Makes›Kia›Cadenza›2020

2020 Kia Cadenza

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

Kia Cadenza
Pictured: 2016 Kia Cadenza in Platinum Graphite, Front Right, 08-02-2022. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Limited195.7 in73.6 in57.9 in112.2 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,770 lb60/40
4dr Sedan Premium195.7 in73.6 in57.9 in112.2 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,633 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cadenza3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23-1%$2,900385
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.3 MPG2020 Large Cars average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 Kia Cadenza (this car)23 MPGNot rated1
2020 Ford Mustang25 MPG★★★★★8
2020 Honda Accord48 MPGNot rated6
2020 Chevrolet Impala22 MPG★★★★★0
2020 Toyota Camry52 MPG★★★★★3
2020 Chevrolet Camaro25 MPG★★★★★3
2020 Dodge Charger23 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

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

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 Cadenza23195.7 inNot rated15
2018 Cadenza23195.7 inNot rated17
2017 Cadenza23195.7 inNot rated233
2016 Cadenza22195.7 inNot rated214
2015 Cadenza22195.7 inNot rated247
2014 Cadenza22195.7 inNot rated3106

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →