2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a bold new direction for Kia, shedding its past image of drab sedans. With its fastback form and striking design elements, the K5 was reminiscent of the performance-oriented Kia Stinger. The GT-Line trim, with its flat Wolf Gray paint and red seats, gave it an Audi A5 Sportback vibe. The K5's design was marked by unique taillights and a sleek rear window, although it featured a conventional trunk. Despite some fake air vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions and styling made it sportier than its predecessor, the Optima. The interior was equally impressive, with a driver-focused dash, quality materials, and a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel. The K5 exuded a sense of sportiness and quality that was often missing from other brands.

The 2021 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille and sleek, aerodynamic profile. Its coupe-like roofline and taut body design gave it a modern look, although its stance appeared slightly old-fashioned due to its proportions. The Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details. Inside, the Altima featured an uncluttered dashboard with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display. While the base model felt somewhat stripped-down, higher trims offered improved materials and features. The Altima's interior was practical and comfortable, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable family sedan.

The 2021 Kia K5's performance was a mixed bag. The GT-Line's aggressive styling suggested a sporty drive, but it lacked paddle shifters and had softer suspension damping. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) test car offered good brakes and communicative steering, but the GT-Line was more of an appearance package than a true sports sedan. The GT trim promised better performance with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, but it was only available in FWD. The standard engine was a 1.6-litre turbo-four with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing decent acceleration and good fuel efficiency, with an estimated 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 on the highway.

The 2021 Nissan Altima in Canada came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. The standout feature was the standard all-wheel drive (AWD), which provided better traction and handling. The AWD system could send up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels when needed. Fuel consumption was competitive, with ratings of 9.1 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway for the base model. The Altima's suspension setup offered a comfortable ride, and the electric-powered steering provided decent feedback.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered a comfortable interior with enough space for two adults in the back, despite its raked profile. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The K5's infotainment system was user-friendly, with an optional 10.25-inch display. Trunk space was 434 litres, providing ample room for luggage.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats, which were praised for their comfort on long drives. The front cabin offered plenty of storage options, including a large glovebox and centre console. The rear seats were spacious, with enough headroom and legroom for two adults. The trunk had a capacity of 436 litres, slightly more than the K5, and the rear seats folded flat for additional cargo space.

The 2021 Kia K5 came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to set up. The GT-Line trim added features like a panoramic sunroof and adaptive cruise control. The GT trim included a Bose premium audio system and 19-inch wheels. The K5's Smart Cruise Control allowed for semi-automated highway driving.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered a comprehensive suite of standard tech features, including keyless entry, remote engine start, and Bluetooth connectivity. The 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system was standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included a Bose audio system and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. The Altima also featured NissanConnect Services with a range of remote services.

The 2021 Kia K5 earned top marks in crash tests from both the NHTSA and IIHS, receiving the Top Safety Pick+ designation. It came with a range of standard safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The K5 EX trim and above included Junction Turning for added safety at intersections.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of safety features standard on all models. It included automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot warning. The Platinum grade added ProPilot Assist for highway driving assistance. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.