2024 Kia K5 vs 2024 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima name had been around since 1993, and even the sixth-generation Altima that people saw in 2024 had gone largely unchanged since its 2019 debut. The most notable styling update came with the 2023 model year, featuring a new grille with an open-bottom edge that gave the car an imposing look. Besides this change, the Altima remained quite familiar.

The Altima was available in four primary trim levels: S, SV, SR, and SL. Most models came with front-wheel drive (FWD), but the SV, SR, and SL trims could also be had with all-wheel drive (AWD). Additionally, the SR trim level could be fitted with Nissan’s more potent and technologically advanced VC-Turbo engine.

In our review, Nissan provided an Altima SL with AWD. This model featured Garnet Pearl Metallic paint and rode on 19-inch alloy wheels, which gave it a pleasing, if somewhat conservative, appearance. The SL trim included chrome door handles and some chrome accents around the lower window sills, though the rear badging in gunmetal gray seemed to balance the flashier chrome nicely.

Up front, the Altima boasted LED projector headlights, which were both visually appealing and functional. The rear of the vehicle featured dual exhaust pipes and an optional rear spoiler that added a bit of sporty flair to the otherwise sedate design. It was worth noting that the optional spoiler came with a $420 price tag.

Inside, the Altima showed its age, although there were some redeeming qualities. Soft yellow overhead lights and wood trim might have evoked memories of older vehicles, but the comfortable seats were a standout feature, offering both softness and support. The interior layout was practical, with well-placed cupholders and cubbies within easy reach of the driver. Our test vehicle was equipped with a wireless phone charger, a feature optional on SV and SR trims but not available on the base S trim. This charger was positioned ahead of a traditional PRNDL shifter, flanked by twin cupholders on the right, and the center console featured a padded lid.

However, the front passenger seat was only adjustable in four directions, and the leather upholstery in the SL trim felt somewhat low in quality. There was also a noticeable amount of cheap plastic scattered throughout the cabin. Fortunately, frequently-used touchpoints like the steering wheel and shift knob felt better.

In contrast, the Kia K5 had been around since 2021, replacing the Optima in Kia’s lineup. While its name might not have been widely recognized, its appearance definitely drew attention. While shooting photos on a popular cycling back road, bystanders were clearly impressed with the K5 GT-Line test car in its extra-cost Passion Red Tint Coat.

The GT-Line trim was one step up from the base LXS trim and just below the more upscale EX. For those wanting a sportier sedan, the K5 GT was the top choice, with prices ranging from $25,390 to $31,790, plus a $1,125 destination charge.

Our test vehicle, equipped with extra-cost paint, a Premium Package, a Panoramic Sunroof Package, and various mats, had an as-tested price of $30,530, destination charge included. Despite its reasonable price, the K5's cabin was not free from inexpensive-looking plastics. However, the overall interior design and detailing were impressive, featuring textured metallic trim around the air vents and a robust transmission shifter that felt high-quality with each gear change.

The 2024 Nissan Altima delivered adequate performance with its naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed for satisfactory acceleration, with a 0 to 60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds.

For those seeking more excitement, the Altima SR VC-Turbo was available. This model featured a 2.0-liter VC-turbo four-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, producing 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Though fuel economy took a slight hit, the increased power made for a more spirited driving experience.

Our test car utilized Nissan’s “intelligent” AWD system, which mostly functioned as a FWD vehicle but could send up to 50% of power to the rear wheels when needed. This system contributed to the Altima’s fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA estimated 26 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. With the VC-Turbo engine and FWD, fuel efficiency was slightly lower at 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.

The Altima’s steering felt light, but its low center of gravity minimized body roll during cornering. The brakes were predictable, with no noticeable squishiness or grabby behavior. The continuously variable transmission (CVT), while effective at managing power output, produced a droning noise unless driven gently.

The 2024 Kia K5 offered a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder base engine across most trims, generating 180 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels, while an AWD system was available on the GT-Line trim.

The K5 GT took performance up a notch with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. This engine was mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, but AWD was not an option.

Drivers could select from Smart, Normal, Sport, and Custom driving modes, with AWD models also featuring a Snow mode. The K5 GT added Sport+ mode with launch control, sport-tuned suspension, quicker steering, larger brakes, and bigger alloy wheels with more aggressive tires.

The GT-Line trim focused on providing a sporty appearance and respectable fuel efficiency. It boasted an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined with FWD (28 mpg with AWD), while the high-powered GT managed 27 mpg combined.

However, our test car struggled to meet these expectations, averaging 23.8 mpg during a day trip and 24.5 mpg over roughly 300 miles. Despite this shortcoming, the K5 GT-Line was a joy to drive, with its turbo four-cylinder engine delivering a good amount of torque from a low 1,500 rpm and sounding pleasant when accelerating. The transmission executed quick and confident shifts.

Though the GT-Line’s passing power was limited at higher revs, Kia tuned its suspension masterfully, balancing comfort and control during enthusiastic driving. Its dynamics were predictable and trustworthy, though the column-mounted electric steering felt mediocre.

The brakes on the GT-Line, however, were not ideal for spirited driving, fading significantly during mountainous evaluations, though they performed adequately in everyday scenarios.

Kia equipped the K5 with acoustic sound-absorbing windshield glass, and all trims except the base LXS also featured this on the front door windows, resulting in a quiet cabin environment.

The 2024 Nissan Altima offered notable interior space starting with its comfortable front seats, which provided more room than competitors like the Honda Accord, Subaru Legacy, and Toyota Camry, though it lagged behind the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5. The rear seat, with 35.2 inches of legroom, outdid the Sonata and matched the K5, but fell short compared to the Accord, Legacy, and Camry.

Trunk space was solid at 15.4 cubic feet, surpassing the Legacy and Camry, though still less than its Korean rivals and the Accord. A broad trunk-lid opening facilitated the loading of large items, and the 60/40-split folding rear seat allowed for additional cargo flexibility.

Inside the Altima, practical features made daily use convenient, including the smartly placed cupholders and cubbies, which added to the car’s overall user-friendliness.

On the other hand, the 2024 Kia K5 offered a blend of comfort and utility, complemented by stylish design choices. The GT-Line trim included SynTex artificial leather and cloth seat inserts, though full SynTex found in EX and GT trims could be overly sticky, complicating entry and exit depending on one’s attire.

Our K5 GT-Line test car featured a 10-way power driver’s seat and manual height adjuster for the front passenger seat, standard across all K5s. The EX and GT trims included an optional 10-way power front-passenger seat, a feature that other automakers might envy.

Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, with all but the base LXS trim including heated front seats. Higher trims, like the EX and GT, also offered a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats, with the heated wheel coming standard on the GT-Line AWD model.

Our test car came with the optional panoramic glass sunroof, which was a great value addition. The front seats were comfortable even on long drives, and the back seats provided excellent support and legroom. However, the panoramic sunroof might reduce headroom for taller passengers. Rear air conditioning vents were exclusive to the EX and GT trims.

The K5’s interior featured ample storage, though the plastic linings of these compartments could be noisy with hard items like keys.

Comparatively, the K5 boasted a cargo capacity of 16 cubic feet. The trunk could be opened using the remote keyless entry fob, or the Smart Trunk function, which automatically opened the trunk lid when someone with the key stood behind the K5 for a few seconds.

Most 2024 Nissan Altimas featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the base S trim used a smaller 7-inch screen. Our test car was equipped with an impressive 12.3-inch display, which shone brightly and featured crisp graphics and excellent resolution, though it was only standard on the SL and SR VC-Turbo trims.

While the 7- and 8-inch screens had adequate functionality, the 12.3-inch display offered a better user experience with static icons for easy navigation and an organized tile view on the home screen. A dedicated volume knob below the screen, though physical tuning knobs were absent. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available only with the largest screen. However, the interface for SiriusXM satellite radio appeared cluttered, and the available nine-speaker Bose system was underwhelming for audiophiles. The NissanConnect suite and MyNissan app on SL and SR VC-Turbo trims allowed remote vehicle access and included features like remote lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle health reports, and emergency calling.

The 2024 Kia K5 LXS featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while upper trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Interestingly, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available only with the smaller screen, with wired connections required for the larger display.

Both systems supported Bluetooth for multiple devices, with the larger screen adding a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Kia Connect services. These included features like 911 Connect, panic button notifications, stolen vehicle recovery, remote start, remote access to specific vehicle features, and teen use notifications. A Wi-Fi hotspot was available as well.

Kia Connect’s digital voice assistant, while an appealing feature, was not available in our test car due to an inactive subscription. The K5’s standard voice recognition technology was less effective compared to Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant, so it was advisable to use a USB cable for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The larger display also included a wireless phone charging pad, and EX and GT trims could be outfitted with a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2024 Nissan Altima had impressive safety credentials, earning a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) due to excellent side-impact and rollover crash test results. However, it scored four out of five stars in the overall frontal crash test and driver-side barrier crash test. These crash-test results raised some concerns, especially when considering the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) updated side-impact test, which the 2024 model did not pass as well as previous versions.

Despite these issues, the Altima came well-equipped with standard advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This suite included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (including pedestrian detection), blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims like the SL and SR VC-Turbo also featured a 360-degree surround-view monitor and traffic-sign recognition.

Nissan’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving technology was available as an option for the SV trim and standard on SL and SR VC-Turbo models. This system combined steering assistance and adaptive cruise control for more relaxed highway driving and traffic management.

In contrast, every 2024 Kia K5 came with Kia Drive Wise, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. This included forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, active blind-spot monitoring, active rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a safe exit warning system.

Additional standard safety features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. A Leading Vehicle Departure Alert helped reduce driver distraction by sounding an alert when the traffic ahead started moving again.

Available upgrades for the K5 included cyclist detection, automatic intersection braking, front and rear parking sensors, rear automatic braking when parking, a surround-view camera, and an active safe exit warning system. The car could also be equipped with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, a navigation-based version of this feature with curve speed control, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA).

HDA combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist to create a semi-autonomous highway driving aid. It required drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel, though it could travel a considerable distance before issuing a warning if hands were removed.

In crash tests, the K5 received high marks from the NHTSA. However, in updated IIHS evaluations, it earned lower scores in moderate overlap frontal-impact and side-impact tests, receiving Poor and Marginal ratings, respectively. Nonetheless, the K5 performed well in other safety areas.