“I took most of the options and feel the Cadenza is a luxury vehicle and is very comfortable and with the six cylinder engine has a lot of power. It is a very enjoyable car to drive.”
2016 Kia Cadenza: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Kia Cadenza is a new Base trim that expands the lineup to three versions. This is not a redesign, but navigation becomes standard throughout and the Premium gains more equipment.
About the 2016 Kia Cadenza
1st generation (2014-2016), final year before the all-new second-generation 2017 redesign.
Kia positions the Cadenza as an upscale full-size sedan for shoppers who want a quiet, roomy cabin, strong V6 power, and a generous feature list without moving to a luxury brand. OEM materials emphasize sophisticated styling, a first-class interior feel, and advanced convenience technology, while reviewers highlight its smooth road manners and easy-to-use infotainment. For most buyers, the Cadenza’s appeal is comfort, space, and value rather than sporty handling.
The new Base trim serves as the value-focused entry model while retaining leather seating, heated front seats, navigation, and Infinity audio. The Premium emphasizes comfort with a panoramic sunroof and upgraded audio, while the Limited is the fully equipped version with Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera, and added driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
A new Base trim joins the Premium and Limited, expanding the Cadenza lineup to three versions.
Tech
An 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with an integrated rear camera becomes standard on every trim. The Premium also gains a 12-speaker, 550-watt Infinity audio system.
Premium equipment
The Premium’s panoramic sunroof becomes standard. It also gains paddle shifters, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding heated mirrors, and rear parking sensors.
Safety
Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert are added to the Premium’s optional Luxury Package.
2016 Kia Cadenza specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd OD Sprtmtc | Auto, 6-Spd OD Sprtmtc | Auto, 6-Spd OD Sprtmtc |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 293 hp | 293 hp | 293 hp |
| Torque | 255 lb-ft | 255 lb-ft | 255 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.8 in | 36.8 in | 36.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Chrome Interior Trim | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Kia Cadenza?
The biggest change is the addition of a new Base trim. It becomes the entry model below the Premium and Limited while retaining features such as leather seating, heated front seats, navigation, and Infinity audio.
Is the 2016 Kia Cadenza a redesigned model?
No, the 2016 Cadenza is not a redesign. It is the final model year of the first generation, followed by the redesigned second-generation Cadenza for 2017.
Does every 2016 Kia Cadenza have navigation?
Yes, every 2016 Cadenza has an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with an integrated rear camera. This became standard across the lineup for 2016.
Did the 2016 Kia Cadenza’s engine change?
No, the powertrain carries over unchanged. Every trim uses a 293-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
What changed on the 2016 Kia Cadenza Premium?
The 2016 Cadenza Premium makes its panoramic sunroof standard and adds paddle shifters, upgraded Infinity audio, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding heated mirrors, and rear parking sensors. Its optional Luxury Package also adds blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.
2016 Kia Cadenza Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Kia Cadenza.
4.5
2016 Kia Cadenza
(54 reviews)
“More features for the money than any other vehicle in its class, plus it's kind of nice to have a car that not many others have, it's kind of unique.”
“The Kia Cadenza is the best vehicle I've owned. For the value-there is no better vehicle.”