2017 Kia Cadenza Review and Road Test | DETAILED in 4K UHD!

Whether you cross-shop the Kia Cadenza (also known as the Kia K7 in some markets) with a Toyota Avalon or a Lexus ES, the Cadenza no longer comes across as the "less expensive" option. The previous generation's claim to fame was delivering 95% of the experience for 75% of the price. This Cadenza on the other hand is actually better equipped than the Lexus ES in some ways. How is that possible? We cover the gives and takes in this in-depth review.
0-30 : 2.6 Seconds
0-60 : 6.4 Seconds
1/4 Mile : 14.8 Sec @ 94 MPH
60-0 Braking : 119 Feet
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[@paulzocco7003]

bought a cadenza after being an Acura guy for 15 years. very happy

[@ay3514]

Paul Zocco how is it so Far ?? I think it’s better than Avalon and it’s cheaper

[@GSP-76]

How is the Cadenza holding up? Any issues? I'm trying to decide between this and the Buick Lacrosse...both are equally excellent.

[@ay3514]

Gurvinder Parmar never waste your money on an American car and definitely not a Buick .. cadenza is much better

[@GSP-76]

@@ay3514 Kia has a much worse history than Buick, that's for sure...the Lacrosse is beautiful and drives better IMO. American cars are equally as good as any these days, it's not 1985 anymore.

[@nateavery2875]

Can you confirm the rear seats don't fold. That would be severely limiting on space.

[@slash11lipo]

Alex - The amount of relevant information you manage to squeeze into your videos is second to none and I now find myself watching your videos for vehicles I have absolutely no interest in. Keep up the excellent work!

[@mariowhyte2816]

Eric N Can I tell you!!!! I'm watching these reviews for cars I have absolutely no money or business looking at.

[@imnnet1]

I'm really amazed how thorough and detailed this review. I was looking in many Cadenza's reviews and you are the best. Excellent work thanks a lot.

[@tropicalvevo1094]

If I was rich I would've gone broke with this guy...his reviews are so good that I wanna buy every car he reviews😄

[@jerbsherb4391]

But he reviews them and not necessarily recommends them for purchase.

[@robertbour77]

This is the most comprehensive review of the Cadenza on KZbin! Great job!

[@InvestBetter.]

Kia also won a few JD Power quality awards. I think it won #1 brand in quality overall for 2017

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

You mean Hyundai - they bought Kia over 10 years ago because they could not complete in quality or anything else.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Kia and Hyundai aren't the same company, it's way more complicated than that which is why the brands aren't measured together in quality studies. There was a forced/enticed merger by the Korean government but Hyundai quickly dropped their ownership share to below 40%. The companies share a board of directors and co-own companies that develop parts and supplies but the relationship isn't a simple ownership deal.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

I had no idea the ownership dropped to 40%, thank you for correcting me.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

I also checked what you wrote - it is really really strange. "On the flipside of the equation, the final product decisions for both brands are made by a joint Hyundai-Kia board that meets regularly through the year. And some very similar products - such as the Hyundai Sante Fe and Kia Sorrento - are even produced in the exact same factories." So you are right, they are separate, but the article I looked at states that essentially with the same suppliers and same parts, a lot of their cars are very very similar. "Kia Motors America operates as a completely separate sales, marketing and distribution organization in the United States." However engineering staffs are shared.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

That is correct but again it's very oddly organised. Not all engineering is shared, engineering related to suspensions, crash safety, drivetrains and emissions is shared in a very strange structure that is essentially a separate company that is co-owned. The joint board meetings are theoretically to make sure that the products are different enough to not step on toes. Hyundai and Kia factories are owned separately however each company is free to contract with the other for production needs, that's not unusual in the car world because Mercedes for instance contracts with Nissan to produce Mercedes designed engines in a Nissan factory. (just as one example. )

[@werbrown]

Love this car, money value is spot on.

[@MrJunebug49]

Great review Alex on the 2017 cadenza... my nephew worked for Kia/Nissan and my wife and I were interested in the maxima... but when we drive the Kia Cadenza... for the price and all the upgrades, no regrets and we bought the 2014 no regrets and people are amazed when we drive up and ask us, what kind of car is this before they see the logo... very attractive vehicle, we love ours!

[@ArseneLupin786]

I love u Cadenza. Thanks for another review video of the 2017 Kia Cadenza. 40 mins of Cadenza review essentially. Awesome.

[@howlingwolf125y]

Love the more traditional dashboard layout - with a touch of euro style. Very simple, clear and easy to use. And a nice traditional automatic shifter. Good job Kia!!!

[@baldheadlogic]

Alex, your reviews are simply top notch. Keep up your great work.

[@davids1816]

As someone from the northeast, I'd have traded a few of the luxury items to have had AWD. It's a beautifully styled car.

[@andym1223]

Kia is coming to the top! As much as the German car lovers will deny it, Kia makes a better overall car. My grandfather got one of these 2018 Kia Cadenzas in the limited trim and it is an amazing car. I love Kia!

[@michaelfernandez3341]

Do the stinger when it comes out please 😎

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

This will be my dream car!! Nice job Alex.

[@lajoyalobos2009]

I bought a 2019 Cadenza Technology in blue, totally worth it! My first Kia was a 2005 Optima on high school and that was a great car, it's amazing Kia has gone even further. Also, I think the EPA screwed up on the gas mileage, for the better, I think I'm getting at least 2 mpg better than the 28 mpg it's rated for and when I checked fuely.com, a few other Cadenza owners even had 33 mpg.

[@Paul-lm5gv]

VERY thorough 18 minutes on the 2017 Cadenza. Looking at a low mileage used one in 2022. Good value

[@javonstewart8339]

If you don't mind me asking, did you get it? I'm looking at kias again as I had a 2015 optima for about 6 years until it was totaled recently.

[@shopwithaaron]

Just watched this again....after buying our 2017 Optima SXL and see so many of the same features we got for less...Of course we don't need that much car, but love the exterior design and exacting assembly of all Kias! 2.0 Turbo is lots of fun up the hill to Tahoe!

[@rickmittman1208]

Great Car! I have the exact car that you tested Alex, and I couldn't ask for more car for the money! The 100,000/10 year warranty is a great standard feature too!! Nice Presentation Alex ! Keep up the great work!

[@AltarenGalil]

Damn impressive car. Good job Kia!

[@luism8612]

I’d like to see you try bit**

[@mariowhyte2816]

great review as usual Alex!!! I love how Kia has been blasting into all the segment's with some pretty decent deals and products!!! I think they need to offer AWD on the Cadenza to help set it apart from the competition. Love the layout and the sheer presence of this thing!!!

[@erichessel5255]

Alex, you put together some of the BEST reviews I've ever seen! keep up the great work, I'll be watching.

[@davidwolf226]

Hey, Alex... I so appreciate this review. I've been considering the new La Crosse, but your review of the Cadenza has me re-thinking my options. Thanks, again.

[@gregbarnett7428]

Great thorough review as always. I watch other friends of yours as well but for the all of the information needed and then some in the time allotted you are definitely the king of vehicle reviews. Keep up the fine work.

[@Vik470]

One of the best reviews. Really good comparison

[@cisco9027]

Love the new way you show the comparisons with other brands great reviews.

[@stevewise1656]

I’ve driven this SXL model and it’s a great car. All wheel drive would be nice, though that’s about the only knock. Otherwise, I find nothing at all wrong with the color exterior or interior options.

[@DriveAndBeDriven]

Great review, Alex! I cannot wait until I can review a Cadenza soon, too! The Kia Cadenza seems like a pretty attractive looking offering in its class! Also, it seems to offer a lot of car for your money! You definitely won't find yourself in a parking lot next to 3 Cadenza's, like if you where to go for another entry! You will definitely feel like you stand outside of the crowd with the Cadenza, since many people don't have it! The side profile of the Cadenza isn't my favorite angle to look at it from, but the front and rear ends look amazing! Also, the interior looks very upscale! Keep up the great work, Alex! 👍😉 -DriveAndBeDriven "The Quest To Record The Best!"

[@omarb.3843]

As always, great review with plenty details and comparaciones to similar models.

[@J.Dozen205]

damn bro, you really broke down this car and it's comps unlike any video I've ever seen. good job.

[@falrashed33]

Best analysis ever. Thank you Alex

[@ThinkBeFree99]

That white one in the comparison part of the video is gorgeous!

[@tu6198]

Alex, the screen should be a big bigger but this is by far the nicest KIA interior i've seen.

[@molo1706]

I'm really amazed of how kia is improving really fast , I think koreans car will be better than Americans in few years

[@DigitalYojimbo]

bornfromawish well in his defence "american cars" is a large range you have fiat all the way to Cadillac, Koreans still have nothing to compete with the off road jeeps, pickups and viper/corvette.

[@m1nsoo93]

Because Korea is small country. Korea is smaller than new york state. off roading, pick ups are not needed culturally, geographically for koreans. As for corvette/Viper , performance wise; Hyundai and Kia is planning to start one as N series or something. Kinda rip off from M series of bmw. Keep in mind tho hyundai/kia/genesis is youngest car brand. I am sure they will catch up some day.

[@ThorMaxx]

Mo Lo Korean cars are already are better than American cars.

[@josefsalon4449]

They are already better..!

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Everyone has their own opinion on what Americans make and what other countries make. I own a GM car with over 150,000 thousand and approaching 11 years old and it runs fine. My mechanic tells me it will last me over 200,000 without any major issues - he has over 20 other customers with over 200,000 now and a few over 300,000 now. They all have the original engine and transmission. Those of you who claim American cars are crap are living in the dark ages (e.g. the 1980s through the early 2000s). They had to improve their quality or they would all go out of business. I hope you own these Korean cars that last just as long - many do, some don't.

[@knightmarel]

I really like this car

[@leechap3]

This really helped me, trying to choose between the Cadenza and the Genesis.

[@javonstewart8339]

If you don't mind me asking, what did you chose and how is it holding up? I'm looking at kias again as I had a 2015 optima for about 6 years until it was totaled recently.

[@leechap3]

@@javonstewart8339 I bought a Subaru Legacy

[@alexguy4477]

I would have really loved to see your review on a 2017+ MKZ 3.0t AWD. I looked through a lot of cars around this class and found the MKZ so much nicer, less money, and faster than so much in the slightly used market. Even new, most of these cars dont come close to the same power.

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

This must be my first used car I want to buy.

[@ChuckShiley]

Thanks Alex, I like the information presented and the way you present this information.

[@CMCNestT]

The cheapest Cadenza on Los Angeles dealer lots is $36k without big discounts. You can easily find $5k off on Lacrosse and Buick runs two promotions a year with 17% off. So you get ~$7500 off quite easily. For 2018 Lacrosse has a 9 speed transmission or 4 cylinder mild hybrid starting at $29.5k.

[@Xx1SailorScoutxX]

Great review as always, Alex. I was just wondering why the 9-speed auto in the TLX was listed as a Con when you seemed to speak of it as a Pro?

[@JejblessAnointed]

Please do the Lincoln Continental if you can get one.

[@bj052088meyers]

Another Great review. Thanks Alex.

[@killacamfoo]

Really like a Hyundai inside, hard to tell the difference! Korea is going to take the Japanese brands out soon!

[@acommentator69]

Great video, Alex

[@stevewise1656]

All-wheel drive would help separate the Cadenza within its niche space.

[@AltarenGalil]

it would also make the whole line up more expensive, i think. Most people would be going for fwd anyway

[@stevewise1656]

Jan Šinkovec that depends on where one lives. Within the snow belt, many buy all wheel drive cars. If someone like me would spend 45k on a car, and extras few thousand for all-wheel drive is only going to make the car more appealing.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Buy the Hyundai version in Genesis if you want AWD - the parent company sells the same/similar car there with AWD.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Genesis G80 and G90 are not related to the Cadenza in any way. The Cadenza is more closely related to the Optima and Hyundai Azera.

[@stevewise1656]

Alex on Autos I understand that, though Hyundai does own nearly a 40 percent stake in Kia and the Cadenza would fall nicely within the newly formed Genesis lineup, all the while removing the Kia badge. My larger point was/is as great a car and value the Cadenza is, many will bypass it because of the badge.

[@InvestBetter.]

Very attractive option, but a new Lexus ES is coming next year based off of the totally new and very impressive 2017 Camry. The Lincoln is also a very attractive option, if you don't care about dealership experience, which you won't if you are shopping for a Kia

[@2isadventures]

Nissan TitanWarrior You mean 2018 Camry?

[@davidkwak6193]

Overall package on base trim seems to be more than generous. How will one view KIA for long term ownership (100k + / 6 years +) Alex, suggestion if I may, please include, Nighttime view of dashboard, instrumental clusters, infotainment system. Nighttime view of headlights / rear lights. I understand that some lights are not camera friendly. Thank you

[@wannabedal-adx458]

I notice in your review of the 2017 Buick LaCrosse a few months prior to this one, you listed the 2017 Kia Cadenza as your top pick and the LaCrosse as your 2nd. Here you have the Chrysler 300 as your 2nd pick??? What changed???!?!?! Either way, I do thank you for this review and it's detail. I never knew about the Kia Cadenza until you talked about it while I was researching the 2017 (and newer) Buick LaCrosse The LaCrosse is my pick for next car, due to styling (inside and out), Infotainment, and driver comfort. The Kia Cadenza is a close 2nd for me in this large sedan, almost luxury segment.

[@ahbrian]

I am comparing this cadenza base model and kia stinger base. These two cars priced similar at $32,000. This cadenza comes with v6 but Stinger base comes with 4 cylinder turbo. What would you recommend between these two?

[@A_guan]

If the cadenza had awd, it'd blow everything out of the water...even more

[@TheSpectre2300]

Hey Alex! Great review as always. I totally understand why you prefer the Cadenza to the ES350, but what about the Avalon? I kinda feel like the Cadenza gives you more for your money, but the Avalon gets slightly better fuel economy. What's your take?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I personally prefer the Avalon interior to teh Lexus interior in many ways, but both are a notch below the Cadenza.

[@lee.dongjin7504]

My car is 2017 K7(korea cadenza) hybird very good

[@DigitalYojimbo]

excellent in depth review, you just got a new sub !

[@JurisKankalis]

Great to see the Koreans making such a long way. Just a pity this car only comes as FWD, but that would have been the absolute standard just some 5-10 years ago. And - wasn't long to wait to see Audi resemblence, as soon as the rear of the car was shown. Nevertheless, the audi guy, whatever his name, does a decent job - a good interview with him in the last Car & Driver. Great review!

[@cargueone1971]

They get better each model cycle

[@icantfindit008]

Amazing analysis!!!!!

[@shemrun]

thanks for the great review, but you never showed us the panoramic moon roof.

[@LlyleHunter]

Great review once again Alex!

[@viktorkaramazov9898]

Alex the best :)

[@mountainhobo]

Alex, Chevy Impala is not quite the same segment, but it is large, decent inside, and a bit less expensive. If you were to choose in various trims, what would you choose?

[@williampereira8868]

very well set up and documented also to hear your comments at the end. my chose has come to cadenza, genesis G80 or the 300.

[@ArseneLupin786]

Same. My choice includes the K900 instead of the 300 because a) I don't like it's exterior that much b) K900 is getting huge discounts due to low sales and advertising.

[@XavierUrbinaturtles]

You can usually get a K900 used for the price of this Cadenza. They're such luxurious cars!

[@mahmoudsaber5250]

Alex, please spend more time on interior, with close up on material quality, technology. you can take time off from the part you're driving the vehicle.

[@jonathanbell9349]

Keep it up Alex

[@utterbullspit]

I was expecting this to be a little more luxurious. My 2013 Azera has seems to be just as luxurious as this.

[@JosephWagdy]

Hi Alex, any chance to review the new 2018 or better the 2019?

[@ianpaulhughes]

love your reviews! Any chance you're doing the new LR Discovery?

[@Sjrick]

You can get a lot of Premium Cadenzas on Carvana for 20,000. I was amazed.

[@bdoleza]

Great review Alex! Would love to test drive on of these. Some friends of mine had transmission problems with their Kia, and I wonder how reliable this one would be. That feature set is CRAzY. Front wheel drive is a drag, but then if I have the radar cruise control on, I might nor even notice. I'd have the pano sunroof open ALL the time!

[@jimmacmurdo355]

Alex, another outstanding review. Have you heard whether Hyundai will offer an updated Azera based on this Cadenza platform in the future?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Supposedly because of Genesis the Azera is dead, at least in America.

[@jimmacmurdo355]

Much obliged.

[@section31]

Alex, please do model 3 when it comes out

[@dry509]

Alex which full sized sedan has the best ride and lowest cabin noise?

[@amanti113]

Good design!!!!

[@khoiktran]

nice review, very detailed,

[@maile3510]

Alex, shouldn't this car compete the Buick Lacrosse instead of Lexus ES?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's both. Cross shop data shows the LaCrosse, ES 350, TLX, Chrysler 300 and MKZ

[@maile3510]

Alex on Autos​ thanks. I love your review, very informative. I can't afford the ES with all options i like so I'm considering this car.

[@geethsan1567]

If Kia gave this an AWD, I bet it'd sell well.

[@jerbsherb4391]

The fact that Americans are obsessed with CUV/SUVs means nothing right?

[@jtaesoo_]

Great video, Alex! Do you know when you're going to review the new CR-V?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

jake p we have it now, you can follow along on Facebook

[@rajd1216]

Is it as reliable as a lexus in the long run, that's the question Also, it's 2017 .. what's up with not including LED lights as a standard (not just in kia but all brands)

[@stevewise1656]

Great review!

[@DimachkaS]

Can you do the Impreza please?

[@carolynanddavidcahill4910]

Alex, I really like your reviews. I do have a question on the Cadenza review. In your LaCrosse review you have the Cadenza slightly ahead of the LaCrosse. But in the Cadenza review you put the Chrysler 300 just behind the Cadenza and ahead of the LaCrosse. Why the change. To me the LaCrosse is much better than the 300 in V6 form.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Where the LaCrosse and 300 meet is tricky. They are both very competent but the 300 does have a slight edge when it comes to it's balance on the road. The 8-speed in the LaCrosse we had shifted awkwardly from time to time which was bothersome. On the flip side it's fresher than the 300 and has s bit more usable room inside. I'd say it sort of depends on which version you're looking for. I think I would take the top end 300 V8 over any version of the LaCrosse, but I could also see choosing a lower end trim LaCrosse over the 300 depending on your needs and preferences.

[@shethjones4494]

Although the 300 was updates a few years ago it is the oldest car in this segment. Lacrosse is lighter, faster and more efficient in V6 form and has tech the 300 lacks. Not to mention better visibility. It would be hard to choose 300 over current Lacrosse except if you are going for lowest price out the door.

[@jay-uo2bi]

In Australia we do have the G80, G90 but we don't have K900 or Cadenza :(

[@DJEcchi]

Can you review the new BMW 5 series 2017?

[@Spikejou]

Alex, how would you compare the Cadenza with the 2019 Accord 2.0T Touring? I know the Cadenza is supposedly a step above, but the Accord would be about as fast, and when combining the front and rear legroom they both have an identical 82.7in. Accord also has a slightly bigger trunk.

[@JustxLiving909]

Johan Joubert I have the 18 touring and had many problems may be my car out of all but I’m done with Honda Kia/Hyundai offers better pricing same quality if not better by now for cheaper price just wish Hyundai sold Azera in USA

[@munkeenevahrong239]

Just my opinion, I like the last generation much more looks wise. This is nice but it looks like a Buick to me. I love the tiger nose front end better.

[@accountshanahan]

Please do the new 5 series

[@seany2754]

I still do not get why Kia shrunk the screen between the dials in the 2020 cadenza..... makes no sense and I wish I could have a custom cadenza with the bigger screen

[@vydaily8216]

super presentation thank

[@moshariff6320]

Dejavu??

[@jaffarbaqi]

The Chrysler 300 is let down severely by the not so generous back seat leg room. Why people don't see that immediately is one of life's mysteries.

[@RobHeathers]

Jaffar Abdul Baqi Because so few people ever have people regularly riding with them in the back seat. Most people do the majority of their driving alone.

[@salemsaberhagen8390]

just want the look of the car

[@riselly1]

I grew up with the cheap KIA's of the late 90's and I will probably never own one just because it will always be a cheap brand to my eyes. The younger generations, I expect, will not have that problem as they have only been exposed to the newer models and brand trust is already high with them. KIA just needs to ignore baby boomers and focus on millennials as they build brand loyalty. Eventually millennials will make more money and thats when KIA will really stick it up to the Germans.

[@cargo4441]

I think Avalon might be my choice.What do u guys think?

[@shethjones4494]

this is better across the board

[@Nestle245]

I wouldn't do the Avalon. Most people I see use those as taxi's I wouldn't want to spend money in something I see 20 times per day with a Taxi plate on the back. I would choose this or the Lexus equivalent. I would maybe even choose the new Lincoln MKZ over the Avalon

[@matthewyim1736]

Eh, I'd get the Kia thanks to it's long warranty and comfy driver seat.

[@АртурАрутюнян-ц8ь]

Why not awd...

[@tarassu]

This vehicle is not super powerful nor it will ever drive aggressively.

[@semahj]

Arnis Tarassu I mean awd main focus for people is more grip in snowy/wet conditions not speed.

[@tarassu]

semahj lamons those situations are rare. no need to compromise everything due to those rare situations.

[@semahj]

Arnis Tarassu what are you talking about? I'm likey to get caught in rain or Snow than I am to find myself driving in a aggressive situation that requires AWD. People get AWD to drive in those conditions. I'm not sure in your bring serious right now our trolling with me.

[@tarassu]

semahj lamons As you said rain.... that means you don't understand what advantages AWD gives. There is nothing in the snow. AWD doesn't give any traction when you just cruise on highway in the rainiest weather possible.

[@АндрійКопійчук-ж6с]

Huh, Just only as little as under 45G... B.S. this is whole big 45G.

[@koreymayo8884]

This would be comparable to a Toyota Avalon, as Kia is not a luxury brand, not a Lexus.

[@bluestarkad17]

The cadenza looks decidedly not upscale than the es

[@MrEherndon5]

The lecross looks interesting but the front is ugly to me

[@stockey]

The new Stinger will blow away the TLX.

[@MikeStoddart]

I wish it was AWD.