“While not as quick as its rivals, the Cadenza's V-6 engine is extremely refined and competent. The transmission could be more civilized, but the Smart driving mode makes the most of the powertrain's capabilities.” – Car and Driver
The Cadenza is powered by a 3.3L, V6 engine that lets loose 290 horses at 6,400 rpm and throws a force of 253 lbs-ft at 5,200 rpm on the crank. While the engine is adequately powerful for the car, there is no hint of eagerness from the engine. The power delivery is more gradual than instant but it sure is smooth and refined. It is an effortless cruiser.
This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The gearbox is tuned towards efficiency because it likes to be at a higher gear at low RPMs. Also, at full throttle, it is a bit reluctant to downshift and passing maneuvers may take a little more time than you would expect. Still, it’s a fairly decent gearbox and gets its job done well enough.
Models
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Kia Cadenza
|
Chevrolet Impala
|
Ford Taurus
|
Chrysler 300
|
MSRP
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$38,890
|
$37,595
|
$38,305
|
$39,040
|
Engine
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3.3L V6 DOHC
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3.6L V6
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3.5L V6 Regular Unleaded
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3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded
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Transmission
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8 Speed automatic
|
6 Speed automatic
|
6 Speed automatic
|
8 Speed automatic
|
Horsepower
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290 hp @ 6400 rpm
|
305 hp @ 6800 rpm
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288 hp @ 6500 rpm
|
292 hp @ 6350 rpm
|
Torque
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253 ft-lbs. @ 5200 rpm
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264 ft-lbs. @ 5200 rpm
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254 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm
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260 ft-lbs. @ 4800 rpm
|
When compared to the other engines in the competition, the Cadenza is competently powered. Only the Chevrolet Impala is a little more powerful than the others in the lot. Kia and Chrysler have 8-speed automatics whereas the Impala and Taurus come with 6-speed automatic gearboxes.
Acceleration
The Cadenza accelerates to 60 mph from a standstill in 6.8 seconds which is the slowest in the competition here. Keep the accelerator floored for a few more seconds and you'll clear the quarter-mile mark in 14.5 seconds.
There is certainly no hint of sportiness from the car. Acceleration is gradual and it takes considerable time to build up its pace. However, this car is not about outright acceleration. It was meant to bring much more luxury to an affordable price bracket, and indeed it does. Apart from that, it also offers the best in class ride quality.
Models
|
Kia Cadenza
|
Chevrolet Impala
|
Ford Taurus
|
Chrysler 300
|
0-60 MPH
|
6.8
|
6.2 sec
|
5.2 sec
|
5.8 sec
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Quarter mile
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N/A
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14.8 sec
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13.7 sec
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14.2 sec
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Engine
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3.3 LV6 DOHC
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3.6L V6
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3.5L V6 Regular Unleaded
|
3.6L V6 Regular Unleaded
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Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
7.7
|
8.0
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8.4
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8.4
|
Evidently, the Cadenza is the slowest in the competition. As it turns out, Ford Taurus lunges to the first position here which is followed by the Chrysler 300 and the Chevrolet Impala respectively. As mentioned earlier, the Cadenza is inclined more towards a comfortable ride as compared to the others.
Ride and Handling
The Cadenza intends to be a comfortable cruiser and that it does very well. It has a very good ride quality, perhaps not the best in the segment, but still plenty well. The cabin is hushed and all noises have been insulated pretty well indeed. It soaks up undulations on the road very well too.
A comfortable ride quality means compromised handling and the Cadenza lives up to that. There is a considerable amount of body roll around the corners if you push it a little hard. Also, undulations on the road cause the body to lean and rock to the side more than in other large sedans.
The steering, like in most Kias is mostly numb. It is light and easy to operate at low speeds but does not weigh up adequately at higher speeds. Also, the steering seems to be totally disconnected from the road and doesn't give any feedback to the driver. It’s typically a Kia and if you are a laid back driver, you wouldn’t complain at all. However, it’s certainly not meant for the enthusiast in you.
Braking
The Kia Cadenza does have good brakes. It decelerates from 60 mph to a standstill in just 115 ft which is pretty impressive for the segment. In fact, the Cadenza has the least braking distance in the competition here. Considering that it doesn't pack the punch you would expect from a V6, its braking performance comes as a surprise to us.
The brake pedal is adequately communicative and responds well to inputs on the pedal. There is good biting force and the braking remains predictable too. The suspension setup is adequately stiffened that further makes sure that the front end doesn't dive under hard braking applications.
Model
|
Kia Cadenza
|
Chevrolet Impala
|
Ford Taurus
|
Chrysler 300
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
12.6
|
12.6
|
13.9
|
13.6
|
Brake Rear (in.)
|
11.8
|
12.4
|
13.6
|
12.6
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
3770
|
3702
|
4140
|
4013
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
115
|
130
|
N/A
|
121
|
As stated above, the Cadenza overpowers this lot clearly due to its lighter weight as compared to the rivals. If the numbers are to be believed, the Chevrolet should perform better than the rest considering that it has the bigger brakes and the lightest kerb weight in this comparison. However, the abrupt braking feedback is what drags the Impala's performance to the third position. The Chrysler 300 slides in between the Cadenza and the Impala, thus, leaving the Taurus behind especially because it is the heaviest contender here.