Kia Cadenza vs. Lexus ES 350

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Cadenza and Lexus ES 350 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 Lexus ES 350.

In comparing the Kia Cadenza's and the Lexus ES 350's specifications and ratings, the Kia Cadenza has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Lexus ES 350 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Cadenza's and the Lexus ES 350's specifications and ratings, the Lexus ES 350 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 Lexus ES 350 is priced between $26,999 to $37,988.

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 Lexus ES 350 loses 41.1 percent of its value. This means the Lexus ES 350 retains 5.8 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 Lexus ES 350's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Kia Cadenza being ranked 8 out of 8 Best Large Cars and the Lexus ES 350 being ranked 2 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Cadenza is 7.4 out of 10. For the Lexus ES 350 the reliability rating is 9.0 out of 10. This gives the Lexus ES 350 an 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 Lexus ES 350 base engine makes 302 horsepower. The Cadenza is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 518 miles. The ES 350 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 509 miles.This gives the Lexus ES 350 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Cadenza the advantage in maximum range. 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 head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room. The Lexus ES 350, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of rear head room, rear leg room and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: The Lexus ES 350 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.