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Second-Gen Kia Cadenza Gets an Enhanced Look and Features

(Credit: © Kia)

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Second-Gen Kia Cadenza Gets an Enhanced Look and Features

2017 Cadenza SXL

2017 Cadenza SXL (Credit: © Kia)

Like its sister company, Hyundai, Kia has been trying to become more refined over the years by releasing the luxurious K900 and the Cadenza near-luxury sedan. Even Kia would admit that the looks of the Cadenza are a little too blah to truly compete with the luxury brands from Germany, and it’s doing something about that with the unveiling of the second-gen Cadenza.

The new Cadenza retains come of the shapes of its predecessor, but there are distinct differences in this all-new sedan. The biggest changes are up front. This is where the Korean automaker added in two fully redone tiger nose grilles. Lower-trimmed models will get a Diamond Butterfly grille, which is similar to the rest of the Kia lineup, but with unique styling, while higher trims get a new grille with concave vertical bars.

The roofline is also new as Kia extended it more than two inches toward the rear, giving it a swoopier look. Also new are the headlights with Z-shaped running lights, piano-key LED taillights, new chrome garnishes on the trunk lid, mirrors and rear-quarter windows, and new chrome molding on the body.

2017 Cadenza SXL

2017 Cadenza SXL (Credit: © Kia)

In terms of size, the Cadenza is the same length as its predecessor, but it has a longer wheelbase that enhances rear-seat legroom by half an inch. Kia has also widened the body and lowered it slightly, which contributes to its reduction in drag from 0.29 Cd to 0.28 Cd.

Like the exterior, the 2017 Cadenza’s cabin gets a full overhaul. Kia started things off by visually widening the interior by using a wraparound dashboard with a flatter face. There is also plenty of high-end dead cow slathered all over, including on the new door panels. For those looking for more upscale hide, there is also available Nappa leather with diamond stitching. Buyers will also find a lower driver’s seat for a sportier feel, an extended seat cushion, improved seat warmers, a new steering wheel, a new heads-up display, a new Surround View Monitor, the new-generation UVO system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an optional 12-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system.

For the new model year, the Cadenza gets a revised 3.3-liter V-6 that sees its power drop from 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque to 290 ponies and 253 pound-feet. On the good side, the Cadenza does get a new eight-speed auto transmission that is lighter than the six-speed that preceded it and its fuel economy is improved to 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined—these represent increases of 1 mpg city and combined.

2017 Cadenza

2017 Cadenza (Credit: © Kia)

Rounding out the changes is a more rigid structure that is now 50 percent advanced high-strength steel—double the amount used in previous years—that helps keep occupants safe and enhance agility. In addition to this added structural safety are other electronic safety features like smart cruise, forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot detection.

In 2016, the Cadenza was so close to a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS as it received “Good” ratings in all tests that the institute put it through—it only lacked the small-overlap and front-crash prevention tests. These changes may be the boost the Cadenza needs to finally earn this ranking.

Kia has not revealed when the new Cadenza will hit showrooms, nor did it mention a price range. This should come at a later date.

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