Kia Cadenza
The Kia Cadenza is a full-size sedan made by the South Korean car manufacturer Kia. It was first introduced in 2010 and was sold until 2021. In South Korea, it is also known as the Kia K7. The Cadenza replaced the Kia Opirus. It is a full-size sedan with various features focused on comfort and functionality. The car was sold in countries such as South Korea, the United States, Canada, China, and others.
| Kia Cadenza | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Kia |
| Also called | Kia K7 (South Korea) |
| Production | 2009–2021 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size car/Executive car (E) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Related | Hyundai Grandeur Hyundai Aslan |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Kia Amanti/Opirus |
| Successor | Kia K8 |
First Generation (VG; 2009–2016)
change| First generation (VG) | |
|---|---|
 Kia K7 (pre-facelift) | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2009–2016 |
| Model years | 2010–2016 |
| Assembly | South Korea: Hwasung (Hwasung Plant) Kazakhstan: Oskemen (Azia Avto) |
| Designer | Peter Schreyer |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm (112.0 in) |
| Length | 4,965 mm (195.5 in) |
| Width | 1,850 mm (72.8 in) |
| Height | 1,475 mm (58.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,505–1,690 kg (3,318–3,726 lb) |
The first generation of the Kia Cadenza was produced from 2009 to 2016. It was designed by Peter Schreyer, who was also known for designing cars at Audi. The car was manufactured in South Korea and Kazakhstan. It was available with several engine options, including a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and a 3.5L V6 engine. Some markets also offered a version with an LPG engine. The Cadenza used a front-wheel-drive system and was equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The car included features like leather seats, a navigation system, and a sunroof, offering amenities typical of a luxury vehicle.In the United States, the Cadenza was compared to other luxury sedans.
Second Generation (YG; 2016–2021)
change| Second generation (YG) | |
|---|---|
 2019 Kia Cadenza Limited | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2016–2021 |
| Model years | 2017–2020 (North America) 2017–2021 (Middle East) |
| Assembly | South Korea: Hwasung (Hwasung Plant) |
| Designer | Peter Schreyer |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Electric motor | 38kW permanent magnet high-power density motor |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic 8-speed automatic |
| Battery | 1.76 kWh Li-ion Polymer |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,855 mm (112.4 in) |
| Length | 4,970 mm (195.7 in) (pre-facelift) 4,995 mm (196.7 in) (facelift) |
| Width | 1,870 mm (73.6 in) |
| Height | 1,470 mm (57.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,555–1,730 kg (3,428–3,814 lb) |
The second generation of the Kia Cadenza was launched in 2016. This model featured a new design and updated features. It was available with updated engines, such as a 2.5L Smartstream engine and a 3.3L V6 engine. The car also introduced a new 8-speed automatic transmission for better performance.
In 2019, the Cadenza received a facelift. This update included a redesigned front grille, new bumpers, and a larger infotainment touchscreen. The changes helped improve the car’s appearance and technology.
Discontinuation
changeThe Kia Cadenza was discontinued in Canada after the 2019 model year and in the United States after the 2020 model year. This was due to the growing demand for SUVs and crossovers over large sedans. Production of the Cadenza ended in January 2021, and it was replaced by the Kia K8.