MotorWeek’s Greg Carloss is first on the scene in Middleburg, Virginia driving the new 2017 Kia Cadenza. This second generation entry-level luxury sedan comes only 3 years after the first Cadenza came to market.

 

 

 

Using a new sub-frame consisting of 50% more high- strength steel, torsional rigidity increases and overall weight decreases. Updated exterior and interior styling keeps things fresh and modern without sacrificing interior room.

 

 

A direct injected 3.3L V6 remains under the hood transmitting 290-horsepower to the front wheels, while a new Kia-designed 8-speed automatic transmission replaces the old 6-speed. Despite the addition of two gears, the new gearbox is lighter and more efficient than its predecessor.



With more standard features, pricing actually drops with Premium models starting under $33,000 and the top of the line SXL coming in at around $44,000. The new Cadenza hits dealer lots in late October.  Follow MotorWeek on YouTube to see Greg's in-depth First Look, soon!