Kia Optima vs. Nissan Maxima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Optima and Nissan Maxima 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 Kia Optima and the Nissan Maxima.

When we compare the Kia Optima's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and interior volume. The Nissan Maxima has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima is a better car than the Nissan Maxima.

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Optima ranges from $13,949 to $22,944 while a used 2020 Nissan Maxima is priced between $17,780 to $29,998.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value and the Nissan Maxima loses 49.7 percent of its value. This means the Kia Optima retains 6.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Maxima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Optima is 8.6 out of 10 while the Nissan Maxima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Nissan Maxima being ranked 3 out of 8 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.8 out of 10. For the Nissan Maxima the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Maxima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Optima’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the Nissan Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles. This gives the Kia Optima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Maxima. The Optima uses regular unleaded, and the Maxima uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Optima, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

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