- Updated Cadenza features new front, rear
- LED headlights and taillights added
- New dash and instrument cluster
- Boasts a 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Standard advanced safety suite
- On sale later this year
- Price estimated at $34,000
The Kia Cadenza is to the Optima what the Toyota Avalon is to the Camry – a larger version of the company’s midsize front-wheel-drive sedan. Problem is, the Cadenza, though comfortable, well-built and spacious, has never sold well in the U.S. In 2019, Kia retailed only 1,630 of the big Cadenzas here in the U.S.
To help address this, the Korean maker significantly refreshed the 2020 Kia Cadenza. While it has the same 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 as before, the new Cadenza benefits from updated styling and a revised interior. Kia also reinforced the rear subframe and added a much better standard safety suite.
Improved styling
With its redesigned hood, grille and lower fascia, the 2020 Kia Cadenza looks more premium than before, aided in front by standard multi-lens LED headlights. The richer look continues around back, where a redesigned rear bumper is complemented by a new trunk lid and LED taillights. Completing the Cadenza’s fresh new look are redesigned allow wheels (18-inch standard, 19s optional).
A more modern interior
Most of the changes have taken place inside the Cadenza. The dash and instrument cluster have been completely redesigned. Also, the switches for the audio controls have been moved to a better place, above those for the climate control system.
Class of 2020: The New and Redesigned Cars, Trucks and SUVs
Interior highlights on the 2020 Kia Cadenza include a new 12.3-inch touch screen and a color 4.2-inch TFT screen in the instrument panel. There are also three additional USB charging ports and an enhanced wireless smartphone charger. Also standard: a smart key with remote engine start, and two new colors of Nappa leather: Saddle Brown and Gray. Multicolor ambient lighting is an option on the Limited, which also boasts quilted seat bolsters.
Added safety
Kia calls its generous safety suite Drive Wise, and it’s standard on the 2020 Cadenza. Besides forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, it includes adaptive cruise control (with stop & go) and blind-spot collision avoidance. Drive Wise also includes Highway Driving Assist, which automatically adjusts the Cadenza’s speed to be within the posted speed limit. Also interesting: The smart cruise control is navigation-based, so it will automatically slow the Cadenza proactively as it approaches curves in the road.
What’s the price of the 2020 Kia Cadenza?
Although firm pricing has yet to be announced, expect the 2020 Kia Cadenza to start around $34,000 for a base model. The 2019 Kia Cadenza base price is $33,100, the step-up Technology model goes for $38,200 while the top Limited model goes for $44,100. Delivery is $1,035 extra.
Is the 2020 Kia Cadenza, which goes on sale later this year a viable alternative to an SUV? Michael Cole, president of Kia Motors America, thinks so. Says Cole: “The Cadenza continues to introduce new and luxury-minded customers to the Kia brand. We recognize there are many customers who don’t want or need an SUV but still desire a vehicle with plentiful interior room and a large trunk. The Cadenza is the perfect choice for these people and the refreshed 2020 model is well-suited to their needs.”
Want to get a great deal on the outgoing 2019 Kia Cadenza? Find one on sale near you.
