Test-driving the new 2017 Kia Cadenza

I was recently the guest of Kia Motors at the #DiscoverCadenza press event to experience the 2017 Kia Cadenza. I was thrilled it was close enough to home for me to drive. The trip itself to the Salamander Resort and Spa in Woodbridge, Virginia, was a pleasure. Even after living in Virginia for almost twenty years, I’m still discovering its beautiful places.

I’m used to blogger events, so it was a change of pace to be surrounded by 75% traditional media. I enjoyed meeting writers, both men and women, who eat, sleep, and breathe cars.

My husband and I just bought a new car last month. I think the way we buy is the norm for couples like us. He’s the detail person. Usually there’s internet research and a spreadsheet involved. I’m the big picture person. Tell me about the safety, gas mileage, and the accessories. After that, I make my choice based on how I feel in the car. Comfortable? Useful? Fancy-but-helpful? Sold!

That was how I felt in the new 2017 Kia Cadenza.

Since I’m not a “car person,” I was surprised about the quality of what Kia is producing now. For me, I remember the 90s rental cars that so underwhelmed me when I traveled for business. That Kia is long gone.

The 2017 Kia Cadenza is in production now and available in November 2016, so it was great to get a sneak peek. We didn’t just do a little test drive around the block. My driving buddy, Danyelle Little of The Cubicle Chick, and I drove that car all day long.

Our 2017 Kia Cadenza Test Drive

Danyelle drove off from the Salamander Resort and Spa with me in the passenger seat, taking pictures and picking the tunes. You can’t go on a test drive without a driving soundtrack. The directions to our first stop were already programmed in the navigation system.  We toured the beautiful horse country of northern Virginia on our way.

Lookit! A wireless charging platform.

At the Narmada Vineyard, we took a break for snacks. No wine–we’re driving! I look forward to returning sometime when my husband will drive.

After a quick break, Danyelle and I were on to our next location. This time, we drove through some of the most green, rolling hills ever. After half an hour we arrived at the Faithbrook Barn and Vineyard.

We had a great lunch in good company and took some beauty shots of the Kia Cadenza with the vineyard and mountains in the background.

During the drive back to the Salamander Resort we stopped at a roadside ice cream store. The young woman behind the counter surprised me by asking if we were driving a new Kia Optima. She was thrilled to get a peek at the next level up Cadenza that’s not yet available. Two other customers also came up to chat and admire the car. It’s a showstopper for sure.

The professional automotive press at the same Kia event liked the Cadenza as well. Here’s an excellent and detailed review from Jon Wong.

If you are looking for a car with a lot of luxury and a surprisingly affordable price, take a Kia Cadenza for a test drive.