Compare the2024 Kia K5VS 2024 Nissan Altima

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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Both the K5 and Altima have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The K5 EX/GT offers optional power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Altima’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

Both the K5 and Altima have rear cross-traffic warning, but the K5 has Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Altima’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the K5 and the Altima have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Kia K5 is safer than the Nissan Altima:

	K5	Altima
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	21%	30%
Neck Stress	180 lbs.	343 lbs.
Neck Compression	21 lbs.	78 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.5 inches
Neck Injury Risk	50%	54%
Neck Stress	147 lbs.	280 lbs.
Neck Compression	58 lbs.	110 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	20/31 lbs.	260/280 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Kia K5 is safer than the Nissan Altima:

	K5	Altima
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	110	187
Chest Movement	1 inches	1.4 inches
Hip Force	264 lbs.	511 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	16 inches
Spine Acceleration	32 G’s	42 G’s
Hip Force	589 lbs.	769 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the K5 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 126 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Altima is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2019.

Warranty

The K5 comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Altima’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Kia’s powertrain warranty covers the K5 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Nissan covers the Altima. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Altima ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the K5 has a standard 130-amp alternator. The Altima’s standard 120-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the K5 has a standard 760-amp battery. The Altima’s 510-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the K5’s reliability 11 points higher than the Altima.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are better in initial quality than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia above average in initial quality. With 10 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is rated lower.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia first in reliability, above the industry average. With 60 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is ranked 20th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Kia 7 places higher in reliability than Nissan.

Engine

The K5 has more powerful engines than the Altima:

	Horsepower	Torque
K5 1.6T 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder	180 HP	195 lbs.-ft.
K5 GT 2.5T 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder	290 HP	311 lbs.-ft.
Altima AWD 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder	182 HP	178 lbs.-ft.
Altima 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder	188 HP	180 lbs.-ft.
Altima SR 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder	248 HP	273 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Car and Driver the K5 1.6T 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Altima AWD 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder:

	K5	Altima
Zero to 60 MPH	7 sec	7.6 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	18.8 sec	20.7 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	7.4 sec	8.1 sec
Quarter Mile	15.5 sec	15.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	92 MPH	89 MPH
Top Speed	128 MPH	119 MPH

As tested in Motor Trend the K5 GT 2.5T 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Nissan Altima 2.5:

	K5	Altima
Zero to 60 MPH	5.4 sec	7.4 sec
Quarter Mile	14 sec	15.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	101.8 MPH	90.2 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the K5 1.6T FWD gets better fuel mileage than the Altima SR 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder FWD (27 city/37 hwy vs. 25 city/34 hwy).

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the K5 LX’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The Altima doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Kia K5 uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Altima SR requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the K5’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Altima:

	K5	K5 GT	Altima
Front Rotors	12 inches	13.6 inches	11.65 inches
Rear Rotors	11.2 inches	12.8 inches	11.02 inches
Opt Rear Rotors			11.5 inches

The K5 stops shorter than the Altima:

	K5	Altima
70 to 0 MPH	172 feet	176 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	116 feet	119 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the K5 GT’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Altima (245/40R19 vs. 235/40R19).

Suspension and Handling

The K5 GT-Line AWD handles at .86 G’s, while the Altima SV AWD pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The K5 GT executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the Altima SV AWD (26.3 seconds @ .69 average G’s vs. 27.7 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the K5’s turning circle is .1 feet tighter than the Altima S’ (36 feet vs. 36.1 feet). The K5’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the Altima SR/SV/SL/Platinum’s (36 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the K5 EX is quieter than the Altima SR AWD (67 vs. 70 dB).

Passenger Space

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the K5 a Large car, while the Altima is rated a Mid-size.

The K5 has 4.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Altima (105.3 vs. 100.6).

The K5 has 1.1 inches more front headroom, 2.3 inches more front legroom, 1.9 inches more front hip room, .9 inches more rear headroom and 2.1 inches more rear hip room than the Altima.

Cargo Capacity

The K5 has a larger trunk than the Altima (16 vs. 15.4 cubic feet).

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the K5’s trunk can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Altima doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Servicing Ease

The K5 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Altima uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the K5 EX/GT, the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Altima doesn’t offer a memory system.

The K5 EX/GT’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Altima doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The K5’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Altima’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The power windows standard on both the K5 and the Altima have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the K5 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Altima prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The K5 EX/GT’s optional front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Altima’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

The K5 has a standard Smart Key that allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Only the Altima SR/SV/SL offers an Intelligent Key.

The K5’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Altima’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The K5’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Altima’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

The K5’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Heated mirrors cost extra on the Altima and aren’t offered on the Altima S.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the K5 (except LXS/GT-Line) keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Altima doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The K5 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Altima SL/SR VC-Turbo.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the K5 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the K5 will cost $1025 less than the Altima over a five-year period.

The K5 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the K5 will retain 52.43% to 55.34% of its original price after five years, while the Altima only retains 41.69% to 47.34%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Kia K5 will be $1413 to $9243 less than for the Nissan Altima.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Kia K5 and the Nissan Altima, based on reliability, safety and performance.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its May 2021 issue and they ranked the Kia K5 GT-Line AWD five places higher than the Nissan Altima SR.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the K5 first among midsize cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Altima isn’t in the top three.

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