What’s New with the 2020 Kia Cadenza Facelift
Often overlooked unless their wearing an AMG, Hemi, or M badge. Nevertheless, the 4-door sedan (not coupe!) is still going strong at a reasonable price. Sedans like the new 2020 Kia Cadenza, one of the most underrated mid-sized luxury sedans currently on the market today.
For 2020, the Cadenza keeps it’s ultra-smooth, all-aluminium, 3.3-liter V6 making 290hp with an 8-speed transmission. Visual changes include a redesigned hood, rear bumper, and trunk lid. The front grille now has deeper vertical waterfall fascia, and integrated turn signals (fancy).
The Cadenza’s interior is its main selling point by offering surprising amounts of rear passenger space. Anyone sitting in the back will feel like their being driven rather than simply riding. Interior improvements for the Cadenza include a completely redesigned dash layout with a new 12.3-inch touch screen, 3 additional USB ports, and 2 new Nappa leather interior colors – Saddle brown and grey.
Kia’s Drive Wise System
Kia’s Drive Wise system will also be standard in the saloon. New features like “Sensor Fusion” that combines Forward Collision Warning, Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and High Beam Assist. One feature that could be very helpful is Safe Exit Assist, which alerts the driver of approaching traffic when opening the door to exit the vehicle. A cure for curbside anxiety when you open the door and panic at the thought of an approaching speeding bicycle or scooter.
The Kia Cadenza Deserves Some Respect
I reviewed the Cadenza back in 2017 and was sad when I had to give it back. The Cadenza sits on the Kia line-up between the smaller Optima and the top tier K900 (criminally underrated). Its best-kept secret is its amble rear legroom and sitting position. It makes rear passengers feel like a VIP as they sit back and look out on the commoners in their crossover SUVs. For the sake of testing, I was able to fit 4 grown passengers in the back seat with not a single complaint throughout the drive. Don’t overlook the four-door sedans from Kia, and Hyundai. Both manufacturers have been working hard to get rid of their early reputation for nearly 15 years now.
