23 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but that’s what you get with the 2019 Kia Cadenza and its reliable 3.3L V6. This isn’t a Prius competitor. It’s a comfortable, spacious sedan designed for those who want a smooth ride and strong power, not ultimate fuel savings. Cadenza buyers typically want a near-luxury experience at a more accessible price, and the V6 engine is a key part of that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Cadenza at 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s need to work harder in stop-and-go traffic, where its six cylinders are constantly accelerating and decelerating.

The highway number is more respectable. The Cadenza’s eight-speed automatic transmission allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs for improved efficiency. These numbers assume use of regular unleaded fuel, though some owners may experiment with premium.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Kia Cadenza at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, location, and fuel prices.

However, the $1,900 provides a standardized benchmark for comparing the Cadenza’s fuel expenses against other vehicles. You can research all Kia fuel economy data for more brand comparisons.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary. Drivers with a heavier foot or those who frequently drive in congested urban areas may see figures closer to the lower end of the spectrum. On the other hand, those who primarily drive on highways and adopt a more conservative driving style may get close to, or even slightly exceed, the 27 MPG highway rating.

Careful monitoring of your own driving habits and fuel consumption is the best way to determine the Cadenza’s true MPG in your specific circumstances. Explore the CADENZA MPG across all years to get a sense of long-term trends.

How it compares

The 2019 Cadenza’s fuel economy is competitive within its class, but it’s important to consider alternatives. The Toyota Avalon, for example, gets up to 22 MPG city and 32 MPG highway with its V6 engine in non-hybrid form. The Chrysler 300 with its 3.6L V6 gets around 19 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. The Nissan Maxima, another sporty sedan, hovers around 20 MPG city and 30 MPG highway with its 3.5L V6.

For Cadenza shoppers, this MPG matters because they are focused on premium sedan ownership without top-shelf pricing. They prioritize value and overall cost of ownership, and while a few MPG gains are easily attainable, they will not sacrifice the V6 experience to get there.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Cadenza’s eight-speed automatic transmission is designed to optimize fuel economy, so make sure it’s working correctly. Regular transmission fluid changes, as outlined in the owner’s manual, can help maintain its efficiency. Not doing this can lead to slippage and reduced fuel economy.

Gentle acceleration and consistent speed are important to maximizing fuel economy in any vehicle, but especially in a V6-powered sedan like the Cadenza. Avoid aggressive starts and stops, and try to maintain a steady speed on the highway. Use cruise control on long trips to further optimize fuel consumption.

Tire pressure is important in fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, which impacts fuel economy. Remove any non-essential items from the trunk and backseat to minimize the load on the engine.

Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate a prolonged stop, such as waiting at a train crossing or for someone to run into a store, consider turning off the engine. This can save a noticeable amount of fuel over time, particularly in urban environments.