LOS ANGELES (Yonhap News) ― A leading U.S. auto magazine has picked the Kia Cadenza as the best sedan among its American and Japanese rivals, a move that South Korea’s second-largest automaker Kia Motors Corp. will boost its sales in the United States.

“A huge value proposition, solid fuel efficiency, near-luxury ride, and pretty sheetmetal make the Kia our near-unanimous choice for first place,” Motor Trend, an automobile magazine, said in its July edition posted on its website.

The magazine compared the Cadenza with the Toyota Avalon, the Chevrolet Impala, the Chrysler 300S and the Ford Taurus in terms of ride and handling, efficiency, interior, safety and value.

“While the Kia wasn’t the best in every category, it was strong in those that make the most difference: ride comfort, interior space, and fuel economy. It has a features list that could rival an $80K BMW’s and value that places it above its full-size brethren.