TFL Kia Cadenza First Drive video

[YEH]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbGx0f3U_Cc


Just a FD, but TFL seems to really like it.

The previous gen was more a tweener btwn being an Avalon and ES competitor, but this gen seems like a head on ES competitor and based just on looks, much prefer the Cadenza.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Nice car. Definitely appears to be a Lexus ES competitor as opposed to Toyota Avalon. I wonder if Kia will eventually start using new badges the way Hyundai did the Genesis models...

 

[RickA1]

Is this comparable to the Azera? I test drove a 2016 Azera before deciding on the Genesis. Very nice features, but the ride was awful. Harsh as hell. That was a deal breaker for me, and it was a good thing because it made me test drive the Genesis

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Is this comparable to the Azera? I test drove a 2016 Azera before deciding on the Genesis. Very nice features, but the ride was awful. Harsh as hell. That was a deal breaker for me, and it was a good thing because it made me test drive the Genesis

This new Kia Cadenza would be comparable to the next generation Hyundai Azera...

 

[YEH]

According to the early reviews, the ride on the new Cadenza is pretty supple (the ride on the previous Cadenza is also better than on the Azera which is too stiff).

Alex on Autos seems to really like the Cadenza.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwa5LWYb5Ws


Better than the ES and why pay more for an RLX?

Seems like the new LaCrosse might be the only one that has a chance of beating the Cadenza.


Autoguide review.

http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/kia/2017-kia-cadenza-review

2017 Kia Cadenza Review
Kia Builds a Better Lexus

From its hot-selling breadbox on wheels, the Soul, to a chart-topping performance in the latest J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, Kia is a brand on the move.

It’s hard to believe how far this South Korean automaker has come since its U.S. debut back in 1994. The firm’s inaugural models in America were the Sephia sedan and Sportage utility vehicle, products that were, to be polite, cruder than a Howard Stern broadcast. But what a difference 22 years can make. Today, their slogan “The Power to Surprise” rings truer than ever.

Neither does the Cadenza disappoint here, either. Its interior is truly premium and would not look – or feel – out of place in a vehicle wearing Lexus or Acura badges, that’s how well designed and built it is. How things have changed since the mid ‘90s!

But it’s not just room that sets this interior apart, oh no. The materials are unexpectedly rich, with high-quality plastics, richly quilted leather and sturdy switchgear found throughout. It’s also host to plenty of advanced technology.

Kia should think about offering real wood trim on the SX-L variant.

The Drive

Matching its luxury-car interior, the Cadenza is suitably refined when you put it in motion. The ride is smooth and composed, at least on Virginia’s impeccable countryside pavement, though this car is also unexpectedly quiet. The use of laminated glass for the windshield and front doors plus the inclusion of expanded foam in the A-pillars and a full underbody pan help keep uncouth ruckus far from passengers.

Speaking of that eight-ratio gearbox, it’s pretty much faultless. Shifts are promptly executed exactly when they need to be; there’s absolutely nothing to complain about here, in fact maybe Kia should think about selling this transmission to rivals, it’s that good.

Seems like the worst thing about the Cadenza is the steering feel/feedback.

Just wish the US engineers could do as good of a job in calibrating the steering as well as Kia's Aussie engineers.

If this new 8 spd AT is as good as the early reviews make it out to be - H/K wouldn't be able to get it quick enough to their other mid-large models like the Optima, Sorento, Sonata, Santa Fe, etc. as seems to improve fuel efficiency and performance.

Nice car. Definitely appears to be a Lexus ES competitor as opposed to Toyota Avalon. I wonder if Kia will eventually start using new badges the way Hyundai did the Genesis models...

Should use the KDM badges for the higher end Kia models.

Yeah, for those who need something roomy like the Genesis/G80, but don't want to spend that much and don't have an issue w/ FWD, the new Cadenza seems like a very nice alternative.

It'll be interesting to see where the pricing of the RWD GT end up being (I'm guessing somewhere btwn the Cadenza and the G80).

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I bet next generation we'll see Kia follow in Hyundai's footsteps with unique badging or more...

 

[YEH]

Definitely would like Kia to do at least a luxury sub-brand (don't have the resources that Hyundai has), but regardless think that they (as well as Hyundai) should change their badges to something more aesthetically pleasing.

If Kia ends up going that route down the road, would be interesting to see if the Cadenza remains a Kia (as the Azera remains a Hyundai) or if Kia bumps it up to the luxury sub-brand.