Kia's Cadenza was launched in May of 2013, replacing the company's previous flagship, the Amanti. Parent company Hyundai's hopes of impacting the American full-size, luxury sedan market were well-founded. The Chevrolet Impala, conversely, hasn't seen any conspicuous changes since the ninth generation was introduced in 2005, a period which has seen substantial -- and welcome -- styling changes elsewhere. There really isn't much competition in the Cadenza vs. Impala contest.
Power Trains

Cadenza is available with a single engine choice: the 294-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 Lambda. Expect a minimum of 19 miles per gallon city and 28 miles per gallon highway. Power is delivered through a six-speed, front-wheel drive transmission while suspension is handled at the front by a MacPherson assembly and by a multilink unit at the rear.

Base for the Impala is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, generating 195 horsepower, while the best on offer options a 5.3-liter small-block V8, pushing 305 horses down through a front-wheel drive arrangement. Four-link rear suspension is well-served by all-wheel disc brakes.

Appearance

Cadenza is less a shameless clone of the Mercedes S-Class than was its predecessor, with Kia's corporate brand -- known as the Tiger Nose grille -- taking center stage. The sleek and slip-streamed, well-rounded exterior is unlikely to date catastrophically, and rear-heavy design speaks to competence in corners.

2014 Impalas still look essentially as they did in the middle of the last decade, with heavy sills, a chinless front end and rather domelike cabin. Here, more than anywhere, the Cadenza vs. Impala competition is no competition at all.

Price

Kias always compare well for value against other manufacturers. Cadenza comes in at a base MSRP of $35,100, minus some very attractive savings and rebates. Upper-end packages weigh in at $44,995. The Impala is more affordable, starting at $26,860 and topping out at 35,905. Of course, you get what you pay for. 

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Features

Kias offer a wealth of standard high-end features. The Cadenza boasts alloy wheels, Bluetooth, a navigation system, and Nappa leather seats (an asset much touted in comparable BMWs, for which you'd expect to pay a great deal more). Drivers get a heated and ventilated seat; passenger's only get the heat, also available as an option for the rear bench.

Other luxury touches include blind spot detection, adaptive Xenon front lighting, advanced smart cruise control (operated by paddle shifters), and integrated sensors in both front and rear bumpers for safer parking. The Cadenza is manufactured in only one trim level but offers three upgrade packages: Luxury, Technology, and White Interior. A dual sunroof is available. 
The Impala is available in three trim levels: LS, LT, and LTZ (the SS badge having dried up in 2009, following drab sales performance). The entry-level auto offers alloy wheels, a six-speaker AM/FM stereo (with single-disc CD player), keyless entry, and a choice between two front buckets or a single bench seat that seems to come right out of the seventies. A  "luxury" package is optional for the LT, featuring leather-heated seats, a much-needed Bose Premium Audio System, outside heated power mirrors, and a rear spoiler. 

Cadenza vs. Impala

Chevy's eight-year-old design has proved unable to foster a fanbase equal to the Impala's earlier incarnations when, between 1958 and 1965, it was the best-selling car in the U.S. Nonetheless, they continue to roll off the Canadian production line almost unaltered.

The Cadenza is a different beast entirely, aptly described by its manufacturer as "the perfect blend of dynamic styling, blissful luxury, and high-tech features." Experts agree -- it's in the running for Motor Trends Car of the Year award 2014. Contact McCafferty Kia of Mechanicsburg to arrange a test drive, and expect to lose all interest in the competition. 

Contact

Fred Beans Kia of Mechanicsburg

6302 Carlisle Pike
Directions Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

  • Sales: 8554925922
  • Service: 717-590-8700
  • Parts: 717-590-8700

Hours

  • Monday 09:00AM - 08:00PM
  • Tuesday 09:00AM - 08:00PM
  • Wednesday 09:00AM - 08:00PM
  • Thursday 09:00AM - 08:00PM
  • Friday 09:00AM - 08:00PM
  • Saturday 09:00AM - 05:00PM
  • Sunday Closed