2014 Kia Cadenza to Launch at $35,100

The 2014 Kia Cadenza is on its way to dealerships now and is expected to go on sale before the end of the month—with an MSRP that starts at $35,100. This marks a mere $600 premium over the 2013 Kia Optima* SXL, which is the brand’s current range-topper, but the Cadenza will take over that position with a robust list of standard features like:

• A 3.3-liter V6 engine that features direct injection, power outputs of 293 hp and 255 lb.-ft. of torque, and an expected EPA line of 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway/22 mpg combined
• Best-in-class cabin space
• Bluetooth wireless technology
• Premium Infinity audio, with 12 speakers and 500 watts of power
• Advanced navigation with SiriusXM Traffic and an eight-inch touchscreen
• A rearview camera system
• Leather-trimmed seating with heated, power-adjustable front seats

In addition, the brand will offer two upgrade packages for the 2014 Kia Cadenza. The Luxury Package, requiring a $3,000 premium, adds a full-length panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather seating (with a ventilated driver’s seat and heated outboard rear seats), HID headlamps and adaptive front lighting, a heated steering wheel and more. Moving up to the 2014 Kia Cadenza with the Luxury and the Technology Packages moves up the price of admission to $41,100, but also allows owners to enjoy 19-inch alloy wheels, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, blind-spot and lane-departure warnings, an electronic parking brake and water-repelling front-side windows.

“The all-new Cadenza is a world-class Kia for the emerging space between mainstream and luxury and will appeal to discerning shoppers in the market for an upscale sedan,” said Tom Loveless, executive vice president of sales for Kia Motors America. “We’re confident that Cadenza’s sophisticated styling, luxuriously appointed cabin and long list of available technology will make it a strong contender in the marketplace.”

(Note: The starting price of the base 2013 Kia Optima, which does come fairly well equipped as compared to other mainstream midsize sedans, is $21,350.)

2014 Kia Cadenza: Quick Pricing Comparo

The 2014 Kia Cadenza will compete in a growing market niche for semi-premium sedans from non-premium brands, and it may get cross-shopped against Buick, too. So, here’s a quick look at how the 2014 Kia Cadenza will slot into the pricing hierarchy against some of its most likely rivals:

• 2014 Kia Cadenza—$35,100
• 2013 Hyundai Genesis Sedan—$34,200
• 2013 Nissan Maxima—$33,270
• 2013 Hyundai Azera—$32,250
• 2013 Buick LaCrosse—$31,660
• 2013 Toyota Avalon—$30,990
• 2014 Chevrolet Impala—$26,725