2017 Kia Cadenza SX-L - Redline: Review

As the full-size sedan segment continues to shrink, Kia takes a big risk with an early redesign for the Cadenza sedan. Slightly bigger than the best-selling Optima, this second generation features standard V6 power, a swanky interior, and premium looks to match. Those of you who won't be caught dead in an crossover but don't want to spend twice the price on a luxury badge should put one high on your list.

[@liammacdonald1515]

I like this car because it's a luxury car without the stigma of a luxury badge.

[@d.akhtar9080]

oh boy in 2020 one of these babies used will be a great deal

[@stephenhays9264]

They are a great deal!

[@JulioCNY]

Indeed

[@JulioCNY]

@@stephenhays9264 agreed 👍

[@derekaugust872]

These comments didn’t age well lol...it’s a KIA

[@atom0824]

they depreciate like shit. So now im going to buy this 2017 one. Its a steal 😎

[@AveryJH]

Bums me out that people still trash KIA simply by name. I'm no fan boy, in most segments I'd probably buy from different makes, certainly in this segment, but you can't deny some basic truths; by all measurements right now, KIA's are still a value brand. Their reliability according to consumer reports is still top 5, and climbing. In the study for initial quality, they're higher if not equal to Porsche according to JD Power! If you still think KIAs and Hyundais are those nasty Mercedes knock offs that you wouldn't want even your worst enemy to drive, then sorry, you're living in 2001. have fun with your CD players, VHS tapes and your Ford Taurus, the rest of us are moving on without you.

[@MiguelRPD]

Gangrel115 I think the fact that they know the public's perception of them makes me want to work harder to push out better and better cars lol. Like the underground company.

[@AveryJH]

I can always appreciate the underdogs more than the over hyped, over established brands. I'd take the worst KIA over the best Toyota.

[@xxXXXxxFreddyxxXXxx]

Gangrel115 thank you for once someone has said the truth I'm sick and tired of hearing people say but it's a kia or but it's a Hyundai

[@toddmediumwellingtoniii478]

Gangrel115 jd power awards is like a kid getting a trophy for playing, its not a real award

[@ECDT1089-EtheLamborghini]

@Gangrel115 The people that still trash Kia because of their name know nothing about automobiles. So don't pay them any mind.

[@andybub45]

Beautiful car! Its one of the competitors in the car search I am doing with my grandfather. The other one is the Avalon. We shall see! Update: he chose this over the Avalon, Impala, and ES350. About a year later, he still loves it.

[@FirstThirtyMinutes]

Can we please get LED turn signals on the front and back for once! It's always one or the other

[@nigmosh65]

Ayy, what are you doing here?

[@FirstThirtyMinutes]

I like cars :)

[@CARBONHAWK1]

FirstThirtyMinutes no one cares

[@DanielBlaney]

Lincoln seems to be the only one that does that a lot. Even the base mkz has led front and rear turn signals.

[@Jeragon186]

FirstThirtyMinutes Love your vids! Never would have thought of seeing you here!

[@lennys.4588]

I've been dogging Kia for years, over the last year I've really been doing research seeing reliability has came a LONG way and look too. They look really good. I just had the pleasure of driving this car and was super impressed! I'm sold.. Will be my next car, hands down.

[@dlrpanjsi783]

Im korean in korea And i got the limited version when it first came out Great car, and it still works well!

[@davidd1692]

I owned 3 kias and most trouble free cars, and you are not nickel and dimed for features

[@yaknow11]

Exactly!

[@peace1655]

Redline reviews cars for a living , he has great reputation comparing cars. His input is valuable to both the buyers and the manufacturers, his understanding on what today's consumers need is valued in the industry. But You do you, enjoy your KIA.

[@IndependentLiberty]

Nice camera stability! Your reviews just get better & better, thanks very much!

[@10tenman10]

V6 with an 8 speed transmission is a great combination,.

[@K_FI_L_Y_P_S_O]

I looooooove my 2014 Cadenza. Can't wait to upgrade to a newer one!

[@yusefjefferson2576]

Just got me a 2017 I love it

[@K_FI_L_Y_P_S_O]

@@yusefjefferson2576 I just wish it had AWD.. but I still love it. Did you get the SXL model?

[@yusefjefferson2576]

Jay Scherbring no I got the premium with the technology package. And yea I wish it had awd too.

[@K_FI_L_Y_P_S_O]

@@yusefjefferson2576 Good choice! I wish I had the Technology Package on mine.. anywho, hope you enjoy it! These engines are silky smooth.

[@EliteTheReal]

@@yusefjefferson2576 fact i giot same package n 2014 too at 128000 runs like it has 10k miles

[@jessekafoxx]

I went from a 2010 Camaro to this after having our baby and I love it.

[@NurNordschleife]

Where you'll make money for value for money is buy one of these on the used car market. I have a 2013 Optima SX and Kia's drop in value faster than you can pay it off. They are still good cars. I bought my Optima with 16 miles on the Odometer and I'm closing in on 60k. Not one issue.

[@tommartin1223]

Love the grill

[@underwood9584]

tom martin taken straight out of Maserati lmao

[@K_FI_L_Y_P_S_O]

I call it the Maserati Grill. Muuuuuch better than the tigernose. Mine has the tigernose and I want to get a newer Cadenza with this specific grille.

[@coureurdebois]

can't believe how far KIA has come, from the bottom to the top in just a few years. well done KIA.

[@VaunShiz]

Justin Bouche it's because ex audi employee are developing Hyundai group cars

[@emirsaracevic]

ex audi are designing stuff, but hardware is made in korea

[@andybub45]

@@VaunShiz best of both worlds. The Korean reliability mixed with German design.

[@themoviebay]

We owned two kias, some of of the best damn cars we ever owned!! 2004 sedona, 2014 optima.

[@gregarioussolitudinist5695]

There ARE people over 50 that watch your reviews. Bring all the models for review. We appreciate it.

[@cassideyousley406]

The Best reviewer on The web. Redline Reviews.

[@bvedant]

Check out Alex on Autos too. Sofyan and he are the gold standard of "everyday" car reviews.

[@kev5525]

That welcoming sound is not annoying man.. its awesome very modern car

[@10tenman10]

It's a great looking vehicle.

[@Paul-lm5gv]

Looking at this as a used car now in 2022. A great review. I'm surprised that he never mentioned the analog clock in the middle of the instrument cluster which is really a throwback! And I would have liked to see how the panoramic sunroof worked.

[@TheMowgli420]

why have LED everything EXCEPT rear turn signals? weird.

[@mikexcanxjerk]

TheMowgli420 some cars if not most cars have it like that it's weird

[@burninbarrelz1079]

I bought a 2015 two weeks ago with 40k miles on it, I'm wondering how long I should expect it to last with regular maintenance and mostly highway driving

[@yusefjefferson2576]

Awesome review thanks it really helped me decide if I wanted to buy one. And I did I got a 2017 Kia Cadenza

[@lakevacm]

A 2017 Cadenza Premium for 27k or a 2 litre 2018 Honda Accord for 31k and change?

[@donovan4105]

I'm just ready for that Kia Stinger GT! 😍

[@UrbexAPeakInside]

I'm looking forward to going tomorrow.

[@chrishuber8930]

Donovan this cadenza willbe getting the turbo v6 eventually

[@MelloHubb]

Chris Huber i highly doubt it. Why wouod they put a twin turbo 370hp v6 engine in a fwd full size car lol

[@Joemun77]

Thats a nice vehicle really like it I love ur reviews.... well u said its borin car to drive but some of us cant drive all hard, dont need no tickets just need a comfortable ride in style like this KIA to take u from A to B 😃😃

[@motaz1975]

that center of the steering wheel reminds me of old bumper car rides. nice looking car though!

[@Jesse-xq4sc]

What is going on with that tach when you floor though? I hate that its sooo jumpy! It doesn't move smoothly at all...reminds me of how the older civic would jump numbers on the digital speedo when accelerating...

[@Pharoh_95]

crossovers have really taken away the market share of full sized sedans

[@MrKarmapolice97]

Really is a handsome car, better than Taurus (which I own),Avalon,Impala.

[@JADEYWADEYMAKADEYPATADEY]

Just a suggestion, can you put the camera on a cart when you film around the car.

[@GSP-76]

The Cadenza is a great car...I was very torn between this and the Buick Lacrosse...in the end I went with the LaCrosse but that in no way diminishes the Cadenza...it's a fantastic car.

[@ethanphan6528]

I bought this car and I love it. It was between this and the Volvo XC90 cause I wanted a lot of interior cabin and trunk space and safe (by IIHS standards) but this felt not as big on the road and I wasn’t sure about trying to park an SUV in tight spaces - Asian female driver here lol. I can also put the 20k I saved to better use (got the technology not limited). The fact that it’s a Kia doesn’t bother me though so that probably makes me an oddball.

[@hededcdn]

Ethan Phan I love you?

[@yaknow11]

Great Choice!

[@geethsan1567]

It being a Kia is kind of like a sleeper-luxury car. Under the radar is what I like.

[@DisneyMusicVideos]

I drive a 2015 Camry with a V6 & I love the smoothness of it very much! All of my previous cars have been 4-cylinders & I never want to go back to one now that I finally have a V6. Much better sounding than every modern turbo 4. I really, really wish Kia would make the 3.3L V6 available in the Optima, cause I really love the look of that car. One of my Co-workers is planning to buy that car sometime soon. One of the best looking family sedans both inside & out. I would have seriously checked one out if it offered a V6.

[@mahinahmed2316]

DisneyMusicVideos Does it make a big difference?? It just 2 cylinder extra

[@chrishuber8930]

DisneyMusicVideos have you tried the turbo 4 from Kia? It's very quiet.

[@robbiehernandez8019]

My main gripe with the turbo in the current Optima/Sonata is that it lost more than 25hp from the previous generation. I know that they wanted to save on MPG, but it makes them a little less competitive against the likes of the V6 Camry/Altima/Accord and the 2.0t Malibu. Same with the Mazda 6 I wish they'd offer a beefier engine.

[@DisneyMusicVideos]

Mahin Ahmed Sounds much better!

[@DisneyMusicVideos]

Robbie Hernandez I agree about the Mazda6! I sat in one & it has the highest quality interior IMO out of all 11 2017 family sedans. I would of checked that car out as well if it offered a V6. It desperately needs one!

[@baloney_sandwich]

Can you lock this car when you are outside and while the engine running? My idiotic hyundai ioniq hybrid won't do it and so I have to leave it unlock while warming the interior in 30 degree weather. So stupid.

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

This still might be my first car to afford one.

[@Xperiments2020]

loved it ! wonderful creation by KIA

[@johnq8135]

Enjoy watching your channel. Who makes your cameras?

[@DestroyerFather]

Amazing Review

[@JorgeOrtiz-rm2hq]

Los automobiles KIA Son confiables, Yo manejo un K900 y estoy muy satisfecho con su rendimiento su comodidad y su potencia los recomiendo a parte de la excelente garantía que KIA Ofrece a todos los que adquirimos un Auto KIA Felicidades a los creadores de esta carrazo

[@201950201950]

this brand is too good looking for their badge. the Kia badge looks cheap

[@greg.anywhere]

jesse diaz they do have the Kia 3.0 emblem

[@MelloHubb]

Yea I agree. I love the new vehicles that kia has been putting out. But I absolutely hate the badge. And not because it says kia but just the overall design of it looks cheap.

[@alexrazmjookhah7625]

Who cares?! Get over the badge! This car is still a beautifully designed and driving piece of automotive machinery.

[@DriveAndBeDriven]

Great review, Sofyan! I cannot wait until I can review one of these Cadenza's, too! I recently reviewed the Genesis G90 (which this vehicle doesn't compete with), but I am curious as to how this vehcile will stand in its segment! I also reviewed a Chrysler 300 (which is more of a competitor), and this vehicle looks much more luxurious in some aspects! Keep up the great work, Sofyan! 👍👌😉 -DriveAndBeDriven 🚘 "The Quest To Record The Best!"

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review...I would pick this over the current Optima which looks water down compared to the previous gen.

[@yaknow11]

Hyundai and Kia have changed the game. You know your business model is excellent when it causes a paradigm shift. You all have Hyundai/Kia to thank for your car makers for now honoring longer warranties. Regarding the bashing of these amazing vehicles, some people will never change. People that can't accept the force Hyundai/Kia is in the automobile industry, are the same people who refuse to acknowledge their mother was once a freak, real estate isn't always a good investment and your spouse wanting to act out new sexual acts , means they're cheating..lol.

[@magick2006]

No resale value and barely last over 200k, naw not worth.

[@andybub45]

@@magick2006 I’ve seen plenty Kias last over 200k. Resale value doesn’t mean too much if you keep your cars for awhile.

[@Guy_de_Loimbard]

Fast-forward roughly 3 years and Kia dealers are putting up to 10 grand on the hood of Cadenzas and 15 grand on the K900s to beg people to buy them. The Azera is already gone (from the North American market anyway) and it probably won't be long before the Cadenza and K900 follow suit.

[@MrJetson2010]

Will you be doing a Niro review? I trust your opinion on the 'fun factor' in an actual driving environment, and I'm not sure the Niro would do the trick for me. Seems to have about as much power as anything in the segment, and the cost is great for such a roomy hybrid.

[@bman_dc]

Unloved kia amanti lol I own one, its one of the best driving, reliable, well built cars I ever own, a lot of cars look similar, nothing wrong with the exterior of the amanti.

[@xdragon1331]

Sofyan any chance you can get some seat time in a Guilia?

[@theredline]

We've requested a Guilia from FCA, a Ti and Quadrofoglio should be entering the DC fleet soon!

[@deepruitt]

Redline Reviews Hello I'm Detrik Pruitt and I am a huge fan of this content. I someday aspire to be an Automotive Journalist and I would like some pointers to get me in the right direction.. I'm young and attend college but I have a love for vehicles.. Thank you.

[@kevinaddington706]

The inset grill looks really nice. I think it resembles the older cars high end cars before the 70’s. It has a more stout look. Is it me, or are the tail lights flickering with the turn signal on? Maybe it’s just from the camera?

[@andybub45]

Camera

[@packmanplays4945]

Love my girls Optima Ex and this is sooooo nice

[@Nestle245]

It's cousin the Azera has been discontinued right?

[@matthewyim1736]

Yes, because of slow sales.

[@Arctice36]

no, theirs a new model in korea

[@malikemad4]

they still sell it in the middle East

[@mycool5258]

tail lights are like the Maserati...I like itt

[@devindowtin]

Does the lane departure warning have the option to be turned on or off?

[@bienvenu9582]

Yes

[@devindowtin]

@@bienvenu9582 very good thank you brother

[@chrishuber8930]

This engine should be in optima

[@andybub45]

I believe it used to be, but they put a turbo 4 in it just so they could say it’s turbocharged.

[@iloveqatar]

Looks great. But it needs a rebrand.

[@apocalypznow]

I don't think it's the name that's so bad, it's the painted badge that looks cheap. They should go with a real metal engraved badge. It would help immensely with the branding.

[@spiritdegratis]

I'd like to think Kia read your comment and it helped influence their badge redesign 😊

[@dustinmorris13]

Can't they just add LED turn signals to the rear? Having incandescent bulbs when everything else is LED looks cheap. In Canada we only get a full black interior... It looks cheap. It rarely sells up here unfortunately!

[@jirihemelka2653]

Do review about the Lexus LS 2017! Thank you.

[@scooper4885]

2018 Cadenza sxl is a beautiful car just pick up a leftover, and there's a lot of technology in them.

[@japekto2138]

The 3.3L V6 was originally on the much lighter Sonatas and that's where it should have stayed. For heavier cars like the Cadenza, it should have had a more advanced version of the 3.8L V6 from the older Azera.

[@anfbro25]

Would you do an over view of the brands stock infotainment systems? do top of line and then explain what mode fot example Acura would have but not Honda, I do this at my local Honda/Acura store. once a month for new/old cars. This new tech can overwhelm and/or distract them. BTW, BPM is my fav XM station. All of your reviews, its on that station.

[@joelpphillips]

Does anyone know what the plastic/glass rectangle is right in the middle of the grill?

[@SilentHill7257]

Joel Phillips adaptive cruise control sensor

[@joelpphillips]

Oh okay! I figured it must be something like that. Thanks.

[@matthewyim1736]

It's for the radar adaptive cruise control.

[@joelpphillips]

Matthew's Car Corner ah okay thanks

[@andybub45]

Radar sensor

[@trenorth]

Isnt this the 2018?

[@cop2506]

And now we see where the 2020 Kia K5 came from

[@andybub45]

Completely different car.

[@kamalporter706]

When's the Stinger coming out though?

[@matthewyim1736]

It should come out around summer this year.

[@evanwallace1744]

KIA needs a new name or a cool logo. "KIA" just doesnt sound good to me

[@jmanyes]

Evan Is Evan they should use the one they use in Korea I think, it's just a K

[@evanwallace1744]

jmanyes but still if they are gonna make high end cars now they gotta do something

[@jmanyes]

Evan Is Evan I agree, they should do what their Hyundai counter part did with the Genesis.

[@evanwallace1744]

jmanyes i was just gonna say that haha

[@chrisw7188]

how about iKia? :D

[@harisking4468]

Bruh here in saudi arabia the kia cadenza is like the top king of all the cars.

[@asimsg9231]

Not ture!

[@harisking4468]

@@asimsg9231 it's true u should go on instagram and search Cady_18 Check his photos bruh

[@RobertJones-gp3rg]

That noise would drive me crazy 😭even though it’s helping you out, the vibrations would have been better

[@ay3514]

All is missing is the AWD

[@imaverage745]

I could just listen to this guy talk all day long XD

[@yurimartins5866]

Are you from ?

[@sonicbroom8522]

I don't find the 'welcome jingle' annoying at all. I think its cute and thoughtful. Now that 'lane change' beep is a deal breaker

[@otterhead44]

another good one my friend

[@oftenunsaid2175]

This is a beautiful car but I don't think it has good gas mileage. Correct me if I'm wrong but other than that is really beautiful.

[@JustxLiving909]

Often Unsaid really bad to match its lackluster HP

[@andybub45]

It’s not anything horrifying

[@my2011soul]

Everytime he accelerates and burns rubber he laughs and says "that's funny". Why is it funny?

[@bradleymeyer9775]

Can you trim off the welcome chime?

[@GTS300Coupe]

Brad Meyer yes it's in the system settings

[@HeritageCast]

Dude your Audio is jacked. Please use a lav mic or at least a tascam. Audio is king to professional videos.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

Hyundai and Kia bringing both Albert Biermann from BMW and Peter Schreyer from Audi was a perfect decision. Kia has really stepped it up massively 👍👍

[@JD-vh4hl]

who is competing cadenza with? and what about optima then?

[@matthewyim1736]

Well it’s main competitors for the Premium & Technology models are the Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Chevrolet Impala and more. For the Limited model, it directly competes with the Lexus ES, Lincoln MKZ, Acura TLX, and maybe the Chrysler 300 in only upper end trims. For the Optima, the top 4 competitors are the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Mazda6.

[@fatbowe]

...............yOU SAID THIS VEHICLE IS NOT VERY FUN TO DRIVE...BUT YOU DIDNT SAY WHY???............

[@NS416]

Would you pay the 5-6k more and get this over a Maxima

[@that6thgen_2ss35]

Plus 10 year 100k powertrain warrenty and 5 year 50k miles on everything else.

[@507JoseBrown]

Brandon Evans i have a Nissan x-trail classic 2013 (not US car) ,and i have to change the transmition because it has a electronic problem that dealer don't solv ... so i'm a little disapointed about the "jappanese quality"

[@NS416]

Yeah, that's true for sure. Also KIA seems to have a bad resale value, so getting a used Cadenza next year would be a better option then buying right now. They've Genesis 2015 in the high 20's here.

[@aidensnow5017]

I always forget you live by me, I always hit those back roads for fun ^_^

[@poloblueboy]

Aiden Snow where is that

[@PavlovVRGameplay]

his mic sounds odd in this one.. no bass

[@COB2403]

Hey Sofyan is it possible if you could review the Chevrolet Impala? love the Kia Cadenza BTW.Great Review.

[@RomanM803]

the 300c platinum has diamond quilted seat.

[@NOFATCHICK1]

Jaylen Bond but Chrysler is shit

[@jmanyes]

Jaylen Bond so does the 2016 kia optima. I am not a fan of it tbh lol.

[@andybub45]

But that’s a Chrapsler

[@lindenblvd25]

car looks awesome but yes i agree with one of the comments they need to change the name. The problem is that its the cheaper alternative to the ultra luxury brands, and no one wants the cheaper alternative

[@androidwazko9795]

Why does every KZbin car reviewer (except Alex) feel compelled to emit a forced belly laugh when they floor the accelerator?

[@coraline7866]

Also, they may as well offer AWD.

[@coraline7866]

I mean permanent AWD, Acura SH-AWD style.

[@VaunShiz]

no joke , have never seen one of these new Cadenza on the road , spend 5k more and buy a Giulia , already seeing those in the wild

[@andybub45]

I havent seen one either besides my grandfathers. Doesnt make it a bad car. I dont want a Junky alfa romeo

[@tyrindenzel]

“It’s not fun to drive” Smiles and laughs multiple times throughout video We have a KIA hater

[@10tenman10]

Who really needs (or ever uses) a full roof length moonroof? I never use my standard sized moonroof.

[@jacarilamar9560]

10tenman10 I use mine every day! 😌

[@MelloHubb]

Clous von 😂😂😂😂

[@jmanyes]

is this supposed to be the Genesis's sister?

[@507JoseBrown]

jmanyes no , because Génesis is rwd / awd

[@trebors386]

Cousin

[@MEAMERIE]

Azera

[@matthewyim1736]

No, because Genesis is rear-wheel-drive.

[@ibol13l3]

There is no sx-l trim. The trims are: Premium, technology, and limited. Why did you get this wrong?

[@ibol13l3]

And why didn't you update it?

[@richardpaulk1109]

And yet the trunk lid says SXL...

[@LilRick96]

The trunk says SX-L dummy

[@andybub45]

Limited = SXL

[@christianmbabazi9722]

This car is a knockout only problem I have is will the engine last cuz you see too many headlines of key as engines not holding up :/ But other than that this thing is one hell of a bargain

[@stevewise1656]

My god, it’s as if you know nothing about the car. It does have lane keep assist and the decibel test at 60 mph according to Alex on Autos was 67 or 68. I tested one last Friday night and the steering wasn’t numb and I was pushing it hard though turns with little body roll.

[@andybub45]

It does NOT have lane keep assist. It has lane departure alert. Their system doesnt steer the wheel, it only alerts you. Other Kias have LKA.

[@stevewise1656]

Andrew M well, nice to see you responded two years later? You’re right, though my Stinger does have lane keep assist.

[@andybub45]

@@stevewise1656 just responding to make sure others are aware.

[@stevewise1656]

@@andybub45 Okay, I posted this three years ago...

[@kiko6939]

i come to compare my 2017 lincoln MKZ, this is a good Looking car, but i truly love my Lincoln lots more.

[@Zues_007]

dude where u live...nice houses in the back

[@dubv6902]

@16:27 😎👍

[@chillian1985]

Looks like the Maserati grille