Kia Cadenza: model years, engine, mpg and what to check on a used one

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 5, 2026

The Kia Cadenza is a front-wheel-drive full-size sedan Kia sold in the US for the 2014–2020 model years, across two generations. Every US Cadenza uses a 3.3L direct-injection V6: with a 6-speed automatic for 2014–2016 and an 8-speed for 2017–2020, rated 22–23 mpg combined by EPA.

Type: Full-size sedan, front-wheel drive
Powertrains: Cadenza 3.3L V6, 8-speed (2017–2020), Cadenza 3.3L V6, 6-speed (2014–2016)
Current generation: Second generation, 2017–2020

Kia Cadenza engines, horsepower and mpg

Horsepower and torque are left blank: Kia's US spec pages for this discontinued model are no longer online, and we only publish ratings from official Kia sources. Engines, transmissions and mpg come from EPA records. The 3.3L is a Lambda-family V6 shared with the 2015–2021 Sedona.

Kia Cadenza powertrains with Kia-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
Version	Engine	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Drive	EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Cadenza 3.3L V6, 8-speed (2017–2020)	3.3L V6, direct injection[1][2][3]	—	—	8-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	20/28/232020 MY[1]
Cadenza 3.3L V6, 6-speed (2014–2016)	3.3L V6, direct injection[4][3]	—	—	6-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	19/28/222014 MY[4]

Output is as rated by Kia; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

What to check on a used Kia Cadenza

Every 2014–2016 Cadenza was recalled because the windshield may not have been bonded properly at the factory; dealers inspect it and re-install it if needed (22V158). Both generations also have ABS/HECU fire-risk recalls, and Kia advises parking outside until those are fixed. All the repairs are free; a VIN check at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows what is open.

2014–2016: windshield bonding (22V158) and HECU fuse (23V652)
2017–2020: HECU short-circuit fire risk (21V137, which covers 2017–2021 Sportage and Cadenza)
Certain 2014 cars with 19-inch non-chrome wheels: wheel recall (14V289)
[6][7][8][9][10]

Which Cadenza years should you look at?

The 2017–2020 cars are the second generation, with the 8-speed automatic and a 23 mpg combined EPA rating against 22 for the 2014 model. Both generations use the same 3.3L V6 and front-wheel drive.[4][2][1][3]

Was the Cadenza replaced?

Not directly. EPA's last Cadenza listing is the 2020 model year, the same year as the last K900, and EPA lists no Cadenza after it.[3][5]

Kia Cadenza generations by year

Every US Kia Cadenza generation with model years and engines, newest first
Generation	US model years	Engines	Notes
Second generation	2017–2020	3.3L GDI V6, 8-speed automatic, FWD	EPA rated the 2017 and 2020 models at 20/28/23 mpg. The 2020 model year was the last in the US.[3][2][1][5]
First generation	2014–2016	3.3L GDI V6, 6-speed automatic, FWD	The first US Cadenza arrived for 2014, rated 19/28/22 mpg. All 2014–2016 cars are in windshield-bonding recall 22V158.[3][4][6][5]

More Cadenza research

See how a Cadenza was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Kia build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Kia build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Kia Cadenza sold in the US?

EPA lists the Cadenza for the 2014 through 2020 model years.

What engine does the Kia Cadenza have?

A 3.3L direct-injection V6 with front-wheel drive, paired with a 6-speed automatic for 2014–2016 and an 8-speed for 2017–2020.

What mpg does a Kia Cadenza get?

EPA rates the 2020 Cadenza at 20/28/23 mpg and the 2014 at 19/28/22.

Is there a Cadenza windshield recall?

Yes. All 2014–2016 Cadenzas are covered by recall 22V158 for a windshield that may not be properly bonded.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Kia for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

EPA fuel economy record: 2020 Kia Cadenza 3.3L V6, 8-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
EPA fuel economy record: 2017 Kia Cadenza 3.3L V6, 8-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
EPA fuel economy data: vehicles.csv (Kia listings by model year, engine, transmission and drive) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
EPA fuel economy record: 2014 Kia Cadenza 3.3L V6, 6-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
Kia Cadenza — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
NHTSA recall 22V158: Windshield may not be properly bonded (all 2014–2016 Cadenza) — NHTSA (Kia America filing)
NHTSA recall 23V652: HECU may short and cause engine-compartment fire (incl. 2012–2017 Rio, 2014–2016 Cadenza, 2015–2018 K900, Borrego) — NHTSA (Kia America filing)
NHTSA recall 21V137: HECU may short and cause engine-compartment fire (2017–2021 Sportage and Cadenza) — NHTSA (Kia America filing)
NHTSA recall 14V289: 19-inch non-chrome wheels may crack (certain 2014 Cadenza) — NHTSA (Kia America filing)
DOT/NHTSA recalls dataset (6axg-epim): Kia recalls mentioning Cadenza — U.S. DOT (data.transportation.gov)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Kia America, Kia Corporation or Hyundai Motor Group. Kia and the model names are trademarks of their owners.