Auto Guide
2020 Kia Cadenza
Used

Review and specifications

2020 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
$18,150
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2020
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated December 4, 2025

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
$18,150
Retail value range
$17,675 - $18,625
Original MSRP range
$37,850 - $43,550
Trade-in range
$15,110 - $16,165

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
197 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
3/10
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: 15023 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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