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 new car pricing, depreciation, towing capacity, retained value and variety of models offered. Nissan has the advantage in the areas of horsepower, fuel efficiency, overall quality, reliability, safety and vehicle rankings.

Kia versus Nissan: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Kia versus Nissan pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Kia in 7 out of 13 vehicle comparisons. Kia and Nissan both also have lower used vehicle starting prices in 6 out of 12 comparisons. Kia models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 10 out of 13 comparisons. The lower overall prices for Kia, plus their lower depreciation rate, gives Kia the overall advantage over Nissan.

Kia versus Nissan: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Nissan vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 7 out of 13 model comparisons, with Kia offering more horsepower in 6 comparisons. Nissan offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 4 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 5 out of 6 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Nissan has the advantage in 5 out of 6 comparisons. Nissan has better safety ratings in 3 out of 12 comparisons while Kia has better safety ratings in 3 out of 12 comparisons. Kia and Nissan tie for safety in 6 comparisons. Kia shows higher ratings for retained value in 10 out of 13 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: Sportage in Best Small SUVs. Nissan has better car rankings in 10 categories: Nissan Murano in Best 5-seater SUVs, Nissan Pathfinder in Best 7-Seater SUVs, Nissan Sentra in Best Compact Cars, Nissan Pathfinder in Best Crossover SUVs, Nissan Maxima in Best Large Cars, Nissan Altima in Best Midsize Cars, Nissan Pathfinder in Best Midsize SUVs, Nissan Versa in Best Small Cars, Nissan Versa in Best Subcompact Cars, and Nissan Pathfinder in Best SUVs with 3 Rows.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: Rio 5-Door in Most Reliable Small Cars. Nissan has better car rankings in 6 categories: Nissan Pathfinder in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Nissan Maxima in Most Reliable Large Cars, Nissan Altima in Most Reliable Midsize Cars, Nissan Pathfinder in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs, Nissan Rogue in Most Reliable Small SUVs, and Nissan Armada in Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows.

Safest Car Rankings: Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: Niro EV in Safest Electric SUVs. Nissan has better car rankings in 5 categories: Nissan Pathfinder in Safest Crossover SUVs, Nissan Altima in Safest Midsize Cars, Nissan Pathfinder in Safest Midsize SUVs, Nissan Versa in Safest Small Cars, and Nissan Pathfinder in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Kia has better car rankings in 2 categories: Kia Sorento in Best Midsize SUVs for the Money and Kia Rio 5-Door in Best Small Cars for the Money.Nissan has better car rankings in 3 categories: Nissan Rogue in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money, Nissan Rogue in Best Small SUVs for the Money, and Nissan Rogue in Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Kia offers 13 SUVs, 1 wagon, 4 sedans, 1 hatchback, and 1 minivan. In comparison, Nissan offers 6 SUVs, 4 sedans, 2 coupes, and 1 hatchback.

Drivetrain Options: Kia offers 11 gasoline vehicles, 3 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 3 electric vehicles. Nissan offers 14 gasoline vehicles and 2 electric vehicles.

Kia offers 12 all-wheel-drive models, 15 front-wheel-drive models, and 3 rear-wheel-drive models. Nissan offers 6 all-wheel-drive models, 10 front-wheel-drive models, and 1 rear-wheel-drive model.