Oppo Review: 2017 Kia Cadenza Limited

"Jagvar" (Jagvar) 05/06/2020 at 11:52 • Filed to: oppo review, Opporeviews, Review, reviews, Kia, kia cadenza

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When Volkswagen revealed its Phaeton luxury sedan to the world in 2003, Forbes asked professor of advertising James Twitchell just who would buy it. He paused a moment to ponder the question.

“It’s the people who go into Starbucks because they like the coffee,” he said, “But pour it into a generic cup because they don’t like the label.”

We all know how well that philosophy worked for Volkswagen.

Consumers, particularly Americans, are remarkably predictable. Sure, they like their coffee, but the label is what they like most about it. So it goes with cars. Comfort, performance, and technology are all well and good, but how will you impress the neighbors without a blue propeller or three-pointed star on the bonnet?

It’s that mentality that dooms cars like the Cadenza before they even come to market. But Kia, undaunted, brought it to America anyway. And I am so glad they did.

I’ve owned this 2017 Kia Cadenza Limited for six months now, and it shares a garage with one of those aforementioned !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . I don’t drink coffee, but if I did, let’s just say I wouldn’t care what label was on the cup.

First, the exterior. Despite being a pretty sizable car—more than 16 feet long and tipping the scales at 3,800 pounds—the Cadenza looks deceptively svelte, thanks to a streamlined design penned by Peter Schreyer. Not surprising when you consider this is the man who brought us the Audi A6 in 1997 and the first-generation TT a year later. Schreyer introduced the “tiger nose” grille to Kia, and no car in the company’s lineup wears it better than Cadenza.

That grille design differs slightly based on trim level. The Cadenza is available in three trims: Premium ($31,990), Technology ($38,990), and Limited ($44,390). If you want your Cadenza to sport the faceted blades of Kia’s Intaglio grille, then you need to shell out for one of the latter two trims.

Which brings us to the interior. Sit inside the Cadenza, and you’ll appreciate just what the higher trim levels provide, especially the range-topping Limited. This particular Limited model, finished in metallic Gravity Blue, includes the (Limited-only) White Quilted Nappa Leather package. The diamond-stitched bolsters provide a touch of refinement you wouldn’t expect in a car under $50K—indeed, no other car in this class offers diamond-stitching, save for the Nissan Maxima Platinum. The Black Pearl “wood-style” trim is synthetic, but it looks as close to the real deal as you can get without felling an actual tree. The 19-inch Dark Satin alloy wheels help to further separate the Limited from lower trim levels.

The real ace up the Cadenza’s sleeve is its technology. Those raising an eyebrow at the Limited’s $45K price tag should start to understand when they see just what they’re getting. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Heated steering wheel. Power rear sunshade. Eight-inch LED heads-up display. A 630-watt, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Adaptive cruise control. Adaptive high beams. An expansive panoramic sunroof. A 360-degree “birds-eye” camera view. In Limited trim, the Cadenza easily rivals entry-level luxury competitors like the Lexus ES, Lincoln MKZ, and Acura TLX. But it doesn’t wear the luxury badge—without that, there’s not much it can offer to woo those consumers seeking brand prestige. Lower trim levels compete more directly with premium-class sedans like the Buick Lacrosse, Chrysler 300, and Toyota Avalon.

The Cadenza is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 making 290 horsepower, which is historically the most ironclad of Kia’s current range of power plants. The eight-speed automatic is smooth, but hardly thrilling. If a sports sedan is what you’re after, Kia has an answer for that in the name of the Stinger GT. There are paddle shifters if you really want to feel like you’re rowing your own, but they seem a bit out-of-place in a car like this. The car handles predictably and reliably. It’s responsive but not high-strung. Perfect for the Monday-Friday commuter, but not for the track-day weekend warrior.

For everything it offers, the Cadenza is a fabulous value proposition, especially in the used marketplace. My car stickered for $45,290 new, and I bought it CPO three years and 46K miles later for $20,500. In that time it depreciated by an eye-watering 55%. And for roughly 20 grand, it’s a whole lot of car for the money. The only downside to buying used is missing out on the full warranty benefits of a new Kia. Any Kia purchased new comes with a 10-year, 100K-mile warranty—one of the best in the market. As the second owner, I purchased this Cadenza with a 5-year, 60K-mile warranty, which I’ve needed once to date. The metallic paint on the wheels was flaking when I bought the car, and Kia replaced all four under warranty. Good thing too, because the set would have cost $1,560 from the manufacturer.

Six months in, I am extremely happy with this car. I’m one of those people who browses listings for months or years before he finds exactly what he’s looking for. I live just outside of Washington, DC. This car was for sale in Chicago. And I was crazy enough to put down a deposit and fly 800 miles on a blustery November day to drive it home. I’m very glad I did.

Engine: 3.3 liter V6
Power: 290 HP at 6,400 RPM/ 253 LB-FT at 5,200 RPM
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
0-60 Time: 6.5 seconds
Top Speed: 148 MPH
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight: 3,770 pounds
Seating: 5 people
MPG: 20 City/28 Highway
Original MSRP: $45,290

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:01

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A wild Jagvar is spotted...

What’s up man? Hope you’re well.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:05

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That is a hell of a car for what you paid!

Mrs. addiction’s current ride is a Tellu... ride. Our family’s enjoying it very much - hopefully it will give us 8 years and 200k miles of faithful service!

Jagvar > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/06/2020 at 12:08

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Hey, man! Still alive here, I just don't Oppo as much as I used to. I'm more active in Facebook groups. Doing well. Still have the Phaeton, and have had the Cadenza since late last year. I sold the Galant in January after owning it for 20 years. That was hard on me!

Cash Rewards > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:09

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Nice pick-up! What's the long term plan for the VW?

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:10

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That’s some incredible value! I think they should have offered AWD as an option at least. Nice color

Another vehicle that’s in the same class, almost nobody knows it exists, has crazy depreciation when buying used, or great deals even new, has all the bells and whistles, V6 +AWD option is the Buick LaCrosse.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:12

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Hey stranger!

Thanks for the review. That looks like a fantastic car, and a screaming good deal!

Wobbles the Mind > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:12

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A v ery nice write up on a very nice car! Thank you!

McMike > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:16

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When I saw you at the 2013 DC Auto show, you said to me , “Forgive me (or some other comment hinting that the Cadenza was some forbidden guilty pleasure ) , but I really, really like the K ia C adenza”

I believed you, you didn’t have to go any actually buy one.

phenotyp > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:20

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Hope you’re driving it barefoot. 

Jagvar > phenotyp 05/06/2020 at 12:23

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Of course! Some things never change. I think the last time I even put shoes on for anything was in February, haha

Jagvar > McMike 05/06/2020 at 12:24

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Haha, but I had a point to prove! Good to see you're still here in Oppo, btw.

Jagvar > Cash Rewards 05/06/2020 at 12:26

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I'm keeping the Phaeton forever. This summer I'll have had her for 11 years!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:27

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20 years - wow.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:28

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is that really your license plate?

that is a legitimately nice car, too.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:29

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Wow, great to see one of your posts after so long.

Also great write-up. That’s an amazing amount of car for the money. Of course this isn’t meant to be a car to push too hard - but how is the FWD layout? Is it relatively engaging and pleasant to drive? 

fintail > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:31

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I see Maserati in that grille theme.

Cars like this are why luddites should shut up about people buying/leasing new cars - we need more high content fast depreciating cars.

Jagvar > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire 05/06/2020 at 12:36

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Yep. I’m a nudist and at this point in my life I have zero shame about it. Couldn’t resist the plate when I saw it was available!

Jagvar > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 05/06/2020 at 12:41

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It’s not especially engaging. It’s just kind of there. Very capable for what it is, and perfect for a daily commuter. I do wish the Cadenza  came with an AWD option, though. It’s the only thing this car is missing.

Chariotoflove > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:44

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Can confirm everything you said about the feeling of sitting in this car.  Interested side note:  K900 ownership is supposed to include a Cadenza loaner whenever you bring it in for service. In theory.  In reality, my dealer always says they don’t have one to loan me, and they give me an Optima or a Soul.  Oh well, it’s nice to even get loaners in this day and age.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:47

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Now I’m sad that my work calls require video so I have to put on a shirt.

Also, that plate probably won’t help with resale value ... *ahem* ... and your seats probably wouldn’t do much to hide stains .

Hooker > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 12:50

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This is awesome! I wish Jalopnik would still occasionally “front page” stuff like this. This would be a completely personal and different take than most blogs and mags but would also be what most consumers actually care about. 

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 13:18

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Congrats, that car looks truly luxurious. It’s a shame the Cadenza gets no love when it’s Kia’s best looking vehicle (sorry, Stinger, I like you too).

Hooker > McMike 05/06/2020 at 17:49

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Another Oppo legend surfaces! Bringing back the master class I see!

jvirgs drives a Subaru > Jagvar 05/06/2020 at 21:50

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Love the license plate!

How is the interior? It looks very classy, but looks can always be deceiving.  

Bylan - Hoarder of LS400's > Jagvar 05/07/2020 at 01:44

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Really good review, and damn thats a nice interior. Im a sucker for depreciated flagship luxury cars (im beginning to hoard Lexus Ls’s lol) and like the thought of slightly depreciated luxury cars without the badge. V8 kias and G enesis’ are going to be such a bargain

Arrivederci > Jagvar 05/07/2020 at 08:03

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Awesome write-up and glad to see you coming back ‘round these parts!  Funny story - back at an auto show with my dad a few years ago, they had the new Cadenza on the floor with the nappa leather.  My dad and I agreed that it was the nicest feeling leather out of anything we sat in that day.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Jagvar 05/07/2020 at 09:42

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Good write up! I wonder how this compares to a K900 with tho...

Jagvar > Arrivederci 05/07/2020 at 11:18

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Thank you! I can attest, it is very nice. The difference between the seats in the Premium and the Limited is like night and day.

Jagvar > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 05/07/2020 at 11:21

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I really, really like the K900 too. It’s a fabulous and underrated car. But I personally went with the Cadenza for a couple of reasons. First, I already have a full-size luxobarge in the form of the Phaeton , so the K900 would be fairly redundant. Also, I think the Cadenza is a little more stylish. The larger K900 looks a bit frumpy by comparison.

Jagvar > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire 05/07/2020 at 11:23

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Any time I sit anywhere sans-pants, be it a car, a couch , or whatever, I set a towel down first. That’s just proper etiquette!

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Jagvar 05/07/2020 at 19:02

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I’ve done reviews of a few Hyundais and Kias, and was impressed by the Equus and K900. Their interiors are pretty damn nice and they struck me as decent competition for Lexus.