2014 Kia Cadenza

Nearly 42 grand for a Kia? Believe it. The brand known for budget cars is going after Avalon, LaCrosse and Maxima. Lexus and Acura too. Tom Voelk travels to San Diego, CA to see if it competes.

[@jamelmoore4356]

I never thought I'd find myself wishing to own a Kia! I am legitimately impressed with their latest offerings and this Cadenza's a homerun!!! Very beautiful car! And for $41000 you get a lot of great content!

[@CaptRB]

My friend traded his Lexus for a Kia and he is very happy. When you outgrow the need for badges and just want a really nice car, these new cars are pretty slick and offer more for the money. And when you get sick of dealing with the upkeep of a BMW when the warranty wears out...the Kia looks even better.

[@77rxpharmacy]

This car is for those who are not ashamed to park a Kia in their driveway, and those who can appreciate luxury from a lesser known brand. Sure there may be imperfections and quirks that are common in companies trying to establish its new identity, but keeping in mind that no luxury car is without its hidden cheapness, this car should suit you if you are a daring adventurer.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Actually, I could introduce you to that guy. A friend of mine did that very thing. FYI everyone, Cadenza is based on the same architecture as Azera, Genesis is on a different rear-drive platform. And while Hyundai and Kia share drivetrains and platform architectures, they are two different companies. And they REALLY don't like being compared to each other. Trust me on that.

[@clarkpetrick127]

The testing they do in these cars in insane, they test the engines at peak load and peak RPM for 300 hours, 12 days then run them for another 72 hours 20% above red line and then check out the engines and there is very little signs of wear.

[@rmwarriors16]

Kia and Hyundai has improved their quality and reliability. While Toyota, Honda, and other Japanese makes has had their troubles. Example, Honda with the high transmission failures from 1998 to about 2003. Toyota has lots of recalls too. While every car maker will have their faults. The Korean car makers in my opinion have closed the gap. Their cars offers a lot of car for the money with a great warranty. From what I remember the average buyer does not keep their cars more than five years.

[@smilesterXtrem5]

Just checked the Kia K9 and I've got to say... I like the design. The Cadenza is alright as well.

[@camaroman101]

yea, he single handedly made kia/hyundai great looking. audi said somewhere in a press event they shouldnt have let him go

[@tomtom5418]

A ton of Audi in the exterior design...peter schreyer's work is fantastic

[@TekTrekgamer]

I have owned the 2012 Kia Optima and a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Aside from fuel economy and some light difference in the ride smoothness the Kia wins hands down for me in terms of drivability and visual appeal. The Hybrid is a lease and looking at this new Cadenza I will certainly be adding it to my test drive list in 2015.

[@vettedude418]

Will bring people through the brand and attract Lexus ES drivers IMO

[@hkimasa]

Well done KIA!!! They should create a luxury brand like Lexus, Infiniti to get customers. Not many people will spend 40K for a KIA.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

To be clear, Peter Schreyer designs for Kia, not Hyundai.

[@nfschijioke]

Kia's new motto: Started from the bottom now we're here!

[@76carmel]

Tom -- and Kia has heated and cooled front seats for the Optima. That's a major gripe for a $40k Kia.

[@urafudgehead]

My girlfriend's mother actually traded down from a barebones 3 series to an Optima with tech/premium packages which give you so much more for the money. Of course, the dynamics of said Optima aren't comparable to the 3 series, but then again, one must admit, most 3 series buyers are simply badge whores. One need only pay a trip to Los Angeles to see. I doubt they purchased their cars because they autocross. Most folks are simply seeking features or prestige...or both.

[@dweber2383]

cant believe that a Kia is 42 k ! Hey tom can you do a review on the 2013 Nissan juke

[@LOGINKPW]

I saw one of these on June 24, 2013. It was in Colorado Springs, CO.

[@Friday702Musicality]

I'd rather get the Optima. This should look way sexier than the Optima being over 40 grand.

[@pattycarljackson]

people do such things all of the time ive seen people go from a Mercedes and Audi to a Hyundai genesis and a sonata. they bought two cars for the price of one. Hyundai an KIA are two companies you shouldn't fuck with. some people just want a stylish car that is reliable with a lot of features and you don't have to spend a hundred thousand dollars on and that is your opinion i respect it and i also find it weird that people go from a BMW to a KIA but KIA and Hyundai must be doing something right.

[@evanganske9240]

Hey Tom! Are you going to review the 2014 Buick Regal and Lacrosse? How about the 2014 CTS and Chevrolet SS?

[@danielpark94]

i would very much get this car for 42k. compared to everything else in the class, i see this as a much better value and i wont be ashamed to be seen in a kia nowadays.

[@RickyJnum1FAN]

I'm really liking this Cadenza, just dont understand why they dont have ventilated passenger seat as well...shouldnt cost much more and with none of the other competitiors offering it wouldnt it be a good addition?

[@christophervaughan2920]

It actually does have heated and cooled passenger seats and ventilated rear seats heated

[@arfer]

Hyudai Excel and Kia Sephia are models from the 90's! They ceased production of those cars over 10 years ago! It's 2013 now in case you haven't noticed. Look at the current Hyundai/Kia models. Every car industry journalist has noticed how much better Hyundai/Kia have got.

[@Aenigmaa]

The moment he said you couldn't fold the seats it went right out of the window for me. Stylish car though. I like the design.

[@teslasnek]

The new Avalon has airbags in the back too and it's seat don't fold down for the same reason.

[@ufookoro1]

Nice car. Do you really have a twin?

[@clarkpetrick127]

you can send it to me the Quoris is coming in November, end of Q3 or start of Q1. It looks sweet!

[@ItzMorphinTime22]

Kia is stepping it up

[@Dark0blivion]

Tom--will you be reviewing the new Kia Forte? Cheers!

[@jamesdavies6120]

Kia is still the most bang for your buck and where its Umma Therma they cost less than what he said. Shout out to the D Rack Red in MLBaseball.

[@JDubbs07]

Tom, who do I send my letter to? I want to buy a Quoris in the worst way...

[@anwalborn]

The quoris is coming with a v8 next year. Can't wait for it, though the cadenza is still pretty epic. Hats off to kia!

[@brian5o]

After seeing your review for this car, I have to say that I actually like it much more than I thought I was going to. I'm still not a huge fan of the name Cadenza however at least it is not a soulless alpha-numeric like so many other automakers are using nowadays. I am surprised that only the driver seat is cooled in this car while both front seats are in the less expensive Optima SX. You would think that at the price that this car is going for, they could have given cooling to both seats.

[@lexusfan100]

nice car ...nice review too. i really like the cadenza. Will got to the showroom when it arrives. However i do not like that gear shift knob. looks cheap. Like on old kia optima. I think kia should change the design of that gear shift knob

[@foxylilmimi]

This is a very nice kia, we have two avalons and i see many interior similarities

[@JohnLegends1]

I really wish the new Kia's handled as well as it looks good. I guess the all new Hyundai Genesis will be the first Korean car to handle well :D

[@christophervaughan2920]

7 years later still handling well 😂

[@clarkpetrick127]

I work for KIA Canada and I can tell you it is coming. It is called the KIA GT it should be here in 2016. google search the KIA GT.

[@somegrinningidiot1975]

Why didn't they make it rwd? WHY?

[@bmwmsport11]

Who goes from a BMW to a Kia optima? Unless you went bankrupt, nobody goes from a luxury brand to a entry level one. Just my opinion. This is a great car though!

[@jaredshelton4718]

The Dream Car

[@chigasaki06]

Sorry, but you're referring to China, not Korea. Don't get it twisted.

[@nirvana922]

Kia is taking over the automotive world

[@bmwmsport11]

and thats what most people do anyways. that also means brands like MB and BMW would never be the worlds largest car producer like Toyota. im guessing only 20% of all people who drive a new MB/BMW/Audi actually own it. and if they do, its preowned.

[@OneOfaKind949]

Ultimately Kia and Hyundai will have to come up with a different brand name like Honda did with Acura and Toyota did with Lexus in order to sell cars in the 40K range in my humble opinion. I still think of Kia and Hyundai as a value brand, far from luxury.

[@DreamMaker_23]

Damn in San Diego I wish I would have known.

[@charger19691]

Kia is here to stay.

[@fickmeindreamcacao]

its rather the sister of azera. you might say it is a cheaper version of the genesis tho

[@AdrianC12345]

Give it at least 320 HP and add AWD as an option and Kia has a winner.

[@77rxpharmacy]

The Genesis and Cadenza are no more alike than the Taurus and the Fusion. In fact Kia and Hyundai are different companies with their own design/manufacturing philosophies (albeit Huyundai does own part of Kia).

[@bentleyspotter]

it does matter if its real wood. its not btw but the car is still nice

[@datrumate7375]

Studying it? I don't see why, they sell the K7 in the middle east and the middle easterner's taste for vehicles is simmilar to that of North America.

[@manyakols9]

10 year warranty? damn

[@venom5809]

It is a nice car. I guarantee you that if they took the KIA badges off the front and the steering wheel, they would sell at least 30% more. Same goes for Hyundai. The KIA badge is just not attractive and looks cheap, does not even have anything to do with the name image.

[@elisicamost5959]

This is a lot of car for the money.

[@chigasaki06]

Don't feel bad for them. I'm sure the money saved by fewer visits to the mechanic can make up for any money they've lost in this economy, lol.

[@JakeRoot]

5:41 I see Boris Johnson in your face, Tom.

[@tyboogie1982]

It's a hot car, but I can't fit in it. It's funny how I can fit in my 2012 Nissan Altima with no problem but not the Cadenza. Kia needs to learn from Nissan by making vehicles that will accomodate tall guys like me. 6'7

[@DestDroid]

Wow thats one hell of an unlucky flat!

[@abelardom9]

BMW and Mercedes are nameplates only with tons of technology, but most of the times are at the shop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i rather have a Lexus and or Toyota and i know it would be worry free for a good long time...the only way i would own a BMW, Mercedes and or Audi is if i lease them and return them in 18 months...lol

[@RealtimeReviews613]

Kias are getting expensive and are charging for all the options now

[@ssr1680]

This is alot od car dor the money.once people get over the Kia badge and test drive the cadenza they will be impress.

[@AMDX1325]

I've sat in it at the auto show, it felt really cramped for me and I'm only 5'11...And the material quality didn't feel like it could command such a price...

[@kanamekuran23]

AMDX1325 you aren't alone. I'm 5'5 and I felt cramped

[@arfer]

All those who dismiss Hyundai/Kia are forgetting how Toyota and Honda used to be written off in the 70's/80's as cheap and terrible vehicles. Car brands do change. Look at Skoda's rep in Europe now compared to 20 years ago.

[@DrEvilToBe]

Too bad this is not AWD,then i will buy one!!!

[@vaztion]

would be nice if they bring the K9! xD

[@khalilelmeghraoui1386]

elle ressemble à nouvelle maserati quattroporte

[@clarkpetrick127]

KIA infact are ranked 4th in North america for resale value just above ford. 1. Honda, 2 Toyota, 3. Subaru, 4. KIA , 5 Ford. maybe get your facts straight next time.

[@clarkpetrick127]

BMW 7 series $120,000 KIA Cadenza with more equipment 46,000

[@TerryFilming]

Azera.

[@philiphoang5652]

Kia bring us the quoris now

[@poooooow]

you will get more out of your money - that's the case

[@Dankcatvacs]

cheaper than Avalon ?who would buy an avalon

[@Dankcatvacs]

if you have to ask if that's real wood i have bad news for you....

[@castanedajr61]

i dont believe that bmw owners would change their car for a kia

[@dontex7]

Too much Bmw 5 -7 series styling just can't see myself paying over $40,000 for a Kia unless it was unique

[@KuyaArbee]

A kia for 40k...... I'll pass

[@DallasLuvster]

I'd take an Acura over that anyday for that price. Still looks like a Optima in the back and has that ugly grill in front.

[@riyadhal-zahrani8277]

YAH NOT FUCKING HYUNDAI

[@SuperDOK89]

dat 144p quality

[@thorazine5447]

hondas were ALWAYS built to last and serve well dating back to the first models in the 60s. you certainly cannot say that about kias and hyudais. and like i said take 500 2012 elantras and 500 2012 civics and see how many elantras are on the road in 15 years. today ALL car companies are building desirable competitive cars unlike in the 90s where hondas and toyotas were so far ahead of everyone else so the fact that kias have swoopy bodys and soft touch interiors aint shit

[@kulwinderjohal5543]

Looks nice but kia has horrible resale value, fuck kia.

[@abelardom9]

yes of course if i owned a BMW and or Mercedes i would definitively would trade it for just about anything else..especially if it had 100,000 miles warranty. those two cars mentioned above alongside the Volkswagen's are worthless..they can be very sport and tons of technology, but what good does that do for you if it's always at the dealership's mechanic!!!!!!!!!!!!!! these are worthless

[@Avalon999ful]

BMW+LEXUS=KIA

[@RealtimeReviews613]

$42,000 for a kia that looks like a Volkswagen/audi with a kia badge. No thanks. Pretty bland and boring. We understand peter shrier was from audi and vw but he steals all their designs. Come up with something new

[@urobulous]

Zine who are you trying to convince? If the products good people will buy it. You sound like you have a Japanese complex bro. And why are you arguing with people on a car review your not helping anyone FYI.

[@schxn]

Hahahahaha.... No. I would not buy a Kia over a Luxury Car.

[@dimiterdakov]

All Asian cars in the segment employ such construction. It's more fuel efficient, saves weight and cuts costs. If you buy a car like this, you will cruise, not race it with. Now grow up!

[@Just-a-guy926]

Your hair scares me.

[@FelipeARdP]

A Hyundai Azera.

[@FjordTrotter]

Kia's K900 is such an awful name. They should call it the Allegra. Yes. Kia Allegra. Or some Italian musical terminology. K900? OMG.

[@cdub3100]

Hyundai Azera clone

[@123Rosko]

whats funny about that?

[@thorazine5447]

look at what chevy has done to the impala or what ford has done to the focus. these are now high quality pieces and the previous models were pieces of garbage so hydai and kia are not enomolies. as a matter a fact the optima and the sonata are consistently ranked at the back of the pack by the big three car mags when compared wiyh their competition aqnd the accord is usually 1 or 2. but for reliability kia and hyundai have not earned shit and nor has detroit. honda toyota are supreme..

[@JAMAICANTECHDUDE]

This car has absolutely nothing on the DL I own a 2013 tl I had a 2007 TL I had a 2007 TSX gave it to my daughter even the 3rd generation is a better car. My next vehicle that I will be buying for my mother will be a Lexus RX 450 hybrid. And then for my father's retirement I will bless him with the s450 4matic benz.

[@Ccleanerable]

The interior is awful

[@thorazine5447]

hondas were always built very exceptionally well and may have been critisized for lack of power style etc.. ever been in a hyndai excel or kia sephia... fuckin asshole. honda ALWAYS built HIGH quality vehicles if a liitle minimalist in the early days. hyundai and kia statrted out building straight GARBAGE..Plus, lets see how many of those over styled optimas are on the road in 10 or 15 years.. hahahahaha