“Great value and standard features available beat out many more expensive luxury brands.”
2017 Kia Cadenza: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Kia Cadenza is an all-new, second-generation model. Its biggest change is the full redesign, which brings a stronger, lighter body, an updated cabin, and a new 8-speed automatic transmission.
About the 2017 Kia Cadenza
2nd generation (2017-2020), first year of the redesign
Kia positioned the Cadenza as a premium large sedan for drivers who wanted near-luxury comfort, design, and technology without stepping into a luxury-brand badge. The focus was a quiet, roomy cabin, upscale materials, strong V6 power, and a smooth everyday ride rather than sharp sport-sedan handling. Against mainstream large sedans, Kia emphasized richer detail and more upscale features; against entry-luxury sedans, it leaned on value and generous standard equipment.
The 2017 Cadenza is a roomy, upscale sedan offered in Premium, Technology, and Limited trims. Premium covers the essentials with leather, heated front seats, and smartphone integration; Technology adds features such as navigation, ventilated front seats, and a broad driver-assistance suite. Limited tops the range with quilted Nappa leather, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, and heated rear seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The revised 290-hp 3.3-liter V6 is paired with Kia’s first 8-speed automatic transmission designed for a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
Styling
The exterior and cabin are fully redesigned for the second-generation Cadenza.
Safety
Technology and Limited trims receive a broad driver-assistance suite that includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup. Upper trims add features such as navigation, wireless phone charging, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. The Technology trim joins the lineup, while the former Base trim is dropped.
Structural
A stronger, lighter body uses more than 50% advanced high-strength steel. Acoustic glass and added insulation make the cabin quieter, while revised packaging provides slightly more rear-seat room.
2017 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 | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 290 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 253 lb-ft | 253 lb-ft | 253 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.2 in | 37.2 in | 37.2 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 | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Power Mirrors | |||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2017 Kia Cadenza redesigned?
Yes. The 2017 Cadenza begins the model’s second generation with a fully redesigned body and cabin, a stronger and lighter structure, and slightly more rear-seat room.
What engine and transmission does the 2017 Kia Cadenza have?
The 2017 Cadenza has a revised 290-hp 3.3-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This replaced the previous model’s 6-speed automatic.
Does every 2017 Kia Cadenza have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the 2017 Cadenza lineup through Kia’s touchscreen system.
How did the 2017 Kia Cadenza trim lineup change?
The Technology trim joined the lineup for 2017, and the former Base trim was dropped. The redesigned range consists of Premium, Technology, and Limited trims.
Is the 2017 Kia Cadenza meaningfully different from the 2016 model?
Yes. The 2017 is a full redesign rather than a minor update, with a new body and cabin, a stronger and lighter structure, an 8-speed automatic, standard smartphone integration, and newer comfort and driver-assistance technology.
2017 Kia Cadenza Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Kia Cadenza.
4.2
2017 Kia Cadenza
(188 reviews)
“I like this vehicle much better then the Cadillac SRX it drives easer it is quieter and less expensive”
“The KIA Cadenza is the best vehicle I've owned. It is comfortable, economical, and very dependable. I used to drive Lincoln Town Cars, but much prefer the Cadenza, I have all the quality at half the price and the KIA's just age better!”