Skip to main content
Motor Ranked Media
Your Comparison

Nissan Altima vs Kia K5

Which Midsize Sedan Should You Buy?

2025 Nissan
Altima
Starting MSRP
$26,890
Combined MPG
36
Horsepower
188
2025 Kia
K5
Starting MSRP
$26,975
Combined MPG
32
Horsepower
191
Quick Category Winners
Value
Tie
Performance
K5
Comfort
Altima
Fuel Economy
Altima
Reliability
Altima
Interior
K5
Technology
K5
Overall
K5
Scorecard Comparison
7.8
Performance
8.4
8.1
Comfort
7.9
8.6
Value
8.6
8.2
Ownership Cost
7.9
7.8
Technology
8.3
8.1
Safety
8.1
7.9
Reliability
7.7
7.9
Interior Quality
8.0
Altima
K5
CHOOSE THE ALTIMA IF YOU:
  • Want comfortable, easygoing daily driving
  • Prefer available all-wheel drive
  • Value a quiet, relaxed cabin
CHOOSE THE K5 IF YOU:
  • Want sportier styling at the lowest price
  • Prefer a more aggressive driving feel
  • Value strong standard equipment
5-Year Ownership Cost
CategoryAltimaK5Diff
Fuel$5,900$6,500-$600
Insurance$6,500$6,300+$200
Maintenance$3,900$3,750+$150
Repairs$1,700$1,500+$200
Depreciation$14,200$13,800+$400
5-Year Total$32,200$31,850+$350
$

The K5 costs an estimated $350 less to own over 5 years.

Size Comparison
Altima
K5
Altima
K5
Diff
Length
192.9
193.1
-0.2
Width
72.9
73.2
-0.3
Height
56.8
56.9
-0.1
Wheelbase
111.2
112.2
-1.0
Cargo Volumecu ft
15.4
16.0
-0.6
Trim-to-Trim Comparison
  • Altima SvsK5 LX
  • Altima SRvsK5 GT-Line
  • Altima PlatinumvsK5 GT
View All Trim Comparisons
Final Verdict

The Kia K5 is the smarter overall pick across our scoring categories, especially in the areas it leads. The Nissan Altima remains a strong alternative if its standout strengths better match your priorities. Either way, both are credible choices in this segment.

Winner
Kia K5
Best For…
  • CommutersAltima
  • FamiliesAltima
  • Resale ValueAltima
  • Driving EnjoymentK5
  • TechnologyK5
  • Best OverallK5
Frequently Asked Questions
  • The Nissan Altima is better for shoppers who weight want comfortable, easygoing daily driving, while the Kia K5 is better if you want sportier styling at the lowest price. Both compete closely overall.

  • Our scoring gives the edge to the Nissan Altima, though the Kia K5 also performs well in long-term reliability data.

  • The Nissan Altima leads with up to 36 combined MPG versus 32 for the Kia K5.

  • The Nissan Altima is the better family pick thanks to its higher comfort scoring, slightly more usable cabin space, and a more relaxed ride.

  • Over a five-year ownership window, the Kia K5 costs an estimated $350 less to own once you factor in fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation.

  • The Nissan Altima tends to hold its value better in the used market, helped by stronger demand and a higher overall value score.