Model Year | 2017 | 2006 | |
Model | Kia Cadenza | Pontiac Vibe | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.4 in | 102.4 in | 10 in |
Length | 195.7 in | 171.9 in | 23.8 in |
Width | 73.6 in | 69.9 in | 3.7 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 62.2 in | -4.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3633 lb. | 2701 lb. | 932 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 5.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.2 in | 40.6 in | -0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.3 in | 53.2 in | 5.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.5 in | 51.7 in | 4.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 45.5 in | 41.8 in | 3.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.9 in | 39.8 in | -1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 52.6 in | 3.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.3 in | 47.8 in | 8.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.2 in | 36.3 in | 0.9 in |
Total Legroom | 82.7 in (over 2 rows) | 78.1 in (over 2 rows) | 4.6 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.0 ft3 | 19.3 ft3 | -3.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.0 ft3 | 54.1 ft3 | -38.1 ft3 |
2017 Kia Cadenza Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2017 | Due to its shorter greenhouse and taller, more intrusive center console, the Buick's front row doesn't feel nearly as roomy as the Kia's, or even as roomy as the related Chevrolet Malibu's. Large sedans aren't what they used to be. While in the past they were both longer and wider than midsize sedans, these days they more often than not share platforms with the latter, and thus are not significantly wider, only longer. Even in the official specs the LaCrosse has nearly an inch less front shoulder room than the "smaller" Malibu. Likewise, the Cadenza's front row dimensions are within fractions of an inch of the Optima's. If you're seeking more front seat room than in a midsize sedan, you won't find it in these cars. To be fair, midsize sedans have grown. Both the Cadenza and LaCrosse have comfortable front seats, with the Buick's cushion perhaps slightly cushier. Take a turn aggressively, though, and you're much more likely to slide off the Buick's non-bucket, as it provides hardly any lateral support. The Cadenza's bolsters are more effective. The payoff for the additional size of these largish sedans can be found in the back seat, where each offers about two inches more legroom than its junior partner. On paper, the Kia Cadenza offers only slightly more total legroom than the Buick LaCrosse. In reality, it offers much more. With the front seat positioned for my 30-inch inseam (I'm not long of leg), I had about ten inches of knee room in the Kia's back seat. The Kia's rear seat cushion is also a little more supportive and comfortable than the Buick's. Not so good: in both cars there's not enough space under the front seats for the rear seat passengers' feet, essentially robbing them of about a half-foot of legroom. This design flaw is more the rule than the exception in upscale sedans. Still, it's not right. see full Kia Cadenza review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2017 Kia Cadenza.
2006 Pontiac Vibe Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Leather seats have been durable and relatively comfortable although no lumbar control, which would have welcomed. Despite some reviews saying driving position is odd, it fits me just fine and I like being able to simply get it--I don't have to climb up as in a SUV and I don't have to get down, as in a sedan. Rear seat room is amazing for such a small car. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2006 Pontiac Vibe Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
It would only fit the 2 kids in their seat. There is a 3rd belt, but the car seats took up the space where the adult would go between them. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Heating/cooling of the rear seats is poor. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The driver's seat lacks lumbar support. I made a minor modification to significantly improve the driver seat: I shaped a piece of upholstery foam to create lumbar support. I fit it under the seat cloth so it looks factory. Without it I was slouching and had back aches within 30 minutes of driving. My test drive was 10 minutes. My wife found an inadequate situation on the passenger seat. She needs a very upright seat back. That makes the headrest push her head forward. She uses a 2" thick piece of foam on the upper 2/3rd of the back rest to create a little space between her head and the headrest. see full Pontiac Vibe review |