I recently turned in my 2014 SXL White/White and was having a hard time deciding what I wanted next. My work commute changed putting me in a longer travel time and higher pressure to be present during inclement weather (snow/ice). I wanted something smaller with better fuel efficiency while keeping as many of the comfort and safety features offered by the Cadenza. I had never received so many compliments from strangers and people I know about my Cadenza - appearance, comfort, content. This held true from the day I picked it up until I turned it in.
I was very interested in the 2017 Sportage SX AWD, but was disappointed with the features left off of it (rain sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, heated rear seats, electronic parking brake, memory seat). I was also disappointed in the mileage from the turbo. Otherwise, the size was perfect and the ride was good. Nothing else from Kia was pulling my attention.
I also looked at a 2017 Civic Touring. I liked the size and the features. Fun to drive with great safety tech loaded in. For $27k, I could have added a set of dedicated snow tires/wheels. Reasonable backseat room too.
I checked out the 2017 Nissan Murano Platinum. Very comfortable and great feature content. Ultimately, a bit bigger than I wanted to go.
I pulled the trigger on a new 2017 Honda CR-V Touring last week. Love this thing! I've never been into much from the Honda line, but I really like the new design and increased dimensions. Feature content is fantastic and it's been great with the snow we've been getting in Portland, OR. Dealers weren't very motivated to negotiate much on MSRP due to it just hitting the lots on 12/21, but it's still worth the money for what I needed. I've been getting plenty of compliments on it which will probably pass as more and more start hitting the road making it very common.
My Cadenza didn't have any issues and I felt a great deal of pride every day I drove it. I will likely miss it when I see others on the road.