Kia Cadenza review

The Cadenza banishes any lingering thoughts that Kia is just a manufacturer of cheap, unrefined cars. This modern large sedan is well-rounded and thoroughly likable. And it scored near the top of its category in our testing, edging out the Toyota Avalon, which was once a benchmark in this segment. Thanks to the Cadenza's better ride and handling, it also outscores the Hyundai Azera, which shares its platform and powertrain.

Pulling off that high score requires a long list of positives and very few faults. The cabin is quiet, well-finished, and spacious, and it has super-simple controls, which is rare in a loaded luxury sedan. The refined 3.3-liter  V6, which is mated to a smooth six-speed automatic transmission, delivers ample power and a respectable 22 mpg overall.

Ride comfort is very good, but the Cadenza lacks the placid isolation of the best-riding cars, such as the Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Impala.

Despite Kia's traditional emphasis on value, our $39,030 Cadenza lacks some features we expect for the price, such as blind-spot monitoring and comprehensive seat adjustments. To get blind-spot monitoring, you need to ante up for the Luxury and Technology packages, which cost $3,000 each.

We don't yet have reliability data on this new model.

Though the Cadenza provides secure, responsive handling, it's not particularly agile. The body remains controlled in corners, and the steering provides decent, if vague, response. When pushed to its relatively low handling limits, the sedan exhibits notable body lean and understeer.

Inside you'll find a plush, attractive interior. Drivers can stretch out, although those who are taller might find head room to be a bit tight. Some drivers wished the telescoping steering wheel pulled closer, and shorter people had trouble adjusting the seat cushion for a comfortable driving position.

The large, well-padded front seats fit most people well, although the front passenger will have to do without lumbar or bottom-cushion tilt adjustments. Rear-seat passengers will enjoy plenty of leg room and head room, and the seat is wide enough to fit three adults across.

Controls are refreshingly easy to use, with large, well-labeled buttons and simple radio knobs. Even the touch screen has big onscreen buttons and intuitive logic. Pairing devices via Bluetooth is easy, and you can stream music and podcasts through an iPhone or Android device. You can also control phone, navigation, radio, and iPod functions through voice commands.

The trunk is roomy, but the space can't be expanded by folding the rear seats. There's only a narrow pass-through for long items.