Shopping for a new midsize sedan may lead you to compare the Kia K5 vs. Nissan Altima. After all, these two cars are affordable and offer a range of specs, trims, and configurations to choose from.
However, many differences between the 2024 Kia K5 and the 2024 Nissan Altima should be considered before selecting one over the other. Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw is here with a detailed comparison of the Kia K5 vs. Nissan Altima so sedan shoppers near Atlanta, GA, and beyond can find their favorite model among these two options.
The 2024 Kia K5 specs include a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine under the hood and a spacious interior fit for up to five passengers. The standard turbocharged engine puts out 180 horsepower plus 195 pound-feet of torque and is paired with a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive is standard on the new Kia K5 for sale, but an all-wheel-drive system is available. In base form, this midsize Kia car returns up to an EPA-estimated 27/37 MPG (City/Highway)1 rating, making it a highly efficient alternative to many other sedans and SUVs.
The 2024 Nissan Altima starts with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT). It falls short of the Kia K5 in torque, producing 180 pound-feet, but offers 188 horsepower.
These sedans are similarly sized, but the 2024 Kia K5 is still larger, inside and out. While the Kia K5 is only marginally longer at 193.1 inches, compared to 192.9 inches of length for the Nissan Altima, its interior is significantly more spacious, boasting 105.3 cubic feet of passenger space compared to just 100.6 cubic feet in the Nissan model.
The midsize Kia sedan is taller and features a longer wheelbase than its Nissan rival, translating to more headroom and first-row legroom. The Kia K5 legroom is substantial at 46.1 inches in the first row, which compares favorably to the 43.8 inches found in the Altima.
| 2024 Kia K5 LXS FWD | 2024 Nissan Altima S | |
| Engine | 1.6L I-4 Turbo | 2.5L I-4 |
| Horsepower | 180 | 188 |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Automatic | CVT |
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty/Hwy) | 27/371 | 27/392 |
| Length | 193.1 in | 192.9 in |
| Width | 73.2 in | 72.9 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 56.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 111.2 in |
| Wheel Diameter | 16 in | 16 in |
| Passenger Volume | 105.3 cu ft | 100.6 cu ft |
| Headroom (First/Second Row) | 40.2 in/37.8 in | 39.1 in/36.9 in |
| Legroom (First/Second Row) | 46.1 in/35.2 in | 43.8 in/35.2 in |
| Cargo Space | 16 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft |
| Key Features | – Alloy wheels – 8-inch touch-screen display – Wireless Apple CarPlay® – Wireless Android Auto™ – Bluetooth® wireless technology – LED headlights – Dual-zone auto climate control – Smart Key – Smart Trunk – Push-button start – Remote start – 8-speed automatic transmission |
– Steel wheels with wheel covers – 7-inch touch screen – Bluetooth® phone system – Cruise control – Remote engine start – Cloth seats – 6-speaker audio system |
These new midsize sedans offer some of the latest technologies from their respective manufacturers, including standard suites of driver assistance and safety systems designed to provide greater alertness and confidence while navigating ever-changing traffic situations around your vehicle.
Kia Drive Wise technologies on the new K5 sedan include:
The Altima gets the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, which offers some similar driver assistance technologies, like:
The Kia K5 also impresses with more generous standard tech features elsewhere. The 2024 K5 LXS FWD base trim gets an 8-inch touch screen, which is larger than the 7-inch screen you get with the base Altima S sedan.
You also get wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android Auto™, a Smart Trunk, and Bluetooth® wireless technology inside the 2024 Kia K5 LXS FWD and every 2024 edition of this sedan. You’ll get Bluetooth® connectivity in the 2024 Nissan Altima S too, but you will need to upgrade to a higher trim level for more cabin tech.
Both the 2024 Altima and the new Kia K5 for sale give you plenty of choices when you’re searching for your ideal edition of either sedan. These midsize cars come in five trim levels each, with an alternative engine featured on both models’ top trim.
The 2024 edition of the midsize Kia car is available in the following versions:
The GT-Line FWD and GT-Line AWD build upon the base model and its responsive 1.6-liter turbocharged powertrain with sporty GT-Line body styling, larger 18-inch alloy wheels with a Gloss Black machined finish, and a GT-Line leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel.
Gain the all-weather confidence of all-wheel drive in the GT-Line AWD trim, or opt for more power and performance via the range-topping trim: the 2024 Kia K5 GT.
The GT model utilizes a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine to produce 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. A high-performance eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is also added, delivering fast shifts and effortless acceleration. Use the steering wheel’s mounted paddle shifters to take greater control of your drive in the 2024 Kia K5 GT.
The 2024 Nissan Altima is offered in these trims:
The 2024 Nissan Altima SR is most comparable to the Kia K5 GT-Line FWD. They both feature upgrades like sportier styling and equipment, including larger wheels and distinctive design elements.
The Nissan Altima VC-Turbo competes with the Kia K5 GT as the top performance variant. However, its 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque are no match for the mighty K5 GT that generates 311 pound-feet of torque and 290 horsepower.
If the 2024 Kia K5 sedan and its advantages over the 2024 Nissan Altima intrigue you, why not schedule a test drive of this well-equipped and stylish sedan at our Kia dealership near Atlanta, GA?
We’re home to high-quality new and used Kia vehicles for sale, including sedans and SUVs just as great as the 2024 Kia K5.
Would you rather go electric with your next vehicle? Check out the Kia EV6, a new all-electric SUV with excellent range and fuel efficiency.
Kia K5 sedans can last 200,000 miles or even longer when you treat them to the proper preventive care, routine maintenance, and occasional repair. Like other gas-powered cars, the Kia K5 requires regular oil changes, filter replacement, tire checks, and multipoint inspections to keep it performing its best. Shop for a long-lasting Kia K5 at our dealership near Atlanta, GA, today.
The base trim of the 2024 Kia K5 has a lower starting MSRP than the entry-level Nissan Altima. The same goes for their top trim levels – the MSRP of the 2024 Kia K5 GT is lower than that of the 2024 Nissan Altima VC-Turbo. Many sedan shoppers also find that the Kia K5 comes better equipped for their preferences.
There is no fully electric Kia K5 sedan model currently. However, the Kia brand offers fully electric vehicles in other models, including the new Kia EV6 all-electric crossover SUV for sale. If you’re searching for an all-electric vehicle, you’ll want to explore the impressive range and technologies of the new Kia EV6 model for sale at our dealership.
1EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition.
22024 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 27 City MPG / 39 Highway MPG / 32 Combined MPG for Altima® S, SV FWD. 27 City MPG / 37 Highway MPG / 31 Combined MPG for Altima® SR, SL FWD. 26 City MPG / 36 Highway MPG / 30 Combined MPG for Altima® SV, SR, SL AWD. 25 City MPG / 34 Highway MPG / 29 Combined MPG for Altima® SR FWD VC-Turbo. Fuel economy estimates based on 87-octane fuel. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
