Kia Cadenza

Kia Cadenza: which version to buy

The Kia Cadenza to buy is the one whose measured figures match how you drive. Across four catalogue blocks (1 generation, 1 generation restyling, 2 generation, 2 generation restyling), every listed car is a Sedan, Gasoline, Automatic, FWD, 70 L tank, no boost.

The Kia Cadenza to buy is the one whose measured figures match how you drive. Across four catalogue blocks (1 generation, 1 generation restyling, 2 generation, 2 generation restyling), every listed car is a Sedan, Gasoline, Automatic, FWD, 70 L tank, no boost. The spread that actually changes the choice is horsepower (200–300 hp), 0–100 km/h where it is measured (6.5–8.3 s), gearbox (6 vs 8 speeds), engine layout (transverse vs longitudinal), kerb weight (1525–1665 kg), and whether fuel use, top speed, and ground clearance were measured. There are no prices in this catalogue, so “extra money” below means extra displacement, extra cylinders, extra kilograms, or extra ratios — not a sticker.

Kia Cadenza reliability of the choice, not a rumour

Reliability, in this data set, is what is not measured. Engine recall, overheating, control-system warnings, and replacement cost are not in the figures. What is in the figures: every version uses Gasoline 95, Automatic, FWD, independent spring suspension front and rear, ventilated disc front brakes. Rear brakes are Disc on 1 generation and 1 generation restyling, Disc ventilated on both 2 generation blocks. If you want a Cadenza whose catalogue row is complete on economy, the only full city/highway/combined set on the current car is 3.3 AT (290 hp) in 2 generation restyling. If you want a Cadenza whose catalogue row is complete on 0–100, do not buy that same restyle row — 0–100 there is not measured.

2014 / 2015 Kia Cadenza specs vs 2009–2013: first generation, which engine

1 generation (2009-01-01 to 2013-12-31) lists four versions. Ground clearance is 137 mm on all four. Wheels are not measured on 2.4 AT; 2.7 AT, 3.3 AT (300 hp), and 3.5 AT share 215/65 R16 and 225/55 R17.

Power per litre (hp ÷ litres from displacement/1000): 3.3 AT 300 hp = 89.8 hp/L; 2.4 AT = 83.8 hp/L; 3.5 AT = 83.6 hp/L; 2.7 AT = 75.3 hp/L. The 3.3 litre direct-injection six is the densest engine in the first generation; the 2.7 litre multi-point six is the least dense.

Kerb weight per horsepower: 3.5 AT 1575/290 = 5.43 kg/hp; 3.3 AT 1664/300 = 5.55 kg/hp; 2.4 AT 1525/201 = 7.59 kg/hp; 2.7 AT 1550/200 = 7.75 kg/hp. On mass per horsepower, 3.5 AT is the lightest-feeling six even though 3.3 AT (300 hp) has 10 hp more.

2.4 AT vs 2.7 AT. The four-cylinder 2.4 AT has 1 hp more than the V-shaped six 2.7 AT (201 vs 200) and 10 Nm less (250 vs 260). It is 25 kg lighter (1525 vs 1550). 0–100 is measured only for 2.4 AT (8.3 s); 2.7 AT 0–100 is not measured. City, highway, and combined consumption are not measured on either. If the goal is a documented sprint and the lowest kerb weight in the model (1525 kg), 2.4 AT is the pick. If the goal is six cylinders and 10 Nm extra, 2.7 AT is the pick — knowing you buy 256 cc more displacement for 1 hp less and no timed 0–100.

3.3 AT (300 hp) vs 3.5 AT. 3.3 AT has 10 hp and 8 Nm more, 128 cc less, direct injection instead of multi-point, and 89 kg more kerb weight (1664 vs 1575). 0–100 is 0.7 s quicker (6.5 vs 7.2). Top speed is not measured on 3.3 AT and 230 on 3.5 AT. Fuel use on 3.3 AT is 12.4 / 8.4 / 10.7 L/100 km (city / highway / combined); the same three figures on 3.5 AT are not measured. Compression ratio 12 and bore × stroke 91 × 83.8 are listed only on 3.3 AT; both are not measured on 3.5 AT. Buy 3.3 AT (300 hp) for the fastest measured 0–100 in the whole Cadenza catalogue (tied later with 2 generation 3.3 AT). Buy 3.5 AT for the only measured top speed in 1 generation (230), 89 kg less kerb weight, and a documented gross weight of 2065 kg (not measured on 3.3 AT).

3.3 AT (300 hp) vs 2.4 AT. Extra 99 hp, extra 96 Nm, extra 139 kg, 0–100 1.8 s quicker (6.5 vs 8.3). That is the arithmetic of stepping from the four-cylinder to the strongest first-generation six.

Searches for 2014 Kia Cadenza specs, 2015 Kia Cadenza horsepower, and 2014 Kia Cadenza dimensions land on the restyle, not these four rows.

2014–2016 Kia Cadenza: 1 generation restyling, two sixes

1 generation restyling (2013-01-01 to 2016-12-31) drops 2.4 AT and 2.7 AT. Two versions remain, both Gasoline, Automatic 6, FWD, Front, transverse, 70 L, 137 mm clearance.

3.5 AT (290 hp, 213 kW @ 6600, 338 Nm @ 5000, 3470 cc, 6 V-shaped, Distributed injection (multi-point), No boost): 0–100 7.2 s, top speed 230, Euro 3, kerb 1575 kg, gross 2065 kg, wheels 225/55 R17, 245/45 R18, 245/40 R19. City / highway / combined not measured. Compression and bore × stroke not measured.

3.3 AT (293 hp, 215 kW @ 6400, 347 Nm @ 5200, 3342 cc, 6 V-shaped, Direct injection (direct), compression 12, 92 × 83.9): 0–100 6.6 s, top speed not measured, consumption 12.4 / 8.4 / 10.7, kerb 1665 kg, gross not measured, wheels 245/45 R18, 245/40 R19. Eco class not measured.

Against the pre-restyle twins: restyle 3.5 AT keeps 290 hp, 338 Nm, 7.2 s, 230, 1575 kg, 2065 kg gross. What the restyle adds on 3.5 AT is a listed engine position (Front, transverse), Euro 3, and 245/45 R18 plus 245/40 R19 beside 225/55 R17 (the pre-restyle 3.5 AT stopped at 215/65 R16 and 225/55 R17). Rear brakes stay Disc.

Restyle 3.3 AT vs original 3.3 AT (300 hp): −7 hp (300→293), +1 Nm (346→347), 0–100 +0.1 s (6.5→6.6), kerb +1 kg (1664→1665). Bore × stroke shifts from 91 × 83.8 to 92 × 83.9. Wheels move to 245/45 R18 and 245/40 R19; 215/65 R16 and 225/55 R17 leave the 3.3 row. Engine position becomes Front, transverse (not measured on the 2009–2013 3.3 AT). Fuel figures stay 12.4 / 8.4 / 10.7.

Which of the two restyle cars. 3.3 AT (293 hp) is 0.6 s quicker to 100 (6.6 vs 7.2) and 90 kg heavier (1665 vs 1575). Power per litre: 87.7 vs 83.6 hp/L. kg/hp: 5.68 vs 5.43. Only 3.5 AT has top speed 230, Euro 3, and gross 2065 kg. Only 3.3 AT has measured mpg-style consumption. For a 2014 Kia Cadenza or 2015 Kia Cadenza buyer who wants documented fuel use, the restyle 3.3 AT (293 hp) is the only row that supplies it. For documented top speed and the lighter kerb, 3.5 AT.

2016 / 2017 / 2018 / 2019 Kia Cadenza horsepower: 2 generation 3.3 AT

2 generation (2016-01-01 to 2019-12-31) is one version: 3.3 AT, 290 hp / 213 kW @ 6400, 344 Nm @ 5200, 3342 cc, Gasoline, 6 V-shaped, 4 valves per cylinder, No boost, Front, longitudinal, Direct injection (direct), compression 12, 92 × 83.8, Automatic 6, FWD.

Versus restyle 3.3 AT (293 hp): −3 hp, −3 Nm (347→344), 0–100 6.5 s vs 6.6 s (−0.1 s), kerb 1649 vs 1665 (−16 kg). Layout changes from Front, transverse to Front, longitudinal. Rear brakes become Disc ventilated. Wheels stay 245/45 R18 and 245/40 R19. City / highway / combined on 2 generation 3.3 AT are not measured (they were 12.4 / 8.4 / 10.7 on the restyle 293 hp car). Top speed not measured. Gross weight not measured. Clearance 137 mm (same as every Cadenza row that lists it).

2017 Kia Cadenza horsepower and 2019 Kia Cadenza horsepower in this catalogue are both 290 hp — not 300 and not 293. kg/hp = 1649/290 = 5.69, almost the restyle 3.3 figure (5.68) with 16 kg less car. Power per litre = 86.8 hp/L, down from 89.8 on the 300 hp first-generation 3.3 AT.

Versus first-generation 3.3 AT (300 hp): −10 hp, −2 Nm, same 6.5 s 0–100, −15 kg (1664→1649). You give up 10 hp and the 12.4 / 8.4 / 10.7 fuel set (not measured on 2 generation) and you gain Disc ventilated rears, longitudinal placement, and 18/19-inch wheels instead of 16/17.

If the search is 2017 Kia Cadenza specs or 2018 Kia Cadenza specs, there is no second engine to choose. The decision is generation, not displacement.

2020 Kia Cadenza specs: 2 generation restyling 3.3 AT (290 hp, 216 kW)

2 generation restyling (2020-01-01, stop not measured) is again one 3.3 AT: 290 hp / 216 kW @ 6400, 344 Nm @ 5200, 3342 cc, Gasoline, 6 V-shaped, Direct injection (direct), compression 12, 92 × 83.8, No boost, Front, longitudinal, Automatic 8, FWD, kerb 1649 kg.

What 2020 changes versus 2016–2019 3.3 AT: gearbox 6→8 (+2 speeds); kW 213→216 at the same 290 hp; consumption becomes 11.8 city / 8.4 highway / 10.2 combined (all three were not measured on the pre-restyle 2 generation car). 0–100 on the 2020 row is not measured (it was 6.5 s on 2 generation). Top speed not measured. Ground clearance not measured (it was 137 mm on 2 generation). Gross weight not measured. Wheels unchanged: 245/45 R18, 245/40 R19. Rear brakes stay Disc ventilated.

Versus restyle 3.3 AT (293 hp, 2013–2016): −3 hp, −3 Nm, +2 gearbox speeds, consumption 11.8 / 8.4 / 10.2 vs 12.4 / 8.4 / 10.7. Combined use is 0.5 L/100 km lower; city is 0.6 L/100 km lower; highway is the same 8.4. Kerb 1649 vs 1665 (−16 kg). Layout longitudinal vs transverse. 0–100 not measured vs 6.6 s.

2020 Kia Cadenza is the only Cadenza with an 8-speed Automatic and the only 3.3 with a complete modern consumption trio. It is also the only current-generation row where 0–100 and clearance are not measured. If you need a timed sprint in the brochure, stay on 2 generation 3.3 AT (6.5 s) or 1 generation 3.3 AT 300 hp (6.5 s). If you need documented L/100 km on a 2020 car, this restyle 3.3 AT is the row.

Kia Cadenza engine size, horsepower, and mpg in one grid

Exact names as in the catalogue. Duplicate 3.3 AT / 3.5 AT names are split by horsepower and years.

Peak Cadenza horsepower in the data is 300 on 1 generation 3.3 AT. Peak torque is 347 Nm on restyle 3.3 AT (293 hp). Peak displacement is 3470 cc on both 3.5 AT rows. The only 8-speed is 2020 3.3 AT.

Performance and economy: what is measured

0–100 km/h measured: 3.3 AT 300 hp 6.5 s; 2 generation 3.3 AT 6.5 s; restyle 3.3 AT 293 hp 6.6 s; both 3.5 AT 7.2 s; 2.4 AT 8.3 s. Not measured: 2.7 AT; 2020 3.3 AT.

Top speed measured only on 3.5 AT (both generations of that name): 230. Not measured on every 2.4 AT, 2.7 AT, and every 3.3 AT.

Fuel: 3.3 AT 300 hp and restyle 3.3 AT 293 hp both 12.4 / 8.4 / 10.7. 2020 3.3 AT 11.8 / 8.4 / 10.2. Not measured on 2.4 AT, 2.7 AT, both 3.5 AT, and 2016–2019 3.3 AT. CO2 not measured on every version. Euro 3 only on restyle 3.5 AT; eco class not measured on the other seven rows.

Highway 8.4 L/100 km is the same number on every Cadenza that lists highway use. The 2020 car’s gain is in city (−0.6 vs the 12.4 rows) and combined (−0.5).

Kia Cadenza weight kg, size, tank, wheels

Tank is 70 L on every version. Clearance 137 mm on every version except 2020 3.3 AT, where it is not measured.

Kerb: 2.4 AT 1525; 2.7 AT 1550; 3.5 AT (both) 1575; 2 generation and 2020 3.3 AT 1649; 1 generation 3.3 AT 300 hp 1664; restyle 3.3 AT 293 hp 1665. Lightest Cadenza 1525 kg; heaviest 1665 kg; spread 140 kg.

Gross 2065 kg on 2.4 AT and both 3.5 AT; not measured on 2.7 AT and every 3.3 AT.

Wheels: not measured on 2.4 AT. 215/65 R16 and 225/55 R17 on 1 generation 2.7 AT, 3.3 AT 300 hp, 3.5 AT. Restyle 3.5 AT adds 245/45 R18 and 245/40 R19 beside 225/55 R17. From restyle 3.3 AT onward, 245/45 R18 and 245/40 R19 only. Body type never changes: Sedan. Overall length/width/height are not measured in this data — Kia Cadenza dimensions searches that want millimetres of body size will not find them here; what is here is weight, clearance, tank, and tyre size.

Which version to choose

Need the strongest engine in the catalogue. 1 generation 3.3 AT (300 hp, 221 kW, 346 Nm, 6.5 s). Highest hp/L (89.8). Consumption 12.4 / 8.4 / 10.7. Top speed not measured. Heavier than 3.5 AT by 89 kg.

Need documented top speed (230) and the lightest six. 3.5 AT in 1 generation or 1 generation restyling: 290 hp, 7.2 s, 1575 kg, 2065 kg gross. Restyle 3.5 AT is the one with Euro 3, Front, transverse listed, and 17/18/19-inch wheels. Fuel use not measured on either 3.5 AT.

Need a four-cylinder and the lowest kerb weight. 2.4 AT (201 hp, 1525 kg, 8.3 s). Wheels not measured. Only 1 generation.

Need six cylinders at the lowest power and without a timed sprint. 2.7 AT (200 hp, 260 Nm, 1550 kg). 0–100, top speed, and all three consumption figures not measured. Lowest hp/L (75.3).

Need a 2014 / 2015 / 2016 restyle with measured mpg. 3.3 AT (293 hp): 6.6 s, 12.4 / 8.4 / 10.7, 1665 kg. Not the 300 hp car, not the 290 hp car.

Need 2017 / 2018 / 2019 Kia Cadenza specs. Only 3.3 AT (290 hp, 213 kW, 6AT, 6.5 s, 1649 kg). Consumption not measured. Longitudinal 3.3, Disc ventilated rear.

Need 2020 Kia Cadenza specs and measured consumption. Only 3.3 AT (290 hp, 216 kW, 8AT, 11.8 / 8.4 / 10.2, 1649 kg). 0–100 not measured, clearance not measured. The extra two gears and the only sub-11 combined figure in the 3.3 family are what this generation restyling buys in the numbers.

Need FWD vs AWD. There is no AWD in the data. Every Cadenza here is FWD.

Do not treat missing 0–100, mpg, or clearance as if the car lacked those systems — they are not measured in this catalogue. Engine problems, recall, overheating, and replacement cost are also not measured; they cannot decide the version. The arithmetic that can: 300 vs 293 vs 290 hp on the named 3.3 AT rows, 6 vs 8 Automatic speeds, 6.5 vs 8.3 s where timed, 1525 vs 1665 kg, and 10.2 vs 10.7 combined where fuel was written down.