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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.3L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 20 / 28 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,950 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 384 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $25,951–$34,155 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2017 Kia Cadenza is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.4/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.1/10, while Performance at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.5/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.1/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.1/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $25,951–$34,155, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Cadenza sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. At 7.4/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2017 Kia Cadenza sits in the middle of the field. Until its performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 Kia Cadenza ranks #687 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 48% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $25,951 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 6%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Cadenza model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $28,908 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $27,922 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | $26,937 | Read review → |
| 2017 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $25,951 | |
| 2016 | 7.4/10 | $24,966 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $23,980 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 04/03/2021 · 21V137000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment. |
|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Power assist / Vacuum / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 16/03/2017 · 17V190000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.