2019 Kia Optima vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

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 and a flat-bottom steering wheel added to its sporty appeal.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Sentra underwent a significant transformation, shedding its dowdy image for a more appealing design. The new Sentra, especially in Electric Blue paint, looked like a scaled-down Altima, giving it a more substantial presence. The car was 2 inches lower and wider than its predecessor, with detailed stampings and a V-shaped grille that added to its mature and recognizable look. The SV Premium Package offered 17-inch wheels, while the SR trim featured 18-inch wheels and fog lights. The interior of the Sentra also saw improvements, with a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, white-stitched leatherette dash, and knurled climate knobs. The SV Premium Package added quilted tan leather seats and Infiniti-grade materials, making the Sentra's interior feel more upscale.

The 2019 Kia Optima offered a range of five different engines, including hybrid powertrains. The base LX and sporty S trims came with a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the mid-grade EX Turbo featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 178 hp. The hybrid model returned 41 mpg in combined driving, and the plug-in hybrid offered up to 28 miles of pure electric range. The SX Turbo trim, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, delivered 245 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission, with a manual shift gate and paddle shifters, powered the front wheels. Four driving modes—Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart—allowed for a customizable driving experience. The SX Turbo trim also featured a unique rack-mounted electrically assisted steering system, providing better feel at the wheel. However, the steering lacked crispness on mountain roads, and the brakes, while effective under normal conditions, heated up and faded during aggressive driving. The sport-tuned suspension offered a firm yet communicative ride, but excess body motion reduced confidence on twisty roads.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, came with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT mimicked gear changes of a conventional automatic, providing smooth and responsive performance. The Sentra's steering response and handling were high points, thanks to the independent rear suspension that replaced the torsion beam rear axle. Cornering was flat, and the ride quality was agreeable, especially with the standard 16-inch tires. The steering was quick with good on-center feel, making the Sentra feel controlled and supportive. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined. During mixed driving over 300 miles, the Sentra averaged about 30 mpg.

The 2019 Kia Optima excelled as a daily driver, offering comfort, simplicity, and ample storage space. The controls were logically laid out, clearly marked, and easy to use. The spacious interior included a 15.9-cubic-foot trunk and numerous storage cubbies. The front seats offered various power adjustments, heating, and ventilation options. The standard leather upholstery looked good but felt stiff, while the Limited Package upgrade provided luxurious Nappa leather and additional features like heated backseat cushions and rear side-window shades. Backseat legroom was impressive, with good thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. Rear air-conditioning vents and quick-charging USB ports added to the convenience. The Smart Trunk feature automatically opened the trunk lid when standing behind the car with the key fob, though it could be turned off if needed.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra's backseat was surprisingly spacious, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning, designed to reduce muscle pressure and fatigue. The lowered body profile improved side visibility, though the rear window's rake limited the rear view. The driving position and controls were well-placed, with knobs for volume and tuning, making adjustments easy. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, slightly less than the previous model, but still large for a compact car. The seatbacks folded to expand cargo capacity, adding to the Sentra's practicality.

The 2019 Kia Optima came with a generous standard infotainment system, including an 8-inch touchscreen display, UVO technology, Bluetooth connectivity, 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 UVO eServices included a smartphone app for remote access to vehicle functions and remote start. The SX Turbo trim featured a navigation system, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with easy-to-find functions and flexible voice-recognition technology.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, while lacking ProPilot semi-automated driving, navigation, and wireless charging, offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi as standard on the mid-level SV trim. The SV also included additional USB ports, including USB-C, and larger screens. Bright LED headlights were available in the SV Premium Package or the SR trim. The SV came with dual-zone climate control, proximity-entry key, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. A full suite of driver-assist features was standard, making the Sentra a well-equipped vehicle for its price.

The 2019 Kia Optima was a standout in terms of safety, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert systems. Rear parking-assist sensors and a driver-monitoring system were also standard. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a surround-view camera system. The Optima received top ratings from the IIHS, except for an Acceptable rating for child safety seat LATCH anchor accessibility. The federal government awarded the Optima 5-star ratings in every test assessment, except for a 4-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra included rear side airbags, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and a driver attention monitor as standard. While neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had crash-tested the 2020 Sentra, it was expected to receive top ratings in all categories.