“The KIA Cadenza Technology Series is an extremely delightful vehicle to drive which surprisingly gets great gas mileage as well. The quality of craftsmanship is superb in addition to its safety and noise control. I highly recommend the KIA brand to friends and family”
2019 Kia Cadenza: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2019 Kia Cadenza
2nd generation (2017-2020 U.S.), third model year, last pre-refresh year before the 2020 facelift.
Kia marketed the Cadenza as an upscale full-size sedan for drivers who want space, quietness, and premium touches without moving to a traditional luxury brand. The focus is a calm ride, strong V6 power, generous rear-seat room, a roomy trunk, and easy-to-use technology rather than sporty handling. For most buyers, the draw is that it feels polished and comfortable every day while still being straightforward to own and live with.
The 2019 Cadenza lineup starts with the comfort-focused Premium, which has a 3.3-liter V6, leather-trimmed heated front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Technology adds a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, navigation, wireless phone charging, and adaptive cruise control, while Limited brings quilted Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic protection became standard across the lineup. Premium received warning-based systems, while the higher trims used more advanced collision-avoidance versions. Rear parking sensors also became standard on every trim.
Tech
Power-folding side mirrors with puddle lamps became standard across the range. Kia also reshuffled the Technology trim around features such as its panoramic sunroof, LED lighting, navigation, Harman Kardon audio system, wireless phone charging, HomeLink mirror, and front door lighting.
2019 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 | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 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 | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| 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
What changed on the 2019 Kia Cadenza compared with the 2018 model?
The 2019 Kia Cadenza gained standard blind-spot and rear cross-traffic protection across the lineup, along with standard rear parking sensors and power-folding mirrors with puddle lamps. Kia also reshuffled the Technology trim's equipment.
Does every 2019 Kia Cadenza have blind-spot monitoring?
Yes. Every 2019 Kia Cadenza has blind-spot and rear cross-traffic protection. Premium uses warning-based features, while Technology and Limited have more advanced collision-avoidance versions.
Are rear parking sensors standard on every 2019 Kia Cadenza?
Yes. Rear parking sensors are standard on every 2019 Kia Cadenza trim, including the entry-level Premium.
How does the 2019 Cadenza Technology differ from the Premium trim?
The 2019 Cadenza Technology adds a more upscale equipment mix, including a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, navigation, Harman Kardon audio, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Premium keeps a simpler comfort-focused setup with leather-trimmed heated front seats and a 7-inch touchscreen.
Was the 2019 Kia Cadenza redesigned?
No. The 2019 Kia Cadenza was not redesigned; it received a light equipment update during the second generation. The larger exterior and cabin refresh arrived for 2020.
2019 Kia Cadenza Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Kia Cadenza.
4.2
2019 Kia Cadenza
(65 reviews)
“Kia has come a long way, the cadenza is a solid car in full size range at a good value with tons of standard features good on gas, uses regular so easy on pocket, a pleasant smooth ride”
“The Cadenza offers a roomy quiet driving experience at an affordable price. It is very stylish, pleasing to my eye.”