2023 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in several trim levels ranging from the base LX to the sportier GT. All trims featured a turbocharged engine, with prices spanning $23,790 to $31,190 before additional costs. The EX trim we reviewed cost $33,945, making it competitively priced without compromising on quality.

The K5's low-slung design was a standout on the road, resembling a luxury sports sedan more than a typical family vehicle. Our test car, painted in Glacial White Pearl, featured Ash Blue synthetic leather and matte-finish fake wood trim, creating an upscale interior feel. Despite some hard plastics, the car exuded quality through its sturdy controls and well-made components.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima, especially in the upscale SL trim that we tested, showcased significant design updates such as a revised grille, new wheel designs, and fresh paint colors. The Altima SL, priced at $34,755, featured stylish but vulnerable wheels and new simulated wood trim inside. Despite its good looks and high-contrast two-tone interior, the Altima was let down by a considerable amount of hard plastic, reminding occupants of its lower base price.

The Kia K5 GT was the performance model with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This model, however, lacked all-wheel drive and was less fuel-efficient. The EX trim we drove used a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. During our test, the K5 EX returned 29.1 mpg against an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined. Road noise and suspension issues were noticeable, but the vehicle handled well enough for its class, though not as engaging as some competitors like the Honda Accord.

The 2023 Nissan Altima came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque with front-wheel drive or slightly less with all-wheel drive. Its CVT was engineered to mimic a traditional automatic, and the SL AWD model we tested averaged 27.4 mpg, falling short of its EPA estimates of 30-32 mpg combined. The Altima offered a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the SR VC-Turbo trim, but our SL model lacked the power and exhibited disappointing brake performance and noise at higher speeds. It delivered a stable, if uninspired, driving experience.

The 2022 Kia K5 emphasized comfort with features like dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed ample space and rear air vents. The K5 offered practical storage solutions, including a spacious 16 cubic-foot trunk with a 60/40-split folding back seat. However, the low ride height made entry and exit challenging.

The 2023 Nissan Altima also featured dual-zone climate control and Nissan’s famously comfortable Zero Gravity seats. The SL trim added a power sunroof and heated front seats. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, complicating entry and exit. The floor mats' poor design and the rear seatbelt buckle’s discomfort were notable drawbacks. The Altima offered a slightly smaller trunk at 15.4 cubic feet, with limited rear vent availability on lower trims.

Kia provided two infotainment systems in the K5. The base models had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims got a 10.25-inch screen requiring wired connections for these features. The system included satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and various Kia Connect services. Voice recognition in the K5 was below par, often failing commands.

The 2023 Altima's base S trim lacked advanced infotainment options. Most trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay, navigation, and Wi-Fi was a significant improvement available in higher trims. NissanConnect services required a subscription, and while the Bose sound system was hit-or-miss, the overall user interface and voice recognition in the new system were impressive.

The Kia K5 excelled in safety with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. The K5 achieved top ratings from both IIHS (Top Safety Pick+) and NHTSA (five-star overall rating).

The 2023 Nissan Altima included Safety Shield 360 across all trims, offering forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning with steering wheel vibrations, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added ProPilot Assist, though it required refinement for smoother operation. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, but a four-star front passenger safety rating, and a mix of ratings from IIHS, including a Poor for the updated side-impact test.