Critics say the age of the sedan is in the past. Don’t tell Kia or Nissan! Both companies continue to produce elegant, sporty sedans in multiple sizes. The 2025 Kia K5 and 2025 Nissan Altima compete in the midsize sedan category.
The K5, formerly known as the Optima, entered its fifth generation of production in the 2021 model year. The Altima has been around a little longer and entered its sixth generation in the 2019 model year.
Let’s find out which of these established midsized sedans is right for you and your family.
2025 Kia K5
Kia offers its 2025 K5 sedan in four trim levels, with two versions of its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine — with turbo or without — as well as the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). If you’re looking for a family car with spice, you’ll want the GT model, with its 290-horsepower engine and dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters make it the enthusiast’s choice.
Kia K5 Highlights
Dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters: Most K5 models have an 8-speed automatic transmission. The GT model also gets eight speeds from a different, more performance-oriented transmission. A dual-clutch model, it lets you control the shifts yourself with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Altima comes with a far less engaging continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Helpful technology: The K5 continues to get impressive new technology year after year. The K5 can be had with Kia’s Digital Key 2.0, which allows the owner to give other people access and even the ability to drive their car through that person’s smart phone. Once inside, the drive can be made easier with its Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go ability.
10-year warranty: Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty easily exceeds Nissan’s protection plan.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the K5 models for sale near you
2025 Nissan Altima
Nissan offers the 2025 Altima in four trim levels, with a 2.5-liter direct-injection gasoline 4-cylinder engine in the S, SL, SV, and SR trims. The peppier turbocharged powerplant from last year is no longer, reducing the Altima to just one option for 2025. Front-wheel drive is standard on all models. All-wheel drive is available on SL, SV, and SR trims — for a nominal fee, of course.
Nissan Altima Highlights
Free is for me: While perhaps not the most life-changing offering ever, starting this year Nissan is paying for three service appointments, i.e. oil changes, within the first two years or 24,000 miles of ownership.
Big screen energy: The Altima’s base infotainment screen is a 8-inch touchscreen display, while a 12.3-inch NissanConnect color display with multi-touch control is available.
Safety standard: Nissan’s driver assistance system, ProPilot Assist, is standard on the SL model and available on SV.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Altima models for sale near you
Similarities
These are both sporty by midsize sedan standards, and each is good-looking. They are very close in dimension, performance, and starting price.
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 2025 Kia K5 vehicles and New 2025 Nissan Altima 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
| 2025 Kia K5 | 2025 Nissan Altima | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 188 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 182 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 180 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/37 highway/30 combined mpg | 27 city/39 highway/32 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder; AWD | 2.0-liter VC-Turbo 4-cylinder; AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches | 111.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 193.1 inches | 192.9 inches |
| Width | 73.2 inches | 72.9 inches |
| Height | 56.9 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.0 feet | 36.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.2 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.8 inches | 36.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 46.1 inches | 43.8 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 35.2 inches | 35.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 58.0 inches | 58.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 56.1 inches | 57.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 15.6 cubic feet | 15.4 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The 2025 Kia K5 and 2025 Nissan Altima lean into their sporty sides but function well as daily drivers for those needing midsize space. They have similar power in their base engines, and both make you feel like you bought something a little more athletic than the average car.
The K5 is slightly less expensive and offers a sportier transmission and longer warranty. The Altima has the upper hand in technology and fuel economy, but only by a narrow margin. The decision between the two may come down to intangibles like driving experience and taste. Both sedans represent good value and solid choices.
