The Kia Cadenza, also known in South Korea as Kia K7 () is a full-size/executive car manufactured by Kia, produced from 2009 to 2021. It was first launched in 2009 to replace the Opirus/Amanti.

As of January 2014, it was sold in South Korea, United States, Canada, China, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, and the Middle East. A total of four engines were offered as options for the Cadenza, including the 2.4L Theta II MPI engine, 2.7L Mu MPI engine, 2.7L Mu LPI engine, and 3.5L Lambda II MPI engine, with a 6-speed automatic transmission as the gearbox.

First generation (VG; 2009)

The Cadenza uses the new front-wheel-drive Type-N platform with MacPherson front suspension and a multilink rear suspension. The Cadenza was offered with three gasoline engines ranging from 165 horsepower to 290 horsepower for the 3.5-liter Lambda. A new 2.4-liter Theta II with gasoline direct injection (GDI) that produced 201 horsepower was also available. A hybrid K7 700h was available in Korea, featuring a 159 hp four cylinder engine and a 35 kW electric motor.

The Kia Cadenza was designed by Kia design chief Peter Schreyer who was chief designer at Audi and uses Kia's corporate Tiger Nose grille.

In January 2013, Kia announced that the Cadenza will be available in the United States. It is Kia's version of the Hyundai Azera. Standard features will include leather seats, Bluetooth, a navigation system, Kia UVO, alloy wheels, and other luxury car features. This was one of five Korean luxury sedans sold in the United States at the time, the other four cars being the Hyundai Azera, Hyundai Genesis, Kia K900 and Hyundai Equus.

The car features Nappa leather seats, a feature commonly found on more expensive vehicles such as those from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The Nappa leather is available in three colors: black, beige, or white (the white interior requires all three packages available on the Cadenza: the Luxury, Technology, and White Interior Packages). The driver's seat is both heated and ventilated, and the passenger's seat is heated. The rear seats can also be heated. A dual sunroof is available. The car features the 3.3L, 294 horsepower V6, the most powerful engine available for the Cadenza. The engine is used in the Cadenza's platform mate, the Hyundai Azera, and is a Hyundai-built engine from the Lambda engine family.

Powertrain Model Year Transmission Power TorquePetrol Theta II 2.4 MPI 2009–20116-speed automatic @ 6,000 rpm @ 4,000 rpm Theta II 2.4 MPI Hybrid 2013–2016 @ 5,500 rpm Theta II 2.4 GDI 2011–2016 @ 6,300 rpm @ 4,250 rpm Mu 2.7 MPI 2009–2011 @ 6,000 rpm @ 4,500 rpm Lambda II 3.0 GDI2011–2016 @ 6,400 rpm @ 5,300 rpm Lambda II 3.3 GDI @ 6,400 rpm @ 5,200 rpm Lambda II 3.5 MPI 2009–2016 @ 6,600 rpm @ 5,000 rpmLPG Mu 2.7 LPI 2009–20116-speed automatic @ 5,200 rpm @ 4,000 rpm Lambda II 3.0 LPI 2011–2016 @ 6,000 rpm @ 4,500 rpm

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Second generation (YG; 2016)

Released in Fall 2016, the second-generation Kia Cadenza was redesigned by Peter Schreyer. The car is offered with a revised 3.3-liter V6 that generates . Aside from the 6-speed automatic, the Cadenza is offered with a new in-house developed 8-speed automatic with a drive mode select system.

2019 update The Cadenza received a facelift in June 2019. Mechanical changes include a new 2.5L SmartStream G engine replacing the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, while the 3.5L Lambda II MPI engine replaces the 3.3L Lambda II GDI engine in some regions. For styling, the update includes a new grille and hood, new front and rear bumpers, a new wheel design, and a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Powertrain Model Year Transmission Power TorquePetrol Theta II 2.4 GDI 2016–2019 6-speed automatic @ 6,000 rpm @ 4,000 rpm Smartstream G2.5 GDI 2019–20218-speed automatic @ 6,100 rpm @ 4,000 rpm Lambda II 3.0 GDI 2018–2021 @ 6,400 rpm @ 5,300 rpm Lambda II 3.3 MPI 2016–2019 6-speed automatic @ 6,400 rpm @ 4,500 rpm Lambda II 3.3 GDI 2016–20218-speed automatic @ 6,400 rpm @ 6,400 rpm @ 5,200 rpm @ 5,200 rpm Lambda II 3.5 MPI 2020–2021 @ 6,600 rpm @ 5,000 rpmHybrid Theta II 2.4 MPI Hybrid 2016–2021 6-speed automatic @ 5,500 rpm LPG Lambda II 3.0 LPI 2016–2021 6-speed automatic @ 6,000 rpm @ 4,500 rpmDiesel R II 2.2 CRDI 2016–2020 8-speed automatic @ 3,800 rpm @ 1,750–2,750 rpm

Safety The Cadenza received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

TestRatingOverall:Small overlap front:GoodModerate overlap front:GoodSide:GoodRoof strength:GoodHead restraints & seats:GoodFront crash prevention:SuperiorHeadlights:AcceptableChild seat anchors (Latch) ease of use:Marginal

Gallery

Discontinuation The Cadenza was discontinued in Canada after the 2019 model year, and in the US after the 2020 model year. Kia cited the market transition from large cars to crossovers and SUVs.

Production of the Cadenza ended in early 2021 after 12 years to make way for a new model, the K8.

Sales Calendar year South Korea United States2010 42,544 rowspan=3 2011 23,7082012 20,1692013 25,330 8,6262014 22,453 9,2672015 20,805 7,3432016 56,060 4,7382017 46,578 7,2492018 40,978 4,5072019 55,839 1,6302020 41,048 1,2652021 6,143 2492022 1

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