CARS.COM — The second generation of Kia’s premium full-size Cadenza sedan has gotten cheaper at the outset but significantly more expensive as you move up trim levels. Arriving in dealerships later in November, the 2017 Cadenza now starts at $32,890 (including a $900 destination charge); that’s a $950 discount on the starting price of the outgoing version.
Related: 2017 Kia Cadenza Review: First Drive
The new base price puts the Cadenza below 2017 competitors like the Toyota Avalon ($34,115), Ford Taurus ($28,220) and Chevrolet Impala ($28,175); all prices include destination. Moving up trim levels, however, makes the Cadenza pricier across the board.
The Cadenza is again available in three trim levels, but the base model is now the Premium, followed by the mid-range Technology trim, which starts at $39,890, and the range-topping Limited, which starts at $45,290. The Technology and Limited trims start at $3,050 and $350 more than the outgoing model’s mid- and top-level trims, respectively, and more than all competitors’ corresponding trims.
In its pricing announcement today, Kia stated that Cadenza buyers would get more standard equipment for their money. The Technology model adds auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, Surround View Monitor backup camera, blind spot monitoring, adaptive high beams and LED headlights, all of which Kia counts as a $4,000 value for mid-range-trim buyers’ $3,050. Fully loaded Limited models, meanwhile, add an all-new head-up display, Nappa leather seating, a power trunk lid, heated outboard rear seats and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The $3,000 Luxury Package, offered only on the base model, includes power folding outside mirrors, a 12-speaker premium Harman Kardon stereo system, HomeLink rearview mirror with an integrated compass, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking assist. Also only available on the Premium model is the $1,000 panoramic sunroof package with a power-operating shade that includes LED interior lighting.