2018 Kia Cadenza: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2018 Kia Cadenza is essentially a carryover from 2017. Its only update is a revised optional Luxury Package for the Premium trim, which adds a panoramic sunroof and interior LED lighting to the package.

Shop 2 in stock at Carvana

About the 2018 Kia Cadenza

2nd generation (2017-2020 U.S.), second year after the 2017 redesign and before the later refresh.

Kia marketed the Cadenza as a full-size premium sedan that gives buyers a quiet ride, generous cabin space, strong V6 power, and upscale features without asking them to move into a luxury-brand showroom. Its core job is comfortable commuting and long highway travel, with more emphasis on ride quality, cabin calm, and equipment value than sporty handling. Reviewers described it the same way: a roomy, comfort-first large sedan with a lot of features for the money.

The Premium trim is the straightforward entry point, with leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Technology steps up with an 8-inch navigation screen, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and added driver-assistance features. Limited is the fully equipped version, with quilted Nappa leather, a head-up display, heated rear seats, a surround-view camera system, and a hands-free power trunk.

What changed, by category

Tech

The Premium trim’s optional Luxury Package was revised to include a panoramic sunroof and interior LED lighting. This was a package-level update rather than a lineup-wide technology change.

2018 Kia Cadenza specs and features by trim

Feature	2018 Kia CadenzaLimited0 in stock	2018 Kia CadenzaPremium2 in stock	2018 Kia CadenzaTechnology0 in stock
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
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Blindspot Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear View Camera
360 Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
LED Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Entertainment & Electronics
LCD Instrument Cluster
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Comfort & Convenience
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

How the 2019 Kia Cadenza compares

The most important change for the 2019 Kia Cadenza is that blind-spot and rear cross-traffic protection became standard across the lineup. This was otherwise a light update, with added standard convenience features and a reshuffled Technology trim rather than a redesign.

See the full 2019 changes

Frequently asked questions

What changed from the 2017 Cadenza to the 2018 Cadenza?

Very little changed for 2018. The Premium trim’s optional Luxury Package gained a panoramic sunroof and interior LED lighting, while the trims, styling, engine, transmission, and overall design carried over from 2017.

Was the 2018 Kia Cadenza redesigned?

No, the 2018 Cadenza was not redesigned. It was the second year of the generation introduced for 2017 and retained the same basic design and structure.

Does the 2018 Cadenza use the same engine and transmission as the 2017 model?

Yes, the 2018 Cadenza keeps the 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission used in the 2017 model. All three trims use this front-wheel-drive powertrain.

What does the 2018 Cadenza Technology trim add?

The 2018 Technology trim adds the Cadenza’s major comfort, infotainment, and driver-assistance upgrades. Highlights include an 8-inch navigation touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

What distinguishes the 2018 Cadenza Limited trim?

The 2018 Limited is the most fully equipped Cadenza trim. It has quilted Nappa leather, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, heated rear seats, rear sunshades, Harman Kardon audio, and a hands-free power trunk.

2018 Kia Cadenza Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2018 Kia Cadenza.

4.3

2018 Kia Cadenza

(53 reviews)

5 stars (24)

4 stars (22)

3 stars (4)

2 stars (3)

1 star (0)