If an SUV feels like more than you need, the 2026 Nissan Altima and Kia K5 deliver a compelling midsize sedan alternative. Both models combine sporty styling with enough room to comfortably accommodate a small family.
Let’s take a closer look at what the Altima and K5 have to offer.
2026 Nissan Altima
The 2026 Nissan Altima offers two trim levels, SV and SR, and comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. For drivers looking to add a sportier edge, Nissan introduced the SR Midnight Edition for 2026. It stands out with its blacked‑out exterior accents and black 19‑inch alloy wheels. The look is further enhanced with two‑tone color options, each paired with a black roof. Standard are Nissan’s genuinely comfortable zero gravity seats.
Nissan Altima Highlights
Helpful tech: Nissan introduced several welcome updates for the 2026 Altima, including a standard 12.3‑inch infotainment display, a wireless charging pad, wireless phone connectivity, and up to four USB ports.
Efficient commuter: The Altima features the familiar 2.5‑liter 4-cylinder engine, producing up to 188 hp and delivering an estimated 26 mpg in the city and up to 36 mpg on the highway, depending on configuration. Front‑wheel drive comes standard, with all‑wheel drive available. Opting for the SR trim adds a sport‑tuned suspension, sport seats, and paddle shifters for a more engaging drive.
Ample safety features: All Altima models feature Nissan’s Safety Shield 360. This suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind‑spot monitoring, rear cross‑traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The SR adds an Intelligent Around View Monitor for easier parking, while both trims can be had with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane‑keeping assist.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Altima models near you.
2026 Kia K5
The 2026 Kia K5 hasn’t changed significantly since its mid-cycle refresh in 2025. It remains a fun daily driver. Here’s how the K5 makes its mark in the midsize sedan market.
Kia K5 Highlights
Road experience: The K5 comes standard with a 191‑horsepower 4‑cylinder engine paired with an 8‑speed automatic transmission and front‑wheel drive, with all‑wheel drive available exclusively on the GT‑Line trim. This setup delivers confident, everyday performance that handles city driving, passing on the highway, and family duty with ease. For drivers craving more excitement, the K5 GT turns things up with a turbocharged 4‑cylinder producing 290 hp, transforming it into a legitimately fun sports sedan without giving up practicality, thanks to upgrades like a sport‑tuned suspension, larger brakes, quad‑tip exhaust, and paddle shifters.
Rich interior: The K5’s interior feels more upscale than the price suggests. The cabin centers on a panoramic display with a 12.3‑inch infotainment screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The shared climate and infotainment controls take some getting used to, but we appreciate Kia’s decision to stick with a traditional console‑mounted shifter.
Appealing exterior: Distinctive lighting and sleek proportions make the K5 one of the most visually bold midsize sedans available. In a segment where individuality matters more than ever, its standout design feels right at home. The GT takes it a step sportier with gloss-black grille accents, a panoramic sunroof, green brake calipers, and 19-inch gloss-black wheels.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the K5 models near you.
Similarities
The Nissan Altima and Kia K5 are well-equipped, sporty midsize sedans priced around $30,000 that can be had with all-wheel drive.
Pricing
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Nissan Altima vehicles and New 2026 Kia K5 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 Nissan Altima | 2026 Kia K5 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 188 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | automatic, 8-speed |
| Fuel Economy | N/A | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 192.9 inches | 193.1 inches |
| Width | N/A | 73.2 inches |
| Height | 56.8 inches | 56.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.4 feet | 36.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.1 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 36.9 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.8 inches | 46.1 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 35.2 inches | 35.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 58.2 inches | 58.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 57.1 inches | 56.1 inches |
| Cargo capacity | 15.4 cubic feet | 15.6 cubic feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Nissan Altima and Kia K5 are both compelling alternatives to an SUV. The Altima presents a simplified lineup for 2026 and boasts some amazingly comfortable seats. The Kia K5, meanwhile, offers a wider variety of trims, a far more potent optional powertrain, a far longer warranty, and a lower starting price. Evaluate your budget, test drive both, and see which wins your heart and mind.
