Kia Optima vs Nissan Altima
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Nissan Altima
Overview
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | 2.5 SV |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2020 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,390 (best) | $27,580 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG | 30 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 25 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 35 MPG | 36 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal (best) | 16.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 185 hp | 188 hp (best) |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.4 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.9 cu ft (best) | 15.4 cu ft |
| Payload | — | 1,045 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,230 lbs (best) | 3,283 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 111.2 in (best) |
| Length | 191.1 in | 192.9 in (best) |
| Width | 73.2 in (best) | 72.9 in |
| Height | 57.7 in (best) | 56.8 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Kia Optima | Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $23,390 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.5 SV $27,580 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | S $24,890 MSRP | 2.5 SV $29,080 MSRP |
| 3 | SE $26,390 MSRP | 2.5 SR $28,980 MSRP |
| 4 | EX $27,190 MSRP | 2.5 SR $30,480 MSRP |
| 5 | EX $29,310 MSRP | — |
| 6 | EX Premium $30,190 MSRP | — |
| 7 | SX $32,190 MSRP | — |
| 8 | EX $36,090 MSRP | — |
Kia Optima vs Nissan Altima FAQ
- Which is better: 2020 Kia Optima or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2020 Kia Optima vs 2026 Nissan Altima on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2020 Kia Optima or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2020 Kia Optima starts lower at $23,390.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2020 Kia Optima or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2020 Kia Optima leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,390).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2020 Kia Optima or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2020 Kia Optima leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (42).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2020 Kia Optima or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2020 Kia Optima leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2020 Kia Optima or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2020 Kia Optima leads on horsepower in this comparison (245).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2020 Kia Optima vs 2026 Nissan Altima?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Kia Optima (5/5 NHTSA overall); Nissan Altima (5/5 NHTSA overall).