Kia punches way above its weight with the 2014 Cadenza

Driving the 2014 Kia Cadenza, I contemplated the older model Mercedes-Benz E320 sitting in front of me, and realized that the Kia had a much better cabin.

The thought of comparing Kia favorably with Mercedes-Benz was unheard of 10 years ago.

Issues of used versus new aside, this Cadenza’s leather-wrapped steering wheel felt excellent in my hands, while wood trim around the cabin had the substantial look of furniture. And I don’t usually like glossy wood trim. Soft-touch materials covered the dashboard, and the plastic parts had a nice finish that was decidedly un-plasticky.

If you thought Kia was punching above its weight with the new Optima, the Cadenza takes the brand into an even higher class.