2019 Kia Optima vs 2019 Nissan Maxima

The 2019 Kia Optima, while not as revolutionary in design as its 2011–2015 predecessor, still managed to capture attention with its signature tiger-nose grille, stylish fender-vent trim, and optional black panoramic glass roof. The variety of trim levels allowed buyers to find a look that suited their taste and budget. However, the limited availability of interior colors, except for black, made it challenging to get the perfect combination. Prices ranged from $22,900 for the base LX to $35,790 for the SX Turbo with the Limited Package, and the plug-in hybrid model topped $42,000. The SX Turbo trim, with its blacked-out exterior, 18-inch aluminum wheels, red brake calipers, and white pearl paint, looked like a stealthy sports sedan. Inside, black leather with red inserts, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and upgraded instrumentation added to its racy appearance. Despite its appeal, the Limited Package upgrade was preferred for its luxurious touches and better interior materials.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima's design, though less radical than in previous years, remained stylish and refined. For 2019, Nissan updated the headlights, grille, and bumper, adding a silver strip and tinted LED taillights. The Maxima retained its concave front fascia, wavy side creases, and "floating roof" design. Inside, the Maxima featured upgraded materials, with the SV trim offering contrast stitching, tight panel gaps, and minimal hard plastic. The Platinum Reserve trim added semi-aniline leather and bronze-colored trim. The all-black interior of the SV trim showcased quality with ample padding and upscale textures. The Maxima's interior was comfortable, with Zero Gravity seats designed to reduce muscle fatigue, although the trunk space was smaller at 14.3 cubic feet.

The 2019 Kia Optima offered five different engines, including hybrid powertrains. The base LX and sporty S trims had a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the mid-grade EX Turbo featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 178 hp. The hybrid model returned 41 mpg in combined driving, and the plug-in hybrid offered up to 28 miles of electric range. The SX Turbo trim, tested with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, produced 245 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. The SX Turbo trim had a unique rack-mounted steering system, providing better feel, although it lacked crispness on mountain roads. The sport-tuned suspension offered a firm ride, but excess body motion reduced confidence on twisty roads. The Optima averaged 23.5 mpg, just short of the EPA's estimate of 24 mpg.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima featured a single powertrain: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Maxima's CVT simulated gear ratios, providing smooth and immediate thrust without the annoying sound of a strained engine. The Maxima mitigated torque steer effectively, and the traction control was well-sorted. However, the brake pedal felt mushy, and the steering was numb and over-boosted. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima's suspension offered a near-perfect combination of ride quality and nimble response. The Maxima's fuel economy was decent, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined, which matched the test results over 545 miles.

The 2019 Kia Optima provided comfort, simplicity, and ample storage for daily driving. Controls were logically laid out, clearly marked, and easy to use. The Optima had a spacious 15.9-cubic-foot trunk and plenty of storage cubbies. The front seats offered various power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, with the Limited Package adding Nappa leather and heated backseat cushions. Backseat legroom was impressive, with good thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. Rear air-conditioning vents and quick-charging USB ports were also provided. The Smart Trunk feature automatically opened the trunk lid when standing behind the car with the key fob, which was helpful but could be inconvenient at times.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima featured a single 8-inch display, operated by touch or knob, with quick response times and shortcut buttons for easy access to functions. The Maxima's thick pillars and slim D-pillar compromised sightlines, and the trunk space was smaller at 14.3 cubic feet. However, the passenger room in the front and rear was sufficient, with especially comfortable front seats designed to reduce muscle fatigue. The seating position was geared toward the driver, with a flat-bottom steering wheel and canted center stack.

The 2019 Kia Optima came with a generous standard infotainment system, including an 8-inch touchscreen, UVO technology, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera. The Optima S and EX Turbo added satellite radio and UVO eServices, which ran on the smartphone's data plan. The SX Turbo trim included a navigation system, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The UVO eServices smartphone app provided remote access to certain vehicle functions and allowed remote start and climate control settings.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima's updated navigation system, except for the base S trim, offered detailed and clear maps with online destination lookup via voice commands or on-screen controls. The home screen could be customized, and another screen showed SiriusXM data. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a high-speed USB-C port. The Maxima was compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offering remote services through NissanConnect. The instrument panel screen displayed multiple readouts simultaneously. The Bose stereo featured active noise cancellation, but the Maxima lacked ProPilot Assist, Nissan's suite of semi-automated driving functions.

The 2019 Kia Optima included standard driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems, making it a great value for a family-size car. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking-assist sensors, and a driver-monitoring system. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a surround-view camera system. The Optima received top ratings from the IIHS and 5-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a 4-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima came with more standard safety features, including forward-emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and knee airbags for both driver and front passenger. The SV trim added blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, while the SR trim included pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Platinum models added reverse emergency braking. The Maxima received 5 stars overall from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in all crash tests and a Superior rating for its emergency braking system.