2025 Nissan Altima vs 2026 Kia K5
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Altima stands as the efficiency champion, boasting an excellent 39 MPG on the highway and an MSRP starting at a competitive $27,000. Meanwhile, the aggressively styled 2026 Kia K5 arrives with a slight edge in raw power, offering 191 hp compared to the Altima's 188 hp, promising a more spirited feel behind the wheel. Although the K5 has a marginally larger cargo area at 15.6 cu ft versus the Altima's 15.4 cu ft, the Altima counters with superior fuel economy, achieving 32 combined MPG. The Altima's FWD layout and traditional CVT prioritize smoothness, while the K5 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting better performance feel for spirited driving. Both sedans sit at nearly identical dimensions, with the K5 being slightly wider at 73.2 inches. For buyers prioritizing long-term running costs, the Altima’s MPG dominance is a huge factor, but enthusiasts might gravitate toward the K5's modern transmission setup.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Altima
The 2025 Nissan Altima wins for commuters due to its superior 39 MPG highway fuel economy.
2026 Kia K5
The 2026 Kia K5 offers slightly more utility with 15.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Altima's 15.4 cu ft.
2026 Kia K5
The 2026 Kia K5 gets the nod for enthusiasts due to its 191 hp output and a modern 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
2025 Nissan Altima
The 2025 Nissan Altima presents slightly better entry value with an MSRP of $27,000 against the K5's $27,390.
Choose the Nissan Altima if...
- You prioritize maximizing distance between fuel stops, thanks to its 39 MPG highway rating.
- You seek the lowest initial purchase price with an MSRP of just $27,000.
- You prefer the established driving feel of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) paired with FWD.
Choose the Kia K5 if...
- You prefer the responsiveness of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You need the absolute maximum cargo volume, which stands at 15.6 cu ft.
- You want the slightly higher base horsepower figure of 191 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Altima | Kia K5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 193.1" |
| Width | 72.9" | 73.2" |
| Height | 56.7" | 56.9" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 188 hp @ 6000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/39 MPG | 26/37 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 32 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 437.4/631.8 mi. | 410.8/584.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.2 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.8 in. | 46.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 58.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.9 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R16 | 205/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Altima and 2026 Kia K5.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Kia K5 than the 2025 Nissan Altima?
The 2026 Kia K5 has a slight advantage in engine output, producing 191 hp compared to the 2025 Nissan Altima's 188 hp. While the K5 has slightly more horsepower, the Altima maintains better efficiency across the board.
Which sedan offers better fuel efficiency for long commutes?
The 2025 Nissan Altima is the clear winner for fuel economy, achieving a combined 32 MPG and a highway rating of 39 MPG. The 2026 Kia K5 trails slightly with 30 combined MPG.
Is there a significant difference in size between these two sedans?
The dimensions are nearly identical, but the 2026 Kia K5 is marginally larger in width (73.2 inches vs. 72.9 inches for the Altima) and offers 0.2 cu ft more trunk space at 15.6 cu ft.
What is the major mechanical difference affecting the driving feel?
The primary difference lies in the transmission; the Altima uses a CVT for smooth, continuous acceleration, whereas the K5 features an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which typically provides more distinct gear changes and a sportier driving feel.
Which car is more affordable to purchase outright?
The 2025 Nissan Altima has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $27,000, making it $390 cheaper than the starting MSRP of $27,390 for the 2026 Kia K5.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Nissan Altima and the 2026 Kia K5 are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping routine fueling costs consistent between the two models.
More Budget Sedans Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool