2020 Kia Cadenza
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Limited, 4dr Sedan Premium
- Engines
- 3.3L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 195.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,633–3,770 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 32 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Kia Cadenza is a large car offered with a 3.3L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 196 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,770 lb (4dr Sedan Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 1% worse than the 2020 large car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Cadenza — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Cadenza →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Limited | 195.7 in | 73.6 in | 57.9 in | 112.2 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,770 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan Premium | 195.7 in | 73.6 in | 57.9 in | 112.2 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,633 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadenza | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -1% | $2,900 | 385 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Kia Cadenza.
Similar 2020 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Cadenza (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2020 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Dodge Charger | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Electrical System › Software · Jan 21, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V022000 · 451 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Cadenza vehicles. The rear power windows can be operated by the driver's power window main switch after the ignition has been turned off and a front door is opened. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
- Risk
- Rear power windows that operate unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the Driver Door Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC225.
Not every 2020 Kia Cadenza is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Cadenza in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2020 Kia Cadenza buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Cadenza. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Cadenza years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Cadenza | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2018 Cadenza | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2017 Cadenza | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 33 |
| 2016 Cadenza | 22 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 14 |
| 2015 Cadenza | 22 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 47 |
| 2014 Cadenza | 22 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 106 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →