Kia phased out production of the Cadenza in the US in 2021, but a replacement was launched in Korea later that year. In its domestic market, the large sedan was known as the K7, but was renamed the K8 for the latest generation. Now it’s received a mid-cycle update; technically it’s just a facelift, but in typical Kia fashion, the changes are significant.
In keeping with Kia’s latest design language, the K8 now sports vertical headlights, giving the car a futuristic look. The front end has been completely redesigned compared to the pre-facelift model, and now features a wide LED strip bridging the connection between the headlights. Kia has also moved the logo from the bumper to the bottom of the bonnet.
The changes at the rear are less noticeable, but we’re glad to see the dreaded fake exhaust tips are a thing of the past. The taillights appear to have been carried over, but the redesigned bumper gives it a cleaner look. Unusually for a facelift, the redesigned bumper gives the front and rear overhangs slightly longer than before.
Once inside, there are some notable changes as well. Improved climate controls are now located below the central air vents. Kia has added softer-touch materials and an LED ambient lighting strip that bisects the dashboard. At the rear, the seatbelt buckles illuminate. Speaking of safety, 10 airbags are standard on all versions. Elsewhere, the headlights now feature adaptive high beams that dim partially to avoid disturbing oncoming drivers.
As you know, the discontinued Cadenza was only available with front-wheel drive. The K8 has been available in Korea with an all-wheel drive option since its launch. The base model comes with a four-cylinder, 2.5-liter gasoline engine with 195 horsepower and 183 pound-feet of torque. If you need more power, there’s a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 296 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Only the latter is available with AWD.
Alternatively, customers can opt for the 3.5 LPI (liquid propane injection), which delivers 237 horsepower and 231 pound-feet of power. The last available powertrain is a hybrid 1.6-liter unit that delivers a combined power of 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet.
Kia calls the 2025 K8 “priceless,” even though the luxury sedan is the same size as a BMW 5 Series. The cheapest model is reasonably priced at about $27,300 at current exchange rates, and the top-of-the-line model is a bargain at $37,800.
All versions except the hybrid go on sale this month, with an electric model also planned once Kia receives the necessary certification.
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Kia
