Kia Cadenza
23 MPG The 2020 Kia Cadenza is EPA-rated at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 652 gallons, $2087 a year in fuel, or $0.139 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2014–2020 run it averages 22.6 MPG, improving by 1 MPG over 7 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.109 | $1087 | $1630 | $2174 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.130 | $1304 | $1957 | $2609 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.139 | $1391 | $2087 | $2783 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.152 | $1522 | $2283 | $3043 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.174 | $1739 | $2609 | $3478 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.196 | $1957 | $2935 | $3913 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.217 | $2174 | $3261 | $4348 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 23 MPG | 20 | 28 | $2700 | 385 | 1 |
| 2019 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 386 | 1 |
| 2018 | 23 MPG | 20 | 28 | $2700 | 383 | 1 |
| 2017 | 23 MPG | 20 | 28 | $2700 | 384 | 1 |
| 2016 | 22 MPG | 19 | 28 | $2850 | 404 | 1 |
| 2015 | 22 MPG | 19 | 28 | $2850 | 404 | 1 |
| 2014 | 22 MPG | 19 | 28 | $2850 | 404 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 149 large cars models tracked here, the Kia Cadenza ranks 22 on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW 740i (25), Toyota Avalon (25), Volkswagen Arteon 4motion (25), Genesis G80 RWD (26), Kia Forte 5 (26.7).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 385 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Kia Cadenza get?
The 2020 Kia Cadenza is rated at 23 MPG combined by the EPA — 20 city and 28 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 22.6 MPG, ranging from 22 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Kia Cadenza cost in fuel per year?
At 23 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 652 gallons — roughly $2087 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.139 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2020 model is $2700.
Has the Kia Cadenza become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 22 MPG in 2014 to 23 in 2020 — an improvement of 1 MPG, or 5% across 7 model years.
Is the Kia Cadenza efficient for its class?
It ranks 22 of 149 in the Large Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG. That is 1.5 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.