Kia Cadenza vs. Kia Optima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Cadenza and Kia Optima contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Kia Cadenza and the Kia Optima.

When comparing the Kia Cadenza's and the Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the Kia Cadenza has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Kia Cadenza's and the Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima is a better car than the Kia Cadenza.

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Cadenza ranges from $19,559 to $29,669 while a used 2020 Kia Optima is priced between $13,949 to $22,944.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Cadenza loses 46.9 percent of its value and the Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Kia Optima retains 3.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Cadenza.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Cadenza is 7.5 out of 10 while the Kia Optima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Kia Cadenza being ranked 8 out of 8 Best Large Cars and the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Cadenza is 7.4 out of 10. For the Kia Optima the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Kia Optima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Cadenza.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Cadenza’s base engine makes 290 horsepower, and the Kia Optima base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Cadenza is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 518 miles. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. This gives the Kia Optima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Cadenza. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Cadenza, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Kia Optima, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear head room. The Kia Cadenza and Kia Optima are comparable in regards to front leg room.

Safety Ratings: The Kia Optima has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.