Kia has, yet again, set the bar high for luxury automakers with the 2014 Cadenza. With a car that’s under $40,000, you can be rolling with the same features (and then some!) as a $70,000 luxury car.

Thanks to Tenafly Kia, we were able to really get a feel for the Cadenza — with its’ sleek Aurora Black exterior and Black Nappa leather interior. With a 3.3L V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft. of torque and a 0-60 time of just over 6 seconds, the Cadenza is able to keep up with many of the larger sedans on the road today.

On the outside, you’ll find front LED positioning lights, heated power folding mirrors with turn signal indicators, LED tail lights, back-up warning & camera and stylish 18″ wheels.

When you step inside through the red illuminated door plates, you’re greeted by a slew of luxury and technology. The Infinity Surround Sound Audio system, accompanied by Kia’s UVO eServices system, made it easy to enjoy the standard Sirius/XM satellite radio and Bluetooth wireless technology. The navigation system was easy to see and use thanks to the 8″ display and the heated seats kept you warm. Our car was also equipped with the Luxury Package, which includes a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, HID headlights with adaptive lighting, the Nappa leather seats, a power driver’s seat cushion extension, ventilated driver’s seat, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt steering wheel, integrated memory system, power rear sunshade and a Supervision meter cluster with 7″ color LCD for the speedometer and additional information.

Driving the car was a real treat, as well. Anyone who lives in New Jersey or the New York City Metropolitan area knows that this area is littered, I mean LITTERED, with potholes. The Cadenza had a very surprisingly smooth ride and absorbed those potholes like it was its’ job. There was very little road noise and overall, it was very enjoyable driving it.

At an as-tested price of just over $39,000, you really can’t get a better deal than that.

 

Pros: Really smooth ride, great amount of tech, interior was very comfortable and stylish, looks like a $70,000 sedan, panoramic sunroof was a great touch

Cons: Could use a little more power since it’s nearly two tons

 

QUICK FACTS:

Base Price: $35,100 || Price as Tested: $39,030

Vehicle Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, five-passenger, 4-door sedan

Engine: 3.3-liter, 6-cylinder, 293-hp,  255 lb-ft torque || Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Curb Weight:  3,789 lbs || Length/Width/Height: 195.5/72.8/58.1 inches

0-60:   6.2 seconds || EPA City/Highway Fuel Economy: 19/28 MPG

 

RATING: 8.4/10

Exterior: 9

Interior: 9

Acceleration: 8

Braking: 7

Ride: 9

Handling: 8

Gearbox: 8

Audio: 8

Tech: 9

Value: 9

A big thank you goes to Tenafly Kia — ranked in the top 3 Kia dealerships nationwide for Customer Sales Satisfaction. For all of your Kia needs, speak to Keith Yasso at Tenafly Kia and tell them Greg sent you. Check them out at www.tenaflykia.com.