Kia K7 2017 - Toyota Avalon competitor in the US

The new generation sedan has a redesigned, sportier interior, is equipped with many high-end features and will be on sale from the end of the year in the US.

Kia chose the 2016 New York Auto Show as the place to introduce the 2017 Cadenza to American customers, after the domestic market. Cadenza is also known as K7 in Korea. In the new generation, Cadenza changed its design to compete with Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse, Nissan Maxima in the US.

The 2017 Cadenza is redesigned to be more youthful with the signature “Kodo” grille but with a vertical bar. The headlight cluster integrates LED daytime running lights in a “Z” shape. The rear is sportier with a chrome horizontal bar connecting the LED taillights, dual exhaust pipes and 18 or 19 inch alloy wheels.

Compared to its predecessor, the 2017 Cadenza retains the same overall length but increases width and lowers height. The longer wheelbase helps increase legroom by 12 mm.

Inside, Kia redesigned the interior of the 2017 Cadenza to be sportier, using premium materials. In addition to improved seats and a new UVO infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, the 2017 Cadenza has options such as a head-up display (HUD), wireless charging, and a Harman/Kardon audio system. In addition, American customers can add the option of Nappa leather upholstery and a White Package with black wood grain details.

New safety features on the 2017 Cadenza include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Kia equips the 2017 Cadenza with a 3.3-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a front-wheel drive system combined with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 2017 Kia Cadenza is scheduled to go on sale in the US in late 2016, with pricing to be announced at that time.

According to VNE