2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a fresh identity for Kia, moving away from the drab and unattractive sedans of its past. The K5, with its fastback form and GT-Line trim, showcased a stylish and sporty design reminiscent of the performance-oriented Kia Stinger. The car featured a long rear window, unique taillights, and a polished black trim, giving it a sophisticated look. Despite some fake air vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions made it appear sportier and more appealing than its predecessor, the Optima. The interior of the K5 was equally impressive, with a driver-focused dash, quality materials, and a sporty feel that exuded both style and comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Sentra sported an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. The Sentra's design included expressive headlights and a variety of exterior paint colors, including two-tone options for the SR trim. The car's bulging hood, fast roofline, and muscular wheel arches added to its agile and fun appearance. Inside, the Sentra featured a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and comfortable Zero Gravity front seats. The second row was roomy, though better suited for two passengers, and the trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2021 Kia K5's performance did not quite match its aggressive styling. The GT-Line model, with its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine producing 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, offered good brakes and communicative steering but lacked the verve of a true sports sedan. The ride was balanced and isolated, but the handling fell short. The GT trim promised better performance with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, though it was only available in front-wheel drive. Fuel economy for the K5 was impressive, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined for FWD models.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. The Sentra's lightweight design and well-sorted CVT provided adequate performance for commuting and city driving. Fuel economy was also commendable, with 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined for S and SV models. The Sentra's suspension and steering offered tidy road manners and almost fun cornering, making it a well-rounded performer for its class.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered comfortable seating for two adults in the back, with enough headroom and legroom for six-footers. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the trunk provided 16 cubic feet of space. However, the lack of rear air vents was a drawback.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-designed, with features like a traditional gear selector, open cupholders, and ample storage. The car included multiple USB ports and a 12-volt port, along with big door pockets for added convenience. The Zero Gravity front seats were comfortable for long rides, and the trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The SV and SR models also offered a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat and other premium features.

The 2021 Kia K5 came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to set up. The GT-Line trim added features like 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and a power driver's seat. The EX trim offered heated and ventilated seats, a Bose stereo system, and a 10-inch infotainment display. The GT trim included paddle shifters and additional performance hardware. The K5 also featured adaptive cruise control and semi-automated lane-centering.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration across all trims, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the S and an 8-inch touchscreen on the SV and SR. The SR trim offered an optional premium Bose system and NissanConnect services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote access to vehicle functions. The system also supported Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands.

The 2021 Kia K5 was expected to receive top safety ratings due to its stronger chassis and body shell. Standard safety features included rear side airbags, a driver's knee airbag, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear emergency braking, and parking sensors.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.