Kia Outscores Toyota in CR’s Large Sedan Category

The 2014 Kia Cadenza large sedan has outscored the long-time leader in that market segment the Toyota Avalon by one point in ratings calculated by Consumer Reports.

With a score of 86, the $39,000 Cadenza ties with the hybrid version of the Avalon ($42,500) but trails the segment-leading 2014 Chevrolet Impala ($39,100) by nine points.

The new Kia model "banishes any lingering thoughts that Kia is just a manufacturer of cheap, unrefined cars," CR declares, which describes the Cadenza as "well-rounded and thoroughly likable."

The magazine praises the new model's quiet and spacious interior, easy-to-use controls and "refined" V-6 engine. But it says the Cadenza lacks some features typical of competitors in the large sedan segment, such as blind-spot monitoring.

CR also complains of the car's "vague" steering and low handling limits. Even so, the magazine says the Cadenza deliver better ride and handling than the $37,200 Azera sedan made by Kia owner Hyundai Motor Co. Both cars share the same platform and powertrain.