Kia Optima vs. Nissan Sentra

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

When comparing the Kia Optima's and the Nissan Sentra'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, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Nissan Sentra has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima's and the Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima is a better car than the Nissan Sentra.

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Optima ranges from $13,949 to $22,944 while a used 2020 Nissan Sentra is priced between $14,994 to $21,992.

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 Sentra loses 38.2 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Sentra retains 4.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Optima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Optima is 8.6 out of 10 while the Nissan Sentra's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Nissan Sentra being ranked 20 out of 43 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.8 out of 10. For the Nissan Sentra the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Sentra 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 Sentra base engine makes 149 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The Sentra is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 484 miles.This gives the Nissan Sentra the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular 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, and cargo space. The Nissan Sentra, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Kia Optima has higher safety ratings than the Nissan Sentra, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.55 out of 5 Stars.