Kia vs. Nissan

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from Kia and Nissan contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both Kia and Nissan cars.

When comparing the Kia brand to the Nissan brand, Kia has the advantage in the areas of depreciation, fuel efficiency, towing capacity, safety and retained value. Nissan has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, used car pricing, horsepower, overall quality, reliability and vehicle rankings.

Kia versus Nissan: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Kia versus Nissan pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Nissan in 6 out of 11 vehicle comparisons. Nissan also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 5 out of 9 comparisons. Kia models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 8 out of 11 comparisons.

Kia versus Nissan: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Nissan vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 6 out of 11 model comparisons, with Kia offering more horsepower in 5 comparisons. Nissan offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 3 out of 6 comparisons. Kia offers a longer driving range in 1 out of 1 model comparisons. Kia offers a greater towing capacity in 5 out of 7 comparisons.

Kia versus Nissan: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of Kia versus Nissan overall quality ratings shows Nissan with higher quality ratings in 2 out of 4 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Nissan has the advantage in 3 out of 4 comparisons. Kia has better safety ratings in 6 out of 11 comparisons while Nissan has better safety ratings in 3 out of 11 comparisons. Kia and Nissan tie for safety in 2 comparisons. Kia shows higher ratings for retained value in 8 out of 11 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Kia has better car rankings in 5 categories: Kia Sportage in Best 5-seater SUVs, Kia Cadenza in Best Large Cars, Kia Rio 5-Door in Best Small Cars, Kia Sportage in Best Small SUVs, and Kia Rio 5-Door in Best Subcompact Cars. Nissan has better car rankings in 6 categories: Nissan Pathfinder in Best 7-Seater SUVs, Nissan Sentra in Best Compact Cars, Nissan Pathfinder in Best Crossover SUVs, Nissan Altima in Best Midsize Cars, Nissan Pathfinder in Best Midsize SUVs, and Nissan Pathfinder in Best SUVs with 3 Rows.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Kia has better car rankings in 2 categories: Kia Cadenza in Most Reliable Large Cars and Kia Forte in Most Reliable Small Cars.Nissan has better car rankings in 5 categories: Nissan Pathfinder in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Nissan Altima in Most Reliable Midsize Cars, Nissan Pathfinder in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs, Nissan Rogue in Most Reliable Small SUVs, and Nissan Pathfinder in Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows.

Safest Car Rankings: Nissan has better car rankings in 6 categories: Nissan Pathfinder in Safest Crossover SUVs, Nissan Ariya in Safest Electric SUVs, Nissan Altima in Safest Midsize Cars, Nissan Pathfinder in Safest Midsize SUVs, Nissan Sentra in Safest Small Cars, and Nissan Pathfinder in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: Forte in Best Small Cars for the Money. Nissan has better car rankings in 4 categories: Nissan Rogue in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money, Nissan Murano in Best Midsize SUVs for the Money, Nissan Rogue in Best Small SUVs for the Money, and Nissan Pathfinder in Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Kia offers 13 SUVs, 1 wagon, 3 sedans, and 2 minivans. In comparison, Nissan offers 7 SUVs, 1 wagon, 3 sedans, 2 coupes, and 1 hatchback.

Drivetrain Options: Kia offers 9 gasoline vehicles, 4 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 3 electric vehicles. Nissan offers 14 gasoline vehicles and 2 electric vehicles.

Kia offers 11 all-wheel-drive models, 15 front-wheel-drive models, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models. Nissan offers 7 all-wheel-drive models, 10 front-wheel-drive models, and 1 rear-wheel-drive model.