2019 Kia Optima vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2019 Kia Optima's design, while not as revolutionary as its 2011-2015 predecessor, still managed to be captivating. It featured Kia’s distinctive tiger-nose grille, bold fender-vent trim, and an available black panoramic glass roof. A variety of trim levels offered different aesthetic choices, making it easier for buyers to find a look that suited their taste. However, despite the availability of various exterior colors, the interior color options were somewhat limited. Prices ranged from $22,900 for the base LX to $35,790 for the SX Turbo with the Limited Package. The plug-in hybrid model topped out at $42,000. My test vehicle was an SX Turbo, featuring a blacked-out exterior, machined-face 18-inch aluminum wheels, red brake calipers, and white pearl paint. The interior sported black leather with red inserts and a flat-bottom steering wheel, priced at $33,505 including destination charges. Overall, the standard SX Turbo looked appealing, but the Limited Package added plush chrome and quilted Nappa leather for under $37,000, providing an impressive luxury touch.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Altima’s redesign brought significant improvements in style. The Altima Platinum trim test vehicle boasted 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and an optional turbocharged engine. The overall look was sleek, though some minor design details like door handle alignment and rear diffuser panel color choices had room for improvement. The interior was modern and ergonomically designed, with a high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system and clearly labeled climate controls. In terms of materials, the quality matched its segment, adorned with matte chrome detailing and striated simulated wood trim. The color options were limited to black and gray, but these elements prevented any sense of cheapness. The price of the test car came to $37,825, including various optional features.

The 2019 Kia Optima offered five different engines, including hybrid powertrains. The base LX and sporty S trims came with a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The mid-grade EX Turbo featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine generating 178 hp. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions provided 41 mpg combined and 28 miles of pure electric range, respectively. My SX Turbo test car was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. The SX Turbo trim had a unique rack-mounted electrically assisted steering system, which provided superior steering feel. During my tests, the car averaged 23.5 mpg, just shy of the EPA’s estimate of 24 mpg. The SX Turbo’s brakes worked well under typical conditions but showed some fade when pushed hard. Despite being enjoyable to drive with its sport-tuned suspension, it lacked the performance feel of a true sports sedan.

For the 2020 Nissan Altima, most models came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering up to 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) powering the front wheels. All-wheel drive was an optional feature for added appeal in cold climates. My test car featured the optional VC-Turbo 2.0-liter engine, which delivered 248 hp on premium fuel and 273 lb-ft of torque. This innovative engine adjusted compression ratios for better performance and efficiency. The car averaged 26.2 mpg on my test loop, slightly below the EPA’s estimate of 29 mpg. The Altima's suspension, electric steering, and 4-wheel disc brakes contributed to its sharp handling. Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control technologies enhanced ride quality and cornering. Despite having the CVT, designed to mimic traditional automatics, the car exhibited occasional power surges, which could be disconcerting.

The 2019 Kia Optima excelled as a daily driver, providing comfort, simplicity, and ample storage. The car featured a roomy 15.9-cubic-foot trunk and numerous storage cubbies. The front seats offered various power adjustments, with options for heating and ventilation. However, standard leather felt stiff, and upgrading to the Limited Package added buttery Nappa leather. The back seats provided excellent legroom and thigh support, along with rear air-conditioning vents and quick-charging USB ports. Kia's Smart Trunk feature automatically opened the trunk lid when you stood behind the car with the key fob, proving convenient in certain situations but occasionally unnecessary.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured NASA-inspired seats, designed for weightless comfort, but lacked a height adjuster for the front passenger seat and ventilated front seats. The car offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote engine starter for cold climates. Heated rear seats weren’t available, but rear vents were provided. With 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space, the Altima's cargo capacity was marginally smaller than the Optima's. The Altima also lacked a wireless smartphone charging pad, relying on USB-A and USB-C connections for device charging.

Kia equipped the 2019 Optima with an 8-inch touchscreen, UVO technology, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, and a reversing camera as standard. Higher models came with satellite radio, UVO eServices, and a smartphone app for remote access and climate control. The SX Turbo model added a navigation system, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Overall, the system was user-friendly, though the unique font could be off-putting.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came with an 8-inch display, Bluetooth, text-messaging assistant, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Available features included satellite radio, navigation, a 9-speaker Bose audio system, and NissanConnect Services, free for the first six months. The connected services technology offered various plans with features like automatic collision notification, remote door lock access, and 24-hour destination assistance. The door-to-door navigation function proved particularly useful in urban settings. The Altima also had room for improvement in its non-natural voice recognition system.

The 2019 Kia Optima included numerous driver-assistance systems even in the base LX model. These systems included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Optima also featured rear parking-assist sensors and a driver-monitoring system. My test car came with adaptive cruise control but lacked the surround-view camera system. The car’s advanced safety features worked well and offered adjustable sensitivity levels. The Optima received top ratings from the IIHS except for an Acceptable rating in child seat anchor accessibility. The NHTSA awarded it 5-star ratings in every test, except for a 4-star rating for front passenger protection in frontal crashes.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came with Nissan Safety Shield 360 in most models. This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam assistance. Additional systems included driver monitoring, road-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera. ProPilot Assist offered semi-autonomous driving aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, though it proved difficult to trust and somewhat irritating. The Altima received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for models with automatic high-beam LED headlights.