Kia’s been so busy rolling out – and accepting accolades for – its expanded line-up of sport-utility vehicles, it’s easy to forget about its portfolio of sedans, in particular the Cadenza. Well, forget no more as the automaker introduced its refreshed model for 2020 at the Chicago Auto Show.
Like most updates rather remakes, the 2020 Cadenza gets a slew of improvements to the exterior and interior. The push by Kia as it looks to put a bit of space between its South Korean cousin, Hyundai, is to attract buyers looking of elements of luxury in an affordable package.
“The Cadenza continues to introduce new and luxury-minded customers to the Kia brand,” said Michael Cole, president, Kia Motors America.
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“We recognize there are many customers who don’t want or need an SUV, but still desire a vehicle with plentiful interior room and a large trunk. The Cadenza is the perfect choice for these people and the refreshed 2020 model is well-suited to their needs.”
The 2020 Cadenza offers an attractive exterior design with a redesigned hood and grille with deeper vertical waterfall fascia that almost looks like its indented. The premium look continues with standard multi-lens LED headlights with redesigned LED DRL lamps. The new lower front fascia features integrated turn signals.
At the back, Kia redesigned the rear bumper and trunk lid, added new LED combination rear taillights, and updated the standard 18-inch and available 19-inch wheels. The exterior gets a powerplant to match the look.
It’s once again powered by a 3.3-liter all-aluminum V6 engine putting out 290 horsepower and paired with an 8-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic transmission. The ride-and-handling tech provides superb feel and response, Kia says. NVH improvements for 2020 include reinforced rear sub-frame cross members and resonator wheels (19-inch only) that help to reduce road noise. Redesigned shock valves reduce vibration and larger rear dampers improve rebound over rough surfaces.
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Improved components are only part of the story to make a better driver. For 2020, Drive Wise, Kia’s advanced suite of driver-assisted technology, sees a number of significant enhancements to the Cadenza. New standard features include: “Sensor Fusion” combines Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian/cyclist detection, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and High Beam Assist.
Other technology helping drivers includes Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist – Rear with Lane Change Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control – Curve, and Safe Exit Assist. On the interior, the premium feel Kia wants to convey centers on technology, including a completely redesigned dash and instrument cluster with relocated audio controls above the climate switchgear.
It comes standard with 4.2-inch TFT color screen in the instrument panel and a new 12.3-inch touchscreen with multi-device Bluetooth2 connectivity is standard. Three additional USB charging ports (one in the front passenger area, two in the rear seat) and come standard with an enhanced 10-watt wireless fast-charging phone charger.
The materials for the seats and other surfaces are higher end with two new nappa leather-trimmed seating colors: Saddle Brown and Gray, with Limited models offering quilted seat bolsters. Rounding the look is a new standard Smart Key with remote Engine Start.
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When it goes on sale later this year, the 2020 Cadenza will be available in two trims: Technology and Limited, while last year’s Premium trim has been eliminated. Pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.
