2014 Kia Cadenza Review and Road Test

Kia has big plans for America. The Korean brand that was written off in the 1990s and is best known for making inexpensive cars with long warranties, isn't planning an assault on the mass market. Kia has bigger plans: compete head on with Lexus, BMW and Mercedes. Say what? Yep. By 2017 Kia promises they will be ready. Rather than leaping right into the market Kia is dipping their toes into the murky waters of the near-luxury pool. In many ways the near-luxury segment is a harder place to compete. This segment is full of aspiring brands trying t move up (Buick and Cadillac), brands that are floundering (Acura), brands that are treading water (Volvo and Lexus's FWD models ), brands trying to expand down (Mercedes with the CLA) and brands that have no idea what their mission is about (Lincoln). Into this smorgasbord lands a sedan that managed to be the most exciting car I have driven this year and the most awkwardly named. Now that I have that spoiler out of the way, let's dive into the Credenza. I mean Cadenza.
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[@martymcgrogan]

I have had a Kia Cadenza Premium new since 2014. I like it still after 41000 miles. It is comfy, fast, and most of all, dependable. I admit it wallows a bit in turns, but the engine and trans play well together, and if you hit the gas..... it takes off and will handle most asshole situations. This is a very good Korean.......very good car period.

[@alanparsonsfan]

Feel the same was about my 2007 Hyundai Azera, very reliabe as well as smooth and fast Never did understand why the Cadenza doesn't have fold down rear seats. I use that a fair amount.

[@CPMUNSEY]

Do you still have the car? How’s the reliability been the last three years if so?

[@apocalypznow]

Your car reviews are the best, even better than TFL and Top Gear. No b.s., very informative and straight to the point.

[@immanuelforest2317]

You probably dont care but if you guys are stoned like me atm you can watch all the latest series on instaflixxer. I've been binge watching with my gf lately :)

[@azariahivan3939]

@Immanuel Forest yea, I have been using Instaflixxer for since december myself :D

[@beeazy302]

Great review. I just purchased this car premium loaded. I absolutely love it. I too am a Acura fan but the RL is 20k more and rides about the same. I think this car is a great value.

[@marcmalley1035]

I can't believe how nice this car is. I am really thinking of trading my 2013 Buick Regal Turbo for it. I love the understated luxury

[@cashkenterprises5584]

Why didn’t you?

[@VideoSack]

I came away from this review learning more in moments than running all around the Web trying to piece it all together. Makes comparing like cars, and even some unlike cars, much easier. Great job!

[@Robstafarian]

Your video reviews (I read the site regularly) are getting better every time. The comparison of transmissions, for example, is exactly what I want to see from you (honestly, I don't know how much I would care if someone other than TTAC was reviewing a car). I can pretty much guarantee that the SkyActiv-D Mazda 6 is the most I would spend on a car (inflation aside), but I watch (and read) all of your reviews anyway. Thanks again for your good work.

[@W65B61S]

This is a fucking awesome review. Other car reviews are so generic compared to this one. Learned some cool stuff on the kia, goodjob!

[@davekeys5926]

Just found your reviews, outstanding & informative. Gotta give this Kia a serious look. Adaptive cruise is really important option for me, thanks for the extra comments on it!

[@miami428]

Great review Alex . Kia really did a good job with this car.

[@munkeenevahrong239]

I just bought a 2015 with the luxury and technology option. 12k mi and all for $21k. Excellent car. Two glaring omissions: no daytime running lights, no remote start. 🤔

[@gemneyebable]

2015, 24k miles, $19k

[@jaykeefer3986]

Remote start is standard push lock button 3 times

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Kia's resale value has been improving and is likely better than something line Lincoln at the moment.

[@gemneyebable]

Just got 2015 premium with some options, 24k miles, @ $19k!!! I like!!

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

I'm thinking of buy an used 14' Kia Cadenza.

[@markd4754]

Hi Alex, Recently discovered your channel and think you offer the best reviews available. They are seriously more relevant than anything I've read in R/T, C/D, etc. Glad to see you are reviewing cars the average person can afford as well. My dilemma - Was all set to buy a 2014 Cadenza limited. Then saw our local Hyundai dealer discounting the 2014 Genesis R spec to the point where it is only $2000 more than the Kia. I'm leaning toward the Hyundai, but realize it is the last year of an old style while the Kia is the first year of a new style. Important to me is a good a/c as we live in the southwest, enough power to avoid accidents, and a rear seat that we can travel with another couple for short distances in comfort. Being retired this car won't get a lot of miles and will be used as a daily driver so gas mileage is not a big factor. Your opinion greatly appreciated!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

That's a tough choice. You'd be trading the power and the driving fun factor (Hyundai) for the car with more modern technology and better fuel economy (the Kia). Personally I think I'd lean more toward option number there which would be the 2015 Genesis. Aside from that I think the Cadenza would tempt me more.

[@markd4754]

Thx for quick reply. You saved me some money. Will continue driving the V50 until next summer then look for a deal on the 2015 Genesis. BTW, I'd like to see your review of the new Renegade when it hits the market if possible.

[@NileshR12]

The Cadenza has a ventilated passenger seat as well according to the brochure from Kia

[@johnnyr25]

I lament that this isn't RWD, but this is pretty well executed and good value.

[@kc5077]

Another good review. I would love to see a review of the Toyota Tacoma DoubleCab with the 4 cylinder. There seems to only be reviews of the V6.

[@ngb802]

i love all your reviews, i love the amount of detail you include!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Forester is on our list but since we did the Jeep GC Summit recently it may be a while until we get the Laredo.

[@mujipooh]

Would definitely love a video of the Forester as well. Your videos are very excellent and informative.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I am working on the Q50, it is high on the list but Infiniti doesn't have any specifics.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I'll have my hands on the Corolla in about 3 weeks and I'll see what we can do about the Mazda 3

[@ThousanWhite]

Great review as always. I'm looking at so many options right now and I would actually prefer getting the Cadenza so that I don't get lost in the huge crowd of vehicles already over-populated by Lacrosses, Taurus, Impalas, and Avalons. Let me choose something different.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I'll see what we can do, if we did look at the Passat it would probably be the TDI model.

[@arfer]

Great review. Very well organized and performed.

[@Dark0blivion]

I think my main concern would be resale value. As you say at the end of the review, the badge is a factor. Even if the up-front cost is cheaper than its competitors, I have to wonder how much more rapidly it would depreciate.

[@dyarom4575]

You are good for this job to make review for brand cars:)Bravo!

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

If I want a used car?? This is the right one.

[@yurieu5872]

This car aged so well!

[@zenninom]

Good stuff. Echoing the desire to see the new Infiniti Q50 reviewed - especially the hybrid AWD one.

[@Azmodan911]

Great review. I would also love to see a review of the Infiniti Q50...and also the Kia Forte Turbo when it's available. Thanks again!

[@MALJR247]

Like your videos. Just would like to know how you measure the legroom in a car? This is important to me. you say the front is set for a 6' 5 person how did you do that.

[@chigasaki06]

Great review as always. Btw, where are you? Those of beautiful albeit a little scary looking mountain roads. It looks like there are no guard rails, lol. Also, I can't wait for your Infinity Q50 test.

[@jsiszero]

stellar review

[@LarryBirrd]

Hi Alex! This is an amazing review, as always. Can you please do a review the 2014 Toyota Corolla and 2014 Mazda 3 please. Thanks!

[@daetronbeverage-sanders5348]

I love this car.

[@sato4kaiba]

Good work Alex, nice video

[@tknight7]

Alex you did a brilliant job explaining the details of this Kia, and I was really leaning towards the Acura RLX..

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I'll do my best!

[@quincywashington4395]

Excellent reviews

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Kia version of the Genesis will be RWD when it arrives in under a year.

[@kens97sto171]

I think this is an all new engine.. But I could be wrong... I think it the same one that is in the Sorento. Saw a review of that car, TFLC I think did the review. They mentioned how much better the all new engine was compared to the last one.

[@tochjo772]

wow this was great review

[@djejnyc]

Good stuff Alex!

[@johncornharvester]

cant wait to pick one up after 80% depreciation.

[@kittyhicks604]

Do all the 2014 panoramic sunroof?

[@siic]

Will you do 2014 jeep grand cherokee laredo ada 14 forester xt ?

[@messi1068]

At 9:32 on the top right of the screen it shows how fast you are by numbers. How do i make that show up on my car. I have the 2014 cadenza just like this bideo. Same features execpt the side break and the auto command thing

[@picard120]

can you replace the sound meter? I would like to know sound level of next reviews

[@yoshigolfer1512]

I would like to request you to review 2014 Volkswagen Passat !!

[@shbjac]

Thanks for a great review. May I request that you review the Hyundai Azera and compare these two.

[@gemneyebable]

Cadenza BETTER

[@yoshigolfer1512]

Is there any plan to review Volkswagen Passat ? Thanks :)

[@peipeizhao4637]

good review!!

[@anthonyambroise72]

2014 vw passat sel review?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I just grab a co-worker that is 6'5, jam him in the seat and ask him how it feels. I prefer that over the static numbers because how the manufacturers measure seat room varies somewhat.

[@Waleed90wm]

It cost less than 33000$ in my country, but it comes only with one option and many technologies were removed :(

[@onefugowie]

one thing go to the dealer and grab the bottom of the grill and pull up and down on it trust me it will move quite a bit seams like its going to fall off

[@Kogaion78]

how fas is shifting time plz ???........for ex. smg-3 is 65ms min. ohh....and can't they [put reglable suspension with like 3 poz. s-m-h ???.......

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

As for the feature set strangely enough the cadenza is available with equal treatment for the passenger and the driver. Right now the package where this is seen may or may not be on the American market but it does exist. You can see it here: It might be a Saudi Arabian spec for now: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eom9f6t9jdaalw...

[@Dark0blivion]

I realize that practically no car is an investment due to depreciation. However, if you're the kind of person who trades in a vehicle every 5 years or so, resale value should be on your radar as a consideration. Having said that, if you're wealthy enough to afford a luxury sedan, it's probably not going to be a big deal.

[@Waleed90wm]

I really like your review , could anyone tell me what is the button described at 6:51 (last one in the group of buttons), I did not understand the word he said, My English not that good :(

[@nightkiller2567]

Waleed90wm it is for the rear sunshade. I am probably 3 years to late

[@JamalAlii]

Night killer25 And I’m three years later than you!

[@tknight7]

Alex I saw your video on the Kia Cadenza, Acura RLX and this car. You really gave me a lot to think about {KIA Brand). Truthfully is the Cadenza a better buy than the RLX for the money? I'm looking for a quiet and comfortable ride. I like the Mercedes because of the gas mileage, and it seemed more quieter than the RLX and KIA.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's always tricky to compare apples and oranges and in some ways Acura and Kia are different fruit. However, the RLX vs Cadenza comparison is a bit more appropriate given Acura's near-luxury image and Kia's push up market. Since Value usually excludes the "cost" of the brand, the Cadenza in top level trim is certainly a better value. You get much of the same feature content and luxury feel for considerably less. There is obviously value in the brand, but that's a very personal calculation. If you're looking seriously about the RLX, then an intriguing alternative would be the brand new Kia K900. It's 60-66K and you get a bigger vehicle than the RLX with more features and gadgets than Acura offers like self-closing doors, reclining rear seats, etc. The new K900 should make Lexus very, very worried.

[@tknight7]

Yeah but the gas mileage stinks on the K-900. Maybe I will wait for the 6 cylinder. That's the only reason why I didn't buy the Hyundai Equus (23 Hwy 15 City).

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Tommy Knighton That's quite true. Kia's research indicated that most shoppers wouldn't mind, and they are probably right but I still wish there was a more efficient option. You could also give the Volvo S80 T6 FWD a look, the new 2014 model gets the new engine series and 8-speed automatics. It's not the value that the Cadenza is but it's a better buy than the Acura RLX.

[@tknight7]

Okay I will look at it. Do you know if Kia will be making the K-900 in a 6 Cylinder engine? If so that will be the car and if not I'm going with the Mercedes Benz E 250 Twin Turbo Diesel engine

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Tommy Knighton Kia doesn't seem inclined at this time, the 2015 Genesis which is closely related does have a V6 option however.

[@elisicamost5959]

What would be the difference in driving feel between the 2014 Cadenza and the 2015 Sonata?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Cadenza is tuned slightly softer. It's a bigger car designed to compete with the Avalon, Impala, Taurus etc while the Sonata is more Accord/Camry/Fusion sized.

[@StormAutoAdventures]

+Elisi Camost I also read that the Cadenza has more aggressive gearing than the Sonata. It has more luxury features as well. I think it's much better looking than the Sonata in my opinion.

[@elisicamost5959]

IrishChris1979 Yes, it's much better looking. It will be a great second hand car after depreciation.

[@MrAboaoof]

Thank you :)

[@fungaming4k]

both seats in the front heated and cooled - - just a heads up

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Not in the USA. Possibly in other markets they are but at 6:35 you can clearly see that the driver has a 3-position heated/cooled seat while the passenger has a 2-position heat-only seat.

[@fungaming4k]

usa yes only the SXL model - the one in vid. is the base car - and yea that what it shows at 6:35 but i was just amking a point that u can have cooled seats both front seats if u get the SXL version

[@syenosis]

Corey Bruno The new version has both seats cooled but this only happened halfway through the model year

[@fungaming4k]

syenosis it was with the SXL model--now its the Limited

[@braincrisp1]

Anyone here know where one could purchase a rear spoiler for this car?

[@munkeenevahrong239]

I've seen them on line somewhere. There's two, one on the back glass and one on the trunk. Looks sharp.

[@Fussinated]

Hi Alex, When you speak of the ZF transmission I deduce that you are talking about the 'ZF 8HP transmission.' Have you had opportunity to compare this transmission with GM's 'GM 8L90 transmission'? If you did, how do they compare to each other?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Not yet but hopefully soon. Based on the designs I have seen I suspect the 8L90 will be just as smooth and perhaps a hair faster.

[@nmende00]

By having a 6'5 person sitting in the front seat and having them adjust it

[@MrSharingINFO]

New in Kia's application, but it's the same old leaky Hyundai 3.3L V6...

[@1dlb]

great car ... very refined

[@ThousanWhite]

The first thing I'm gonna do if I get this car is to change the tires.

[@munkeenevahrong239]

Don't like those rims?? Icing on the cake for me.

[@Fussinated]

Alex the car looks like to you like an Audi because you know the designer is Peter Schreyer, you can't pass that he was a European and former Audi designer. And, of course, you had to mention the name Audi doing free Audi commercial. Do Audi guys pay you for that?

[@eotikurac]

the suspension is kicking the breath out of your lungs and you call that moderately firm.....

[@TheTallMan50]

This car is probably riding on the optional 19 inch wheels. Go with the standard 18's if you're planning on buying this car. Problem solved.

[@munkeenevahrong239]

Mine has 19" wheels. Maybe a bit firm, worth it for the handling. Kicking the breath out of me? Lol. Try a Range Rover. Adjustable ride and twice the price.

[@SethV0812]

You can change the logo, another great thing about KIA's. All it takes is some floss and 15 minutes

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

This is the fully loaded Cadenza with matching seats: /DXZNxGXqgag

[@tomanderson5863]

Cars are not investment.. get over it.

[@helwestibrahim167]

Waw