The Kia Cadenza->ke3563 actually started life out as the Kia K7->ke3563 over in Kia’s home country of South Korea. It didn’t make it to the U.S. until the 2014 model year and was essentially a badge-engineered Hyundai Azera->ke1036. For the U.S.-spec version, the Cadenza comes with Nappa leather seats – a luxury normally reserved for more high-end models from manufacturers like BMW->ke178 and Mercedes->ke187, to name a couple. Furthermore, it came with Bluetooth phone connectivity, a navigation system, Kia->ke41 UVO, alloy wheels, and a heated and ventilated driver’s seat. On the outside, the Cadenza featured styling and design cues that were inspired by European models and had Kia’s “Tiger Nose” front fascia to go with Standard LED headlights or the optional HID headlight units. All told, the car had graceful styling and a sculpted body that put it well above what we normally expect in a Kia.

Under the hood, the Cadenza sported a 3.3-liter V-6 with nearly 300 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. There was a six-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment, but inside you’ll find paddle shifters on the steering wheel so you can pretend to row your own gears. All told it wasn’t a bad sedan for a brand that was in the process of reinventing itself as a higher-quality brand. With strong competition coming from models like the Nissan Maxima->ke540 and the Toyota Avalon->ke350, Kia had to put its best foot forward in this segment.

With that said, keep on reading to learn everything about the U.S.-spec Cadenza and what it brought to the table for the 2014 model year.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Kia Cadenza.

2014 - 2015 Kia Cadenza

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2015 Kia Cadenza
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 293 @ 6400
  • Torque: 255 @ 5200
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Unlike all the other models offered on the U.S. market, the 2014 Cadenza features a design language inspired by the European models. Up front, it is distinguished by an aggressive "Tiger Nose" front fascia, quad headlamps flanking the grille, and chrome accents around the grille and the fog lights. The headlamps come standard with LED technology, but as an option Kia is also offering HID technology.

When viewed from the side, it’s pretty easy to distinguish Cadenza's imposing long nose, the long hood and lots of gracefully sculpted lines running from the front-door cutline and going down to the taillights. The side also features numerous chrome accents at the lower portions of the doors and the exterior mirrors.

At the rear, the Cadenza receives standard LED taillights and a new exhaust system with twin oval tail pipes.

New for 2015

- New grille and fender garnish for the Limited trim level

Interior

The 2014 Kia Cadenza targets models from the premium segment, so to no surprise, it offers an impressive level of equipment on the inside. Customers enjoy a cabin that combines soft leather upholstery combined with wood and chrome accents, and an ambient lightning.

The center control has been specially designed to offer the driver the optimum control, while an available large 7-inch high-resolution TFT LCD screen in the gauge cluster showcases a wide range of vehicle information including turn-by-turn navigation and infotainment.

Standard Features:

-Bluetooth

-Wood-trim door inserts

-One-touch automatic up/down power front windows

-Power-folding heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators

-An advanced navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic™2 and UVO eServices

-Back-up camera3

-Warning system

-A premium 550-watt Infinity 4 12-speaker audio system including rear surround speakers and subwoofer

-Standard leather seat trim

-Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat ventilation

-Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start

-10-way power adjustable driver’s seat

-Bluetooth wireless technology.

Premium Package

-A full-length panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade

-HID headlamps with adaptive front lighting system (AFLS)

-7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster

-Premium Nappa leather seats

-A memory enabled 12-way ventilated driver's seat with seat cushion extension for unsurpassed comfort

-Heated front and rear outboard seats

-Heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping steering column

-A power rear sunshade for enhanced comfort and privacy.

Technology Package

-19-inch alloy wheels

-Electric parking brake

-Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC)

-Water repellant hydrophobic windshield

-Radar-based Blind Spot Detection system (BSD) and a Lane -Departure Warning System (LDWS) that provides audible and visual alerts to the driver should they inadvertently veer into another lane without using the turn signal.

New for 2015

- Flex Steer

- Surround View Monitor

- New LED lighting elements

- New analogue clock design

- Additional chrome trim pieces

- Standard eight-way power adjustable passenger seat

- Updated Technology package with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Engine

Under the new Cadenza’s hood, Kia installed the most powerful V-6 engine it’s ever offered, a 3.3-liter version with an output of 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 255 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. The engine features technologies like direct injection (GDI), dual continuously variable valve timing for improved fuel economy and performance, a maintenance-free timing chain, and a three-step variable induction system for enhanced torque.

The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with a Sportmatic manual shift mode and paddle shifters flanking the leather. All the power is sent to the front wheels.

As standard features, the model is equipped with a sport-tuned fully independent suspension with a McPherson strut setup in front and a multilink rear design, and a High Tensile Steel (HTS) system which helps improve torsional rigidity.

Driveline Specifications:

Engine

3.3-liter V-6 GDI

Horsepower

293 @ 6,400 rpm

Torque

255 pound-feet @ 5,200 rpm

Transmission

Six-speed automatic w/ paddle shifters


Prices

Kia starts the 2014 Cadenza off at $35,100. Buyers can opt for the Luxury package for $3,000 and the Technology Package for an additional $3,000 -- Technology Package requires the Luxury Package).

Pricing Details

2014 Cadenza Premium

$35,100


Package Details & Pricing

Luxury Package

$3,000

Includes:


-Panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade

-HID headlamps with Active Front Lighting System (AFLS)

-Nappa leather seats trim (beige or black)

-7-inch TFT LCD meter cluster

-Ventilated driver's seat

-Heated rear outboard seats

-Heated steering wheel

-Power tilt and telescoping steering column

-2 position driver's seat memory including outside mirrors

-Driver's seat cushion extension

-Power rear sunshade

-Integrated memory system (driver's seat, outside mirrors, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel)

-First aid kit


Technology Package

$3,000 (Requires Luxury Package)

Includes


-19" alloy wheels with P245/40R19 tires

-Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC)

-Blind Spot Detection system (BSD)

-Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)

-Hydrophobic glass (front door windows)

-Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with auto hold


White Interior Package

TBA

Includes:


-White nappa leather

-Wood grain (window switch surround)

-Premium headliner, pillar trim, rear parcel shelf, and sun visors


Optional Accessory Pricing

Rear Bumper Appliqué

$75.00

Cargo Net

$50.00

Cargo Tray

$80.00

Wheel Locks

$55.00


Competition

The list of standard features offered by the new Kia Cadenza is quite full, but the question is whether it has what it needs to face the very long list of competitors offered in the U.S. market? For example, why should customers choose the new Cadenza, over models with a longer tradition here, like the Nissan Maxima or the Toyota Avalon?

Of course, answering this question just by looking at a few images will be pretty difficult, but we will get back to you once we will test the car. Until then, we will remind you that the Nissan Maxima is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces an output of 290 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, and can be yours for a price starting at $31,750.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon comes in at $30,990 and comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 268 horsepower. It also includes LED taillights, dual exhaust and a stylish new body. On the inside, the sedan features dual zone climate control, an eight-speaker sound system and heated leather seats. Not too shabby for a $30k sedan.