2018 Mazda MX-5 vs. 2018 Kia Cadenza

Throughout the years, Mazda excites the public with exciting models such as the 2018 Mazda MX-5. This 2-seater delivers quite a punch for its size and promises an unadulterated fun for the driver. The 2018 Kia Cadenza, on the other hand, is well-equipped given that it is reasonably priced for its class. Comparing the two, which will emerge as the winner?

Design & Style

The 2018 Mazda MX-5 was redesigned for the better. The interior quality is most especially remarkable with its ergonomic design. But since it is a small car, its drawback is mainly attributed to its smaller cabin size. Nonetheless, the limited space will not have anyone experiencing claustrophobic attacks.

Now, the Kia Cadenza is slightly ahead of the MX-5 because of the expansive design of its cabin. It is, however, not built with comfort in mind and the style is not that great in terms of taking the car for longer road trips.

Technology & Safety

Technology-wise, the MX-5 has an infotainment system that is so simple to navigate. The sound system can be improved with an upgrade for a nine-speaker Bose stereo system. This model is already integrated with smartphone functions to play media files for an entertaining ride. It is also equipped with advanced driver safety aids like a blind spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Cadenza is loaded with advanced tech features such as adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree parking cam, and is already integrated with Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system menu, however, lacks structure thereby making it poor in terms of executing its advanced features.

Performance

The 2 liters four cylinder of the 2018 Mazda MX-5 can deliver up to 155 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The manual transmission can reach 60 mph within 6.3 seconds which is pretty fast. A lesser effort is needed in terms of steering the vehicle even along a curvy road.

For the Cadenza, the 3.3-liter V6 engine sounds awesome but is really less powerful. The driving experience is generally not fun mainly because of its reluctant transmission. Even at full throttle, it will take a while for the transmission to respond. It is also disappointing that with its class, it can go from 0-60mph at 6.8 seconds, a slower than average performance.

The Bottom Line

The 2018 Mazda MX-5 can easily win the game even against the powerful engine of the 2018 Kia Cadenza. Truly, it holds so many strengths for such a tiny car. Overall, the better driving experience is due to the mechanical upgrades and the added interior features. They all contributed to producing a ride that is comfortable, convenient, and powered by the latest car safety technology.

Ready to Schedule a 2018 Mazda MX-5 Test Drive Today?

Do you want to discover more about what this Mazda car model can do on the road? Come and visit us at Riley Mazda today! Our dedicated team of customer service representatives will assist you in meeting all your car purchasing, financing, and servicing needs. Call us today and book an appointment for your 2018 Mazda MX-5 test drive now!