Review and specifications
2017 Kia Cadenza
Although the styling changes are subtle, the redesigned 2017 Cadenza features an all-new body structure. The new car is based on the Kia Optima, but it is considerably larger, competing with the Toyota Avalon and Chevrolet Impala. The car is roomy and quiet, with easy-to-use controls. Ride and handling are nothing special but pleasant enough. The 290-hp, 3.3-liter V6 is slick and powerful, and the eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly. Higher-end Limited versions include more soft-touch surfaces, real stitching on the dashboard, and available Nappa leather seats. For 2020, the Cadenza comes standard with a suite of safety and convenience systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning and adaptive cruise control. This was also the final year for the Cadenza.
- Market value
- $9,975
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- sedan
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Automatic, 8-speed
- Category
- Large cars
- Generation began
- 2017
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $9,975
- Retail value range
- $8,575 - $10,400
- Original MSRP range
- $31,990 - $44,390
- Trade-in range
- $5,400 - $7,135
Ratings
- Road test score
- 91/100
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 20 MPG
- EPA highway
- 28 MPG
- EPA combined
- 23 MPG
- Tested city
- 16 MPG
- Tested highway
- 36 MPG
- Tested overall
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,615
- Cruising range
- 445 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 2.9 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 7 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 127 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 52 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 196 in
- Width
- 74 in
- Height
- 58 in
- Wheelbase
- 112 in
- Weight
- 3,725 lb
- Maximum load
- 905 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 3 in
- Front leg room
- 42 in
- Rear head room
- 3 in
- Rear leg room
- 31 in
- Luggage
- 4+0+0
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 6/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 5/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Kia
For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento rank near the top in their respective classes for their nice interiors, ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. SUVs like the Telluride have ride comfort, interior space, and overall value that earn it regular placement near the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, ranging from compact sedans up to a three-row SUV. Kia’s reliability scores have been improving, but other brands score higher in our rankings. Specific Kia models have earned our recommendation among used cars.
Vehicle ID: 7685 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.