2019 Kia Optima vs. 2018 Nissan Altima

Crossover SUVs might have taken much of the spotlight from their midsize sedan siblings, but no automaker would be able to survive without the venerable four-door platforms that are higher-performing better equipped than ever before. For the current model year, a comparison of the 2019 Kia Optima vs. 2018 Nissan Altima shows just how much a sedan has to offer the right buyers. Kia has restyled several exterior elements of the Optima with new headlights, wheels and accents. Additionally, the 2019 Optima receives upgrades for its active safety monitoring systems and its infotainment equipment. These changes and the native performance of the 2019 Optima will put it ahead of its Nissan competitor. Customers can schedule a test drive with the 2019 Kia Optima at Classic Kia Carrollton by calling, 866-559-8140.

One of the most telling differences between the 2019 Kia Optima and 2018 Nissan Altima is the vastly different levels of quality and refinement each automaker has used to build the interiors of their respective sedans. Independent reviews of the two sedans quickly highlight these differences. Buyers of the 2019 Optima will get a generous array of standard equipment and driver assistance features. Additionally, Kia was praised for making the new Optima one of the most stylish in the game that also features plenty of convenient storage options. Those same automotive experts have taken points away from the 2018 Nissan Altima because its interior doesn’t meet current industry standards for design or material quality. Finally, the 2019 Optima makes Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ available on all trim grades. Nissan buyers will have to move past the base model of the Altima.

Performance Specs

The standard powertrain set up for the 2019 Kia Optima consists of a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine attached to a six-speed automatic transmission. It will make 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque and be able to achieve 25 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. A pair of turbocharged four-cylinder engines are also available with the 2019 Optima on the EX and SX trims. The 1.6-liter power plant will make 178 horsepower and the 2.0-liter engine produces a 245 horsepower. Potential buyers of the 2018 Nissan Altima will have a 179-horsepower, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and a V-6 engine to choose between. The latter obviously doesn’t make as much power as the corresponding Kia engine, and the V-6 will lack fuel economy parity with the Optima.