Kia Redesigns the Cadenza for 2017

2017 Cadenza (Credit: © Kia)

Several years back, I got a crack at the Kia Cadenza, and I immediately fell in love with it. Sure, the K900 was nice, but its extra heft and its soft suspension was obvious in the corners. The Cadenza, on the other hand, felt sportier and more tossable than its big bro while retaining many of the luxury features. At the 2016 New York Auto Show, Kia has fully redesigned the sedan, giving it a sharper appearance and more features.

The outward changes to the 2017 Cadenza are quite obvious at first glance, but it’s the small details that really make it stand out. Kia focused on increasing cabin room without additional heft, so it widened the body and sat it atop a roughly half-inch-longer wheelbase all while increasing the use of high-strength steel by 50 percent to help keep its weight in check. Visually, the 2017 Cadenza gets new headlights and “piano key” taillights with Z patterns in their graphics, a revised tiger-nose grille that comes in two varieties, and a sleeker look that is enhanced by its more rearward-positioned C-pillars.

2017 Cadenza (Credit: © Kia)

Inside, passengers will enjoy the additional two inches of rear legroom provided by the longer wheelbase and the additional hip and shoulder room courtesy of the widened body. The designers further enhanced the cabin by installing a wraparound dash that connects to the door panels and more.

Luxury is also plentiful in the 2017 Cadenza, as it features soft-touch materials everywhere, supple leather upholstery, available Nappa leather and quilted seat bolsters, a variety of optional accent packages, and additional sound-deadening material.

2017 Cadenza (Credit: © Kia)

Powering the 2017 Cadenza will be the brand’s 3.3-liter V-6 that is estimated to produce around 290 horsepower and deliver enhanced fuel economy. Pairing with this engine will be Kia’s first-ever eight-speed transmission adapted for use in a front-driven car.

The new Cadenza will hit showrooms later in 2016. Stay tuned for pricing updates.