2018 Nissan Altima vs. 2018 Kia Optima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Nissan Altima and 2018 Kia Optima contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Nissan Altima and the 2018 Kia Optima.

In comparing the 2018 Nissan Altima's and the 2018 Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Nissan Altima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability and overall quality score. The 2018 Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Nissan Altima's and the 2018 Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Nissan Altima is a better car than the 2018 Kia Optima.

Pricing: A used 2018 Nissan Altima ranges from $9,943 to $19,792 while a used 2018 Kia Optima is priced between $9,994 to $18,998.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Nissan Altima loses 46 percent of its value and the 2018 Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Kia Optima retains 2.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Nissan Altima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan Altima is 8.6 out of 10 while the Kia Optima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Altima being ranked 5 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Altima is 8.3 out of 10. For the Kia Optima the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Altima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Nissan Altima’s base engine makes 179 horsepower, and the 2018 Kia Optima base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Altima is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 684 miles. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 629 miles. This gives the 2018 Nissan Altima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Kia Optima. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the 2018 Kia Optima has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space. The 2018 Nissan Altima has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear leg room. The 2018 Nissan Altima and 2018 Kia Optima are comparable in regards to rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Nissan Altima and the 2018 Kia Optima have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.