The Cadenza uses a direct-injection 3.3-litre V6 that makes 293 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic and with front-wheel drive only. The company makes some very good engines and this is one of them, with linear acceleration, quiet operation, and enough pulling power on the highway to get around those who need to be gotten around.
Paddle shifters are included, and while you can keep the shift lever in manual mode, the paddles will also work when you’re in Drive and just want a quick cog swap that will switch itself back to automatic mode once you return to your regularly scheduled cruising. Against published fuel figures of 12.7 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, I averaged 9.8 L/100 km in combined, cold-weather driving.
The platform is showing its age, with a pliable ride reminiscent of some of the luxury models that have long since gone sporty. But it’s still comfortable and presents no drama over rough pavement, and handling is quick and responsive. Overall, it’s a decent family-style sedan.
Value
There’s no doubt the Cadenza offers a value proposition, throwing in a lot of features for the price. But you still need to do your comparison-shopping, as some other automakers have caught wind of Kia’s strategy and are doing the same.My Tech tester rang in at $45,595. Cross-shop the Toyota Avalon—a car that I find a bit more solid and better to drive—and while you get slightly less giddy-up at 268 horsepower, the Limited trim gives you most of the Cadenza Tech’s features for $43,700. Kitting out a Chevrolet Impala with many of the same items will be $44,940, and while it’s $47,400 to get up to a fully-loaded Buick LaCrosse, you also get a head-up display. That’s not to say that the Kia isn’t a good deal for many buyers, but do your homework before you make your selection.
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