K5 vs Altima
Kia versus Nissan: the K5 and the Altima go after the same midsize sedan buyer. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Altima wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.7
- Fuel Economy & Range0.4
- Engine & Performance2.4
- Fuel Economy & Range1.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Altima has better fuel economy
A narrow win for the Altima. With 32 mpg to 30 mpg, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. The Altima uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The Altima has better highway fuel economy
Close, but not identical: the Altima lists 39 mpg and the K5 lists 37 mpg. The Altima uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
In overall size, the K5 and the Altima are close enough that you’d struggle to tell them apart by dimensions alone.
Dimensions
| Spec | K5 | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.1 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | 72.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 56.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 111.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,283 lb |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the engine & performance section. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on engine & performance.
Fuel Economy & Range
Altima leads
In this area the Altima has a lead the K5 can’t close. The Altima gives you better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the Altima is where you should land.
Fuel economy (combined)
K5: 30 mpg Altima: 32 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
K5: 37 mpg Altima: 39 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | K5 | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 191 hp | 188 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT (Xtronic) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | K5 | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 32 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 37 mpg | 39 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 16.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | K5 | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 16 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 35.20 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | K5 | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | K5 | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Kia Drive Wise | Nissan Safety Shield 360 |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | K5 | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.1 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | 72.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 56.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 111.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,283 lb |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Altima if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (32 mpg vs 30 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (39 mpg vs 37 mpg on the highway)
- you’re comfortable with how Nissan does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the K5 or the Altima?
On the specs compared here, the Altima makes more sense for most buyers; the K5 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the K5 bigger than the Altima?
Neither by much. The K5 and the Altima have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
Whenever Kia and Nissan go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the K5 and the Altima are no exception. For me, the deciding factor is that only the Altima gives you better fuel economy.
Fit matters more than scores here. The K5 suits buyers focused on the things a spec sheet can’t capture; the Altima suits those focused on fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Altima.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.