Kia Makes the Full-Size Sedan Relevant Again With the 2017 Cadenza

Case in point is the 2017 Kia Cadenza which made its debut today at the New York Auto Show.

Kia has been selling the Cadenza since 2014. Usually, we would expect news about a refresh. Instead, the Korean automaker introduced a redesigned version. The profile is the same as the current Cadenza, but Kia has made some changes to make it stand out. The front end gets a new grille that pushes inward and new headlights with Z-shaped lighting signatures. Around back is a new trunk lid and LED taillights. 18-inch wheels come standard while 19's are optional.

The 3.3L V6 has been retuned to produce an estimated 290 horsepower. This will go through a new eight-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. Kia has also added more high-strength steel to the Cadenza's structure to not only make the chassis stiffer, but also safer.

The Cadenza will also introduce new safety technologies under the 'Drive Wise' banner such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, and Smart blind-spot detection - a system that can detect if you are wondering out of your lane and automatically brake the opposite side wheels to bring you back into the lane.

Kia says the Cadenza will arrive at dealers later this pricing. No word on pricing at the moment.

Pic Credit: Kia