DecodedCars2018 Kia Cadenza
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Base/Premium, 4dr Sedan Limited
- 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 complaints7 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 117 for similar models.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 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 3,633 lb (4dr Sedan Base/Premium).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 0% better than the 2018 large car average of 23.1 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 and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Cadenza — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Cadenza →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Base/Premium | 195.7 in | 73.6 in | 57.9 in | 112.2 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,633 lb | 60/40 |
| 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 |
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 | 0% | $2,900 | 383 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Kia Cadenza.
Similar 2018 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Cadenza (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Dodge Charger | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Mar 4, 2021 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 21V137000 · 379,931 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
Not every 2018 Kia Cadenza is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Kia Cadenza buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 9,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Cadenza. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Cadenza years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Cadenza | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 Cadenza | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 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 →