L V6 gasoline engine. Torque is communicated to the front wheels via an electronically controlled eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, Sportmatic and Smart Shift and Drive.

The Cadenza rides upon a strong foundation with a body structure composed of more than 50 percent Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) — more than twice the amount used in the outgoing model. With an increased use of structural adhesive and hot-stamped components, the sedan’s structural stiffness has been increased by more than 35 percent, helping improve driving dynamics. Thanks to the use of aluminum instead of steel in areas like the front steering knuckles, the overall chassis is lighter, while larger bushings on the front and rear subframes improve lateral stiffness and NVH characteristics.

Further improving the ride are Amplitude Selective Damping (ASD) shock absorbers that maximize ride comfort without sacrificing stability in addition to a Hydraulic Rebound Stopper (HRS), which works to provide a smoother ride over harsh or broken surfaces. The retuned suspension has improved the Cadenza’s lift coefficient (the up-and-down forces exerted on a moving vehicle), resulting in better high-speed stability and handling.

Inside the passenger cabin, a thoughtfully redesigned interior features higher quality materials than the preceding model and improved levels of craftsmanship throughout. Like the exterior, the Cadenza’s soft interior contours are offset by sheared surfaces. Kia designers visually widened the Cadenza’s interior space with a wraparound dashboard that flows into the door panels and features real stitching. The door panels themselves have been adorned with higher quality soft-touch materials, while soft leather envelopes the Cadenza’s cabin space. Nappa leather trim is available with quilted seat bolsters accented by diamond-shaped stitching.

For 2017, buyers have greater opportunity to customize their Cadenza, as a dark brown leather trim interior color has been added, bringing the total number of color combinations to four. Like the outgoing model, the White Package remains an option, but has been upgraded with a new black wood-grain-style trim finished with a pearlescent sheen. Brimming with technology, the cockpit is designed to provide a more harmonious human-machine interface with ergonomically intelligent design, intuitive controls, and a suite of enhanced convenience features that make the driving experience enjoyable and effortless.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 112.4; overall length: 195.7; width: 73.6; height: 57.9
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.3L V6 – 290 hp at 6,400 rpm and 253 lbs-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm.
Transmission: eight-speed automatic with Sportmatic manual shift mode
EPA Fuel Economy: 20 city/28 highway
Cargo capacity: 16.0 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, outboard rear-seat side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, traction control, electronic stability control, hill-start assist control, side-impact door beams, immobilizer, front fog lights, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, rear view camera, Smart Key with push button ignition, Smart Trunk and tire pressure monitoring system. Technology adds LED Bi-Function projection headlamps, LED front fog lights, automatic rain sensing windshield wipers, navigation system, HomeLink garage door opener, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, rear parking assist system, high beam assist, autonomous emergency braking, advanced smart cruise control, lane departure warning system, and forward collision warning system. Limited adds surround view monitor and head up display.

Warranty
Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile
Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Kia Cadenza sedan starts at $31,990 for Premium, $38,990 for Technology and $44,390 for the Limited. Destination charges add $900.