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.
New Car Pricing
SUVs
Kia Seltos
$25,750 - $33,071
Kia Sportage
$29,294 - $39,594
Kia Sorento
$33,955 - $48,990
Kia Sorento
$33,955 - $48,990
Kia Telluride
$39,858 - $55,790
Kia Telluride
$39,858 - $55,790
Cars
Kia Rio
$17,202 - $20,674
Kia Forte
$20,394 - $27,514
Kia K5
$27,140 - $37,592
Kia Stinger
$39,200 - $56,230
EVs
Kia EV6
$40,349 - $59,545
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
$28,375 - $37,092
Kia Sportage Hybrid
$30,178 - $41,687
New Car Pricing
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
$22,197 - $27,873
Nissan Rogue
$30,504 - $42,947
Nissan Pathfinder
$38,360 - $54,340
Nissan Murano
$38,981 - $50,958
Nissan Pathfinder
$38,360 - $54,340
Nissan Murano
$38,981 - $50,958
Cars
Nissan Versa
$18,070 - $22,500
Nissan Sentra
$21,446 - $28,343
Nissan Altima
$26,000 - $36,280
Nissan Altima
$26,000 - $36,280
EVs
Nissan Ariya
$41,284 - $57,757
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
$22,197 - $27,873
Nissan Rogue
$30,504 - $42,947
Used Car Pricing
SUVs
Kia Seltos
$23,994 - $32,000
Kia Sportage
$28,546 - $38,671
Kia Sorento
$33,353 - $48,742
Kia Sorento
$33,353 - $48,742
Kia Telluride
$42,803 - $55,942
Kia Telluride
$42,803 - $55,942
Cars
Kia Rio
$16,575 - $21,187
Kia Forte
$19,899 - $26,527
Kia K5
$26,124 - $35,368
Kia Stinger
$31,889 - $50,943
EVs
Kia EV6
$37,336 - $60,052
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
$26,653 - $37,088
Kia Sportage Hybrid
$29,701 - $39,768
Used Car Pricing
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
$20,946 - $27,024
Nissan Rogue
$31,910 - $43,642
Nissan Pathfinder
$37,204 - $53,428
Nissan Murano
$35,982 - $48,258
Nissan Pathfinder
$37,204 - $53,428
Nissan Murano
$35,982 - $48,258
Cars
Nissan Versa
$17,762 - $22,970
Nissan Sentra
$20,727 - $26,719
Nissan Altima
$22,474 - $34,118
Nissan Altima
$22,474 - $34,118
EVs
Nissan Ariya
Not Yet Available
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
$20,946 - $27,024
Nissan Rogue
$31,910 - $43,642
5-Year Depreciation (Lower is better)
SUVs
Kia Seltos
37.3%
Kia Sportage
42.2%
Kia Sorento
47.6%
Kia Sorento
47.6%
Kia Telluride
46.1%
Kia Telluride
46.1%
Cars
Kia Rio
29%
Kia Forte
33%
Kia K5
42.2%
Kia Stinger
43.1%
EVs
Kia EV6
54.3%
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
40.4%
Kia Sportage Hybrid
46%
5-Year Depreciation (Lower is better)
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
30.3%
Nissan Rogue
42.6%
Nissan Pathfinder
52.7%
Nissan Murano
51.2%
Nissan Pathfinder
52.7%
Nissan Murano
51.2%
Cars
Nissan Versa
30.9%
Nissan Sentra
38.2%
Nissan Altima
46%
Nissan Altima
46%
EVs
Nissan Ariya
56.2%
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
30.3%
Nissan Rogue
42.6%
Horsepower / Torque
SUVs
Kia Seltos
146 hp / 132 foot-lbs
Kia Sportage
187 hp / 178 foot-lbs
Kia Sorento
191 hp / 181 foot-lbs
Kia Sorento
191 hp / 181 foot-lbs
Kia Telluride
291 hp / 262 foot-lbs
Kia Telluride
291 hp / 262 foot-lbs
Cars
Kia Rio
120 hp / 112 foot-lbs
Kia Forte
147 hp / 132 foot-lbs
Kia K5
180 hp / 195 foot-lbs
Kia Stinger
300 hp / 311 foot-lbs
EVs
Kia EV6
167 hp / 258 foot-lbs
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
139 hp / 195 foot-lbs
Kia Sportage Hybrid
227 hp / 258 foot-lbs
Horsepower / Torque
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
122 hp / 114 foot-lbs
Nissan Rogue
201 hp / 225 foot-lbs
Nissan Pathfinder
284 hp / 259 foot-lbs
Nissan Murano
260 hp / 240 foot-lbs
Nissan Pathfinder
284 hp / 259 foot-lbs
Nissan Murano
260 hp / 240 foot-lbs
Cars
Nissan Versa
122 hp / 114 foot-lbs
Nissan Sentra
149 hp / 146 foot-lbs
Nissan Altima
188 hp / 180 foot-lbs
Nissan Altima
188 hp / 180 foot-lbs
EVs
Nissan Ariya
214 hp / 221 foot-lbs
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
122 hp / 114 foot-lbs
Nissan Rogue
201 hp / 225 foot-lbs
MPG (city/highway/combined)
SUVs
Kia Seltos
27 / 31 / 29
Kia Sportage
25 / 33 / 28
Kia Sorento
23 / 31 / 26
Kia Sorento
23 / 31 / 26
Kia Telluride
20 / 26 / 22
Kia Telluride
20 / 26 / 22
Cars
Kia Rio
32 / 41 / 36
Kia Forte
28 / 39 / 32
Kia K5
27 / 37 / 31
Kia Stinger
22 / 32 / 25
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
53 / 45 / 49
Kia Sportage Hybrid
42 / 44 / 43
MPG (city/highway/combined)
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
31 / 36 / 33
Nissan Rogue
Not Yet Available
Nissan Pathfinder
Not Yet Available
Nissan Murano
Not Yet Available
Nissan Pathfinder
Not Yet Available
Nissan Murano
Not Yet Available
Cars
Nissan Versa
27 / 35 / 30
Nissan Sentra
30 / 40 / 34
Nissan Altima
27 / 39 / 32
Nissan Altima
27 / 39 / 32
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
31 / 36 / 33
Nissan Rogue
Not Yet Available
EV Range
Kia EV6
232 miles
EV Range
Nissan Ariya
216 miles
Max Towing Capacity
SUVs
Kia Seltos
Not yet available
Kia Sportage
2500 lbs
Kia Sorento
4500 lbs
Kia Sorento
4500 lbs
Kia Telluride
5500 lbs
Kia Telluride
5500 lbs
EVs
Kia EV6
2300 lbs
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
Not yet available
Kia Sportage Hybrid
2000 lbs
Max Towing Capacity
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
Not yet available
Nissan Rogue
1500 lbs
Nissan Pathfinder
6000 lbs
Nissan Murano
1500 lbs
Nissan Pathfinder
6000 lbs
Nissan Murano
1500 lbs
EVs
Nissan Ariya
1500 lbs
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
Not yet available
Nissan Rogue
1500 lbs
iSeeCars Overall Quality Ratings
SUVs
Kia Seltos
Not available
Kia Sportage
8.2 / 10
Kia Sorento
8.2 / 10
Kia Sorento
8.2 / 10
Kia Telluride
Not available
Kia Telluride
Not available
Cars
Kia Rio
8.2 / 10
Kia Forte
8.0 / 10
Kia K5
Not available
Kia Stinger
8.3 / 10
EVs
Kia EV6
Not available
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
7.4 / 10
Kia Sportage Hybrid
Not available
iSeeCars Overall Quality Ratings
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
Not available
Nissan Rogue
8.1 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
8.6 / 10
Nissan Murano
8.6 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
8.6 / 10
Nissan Murano
8.6 / 10
Cars
Nissan Versa
8.6 / 10
Nissan Sentra
8.4 / 10
Nissan Altima
8.6 / 10
Nissan Altima
8.6 / 10
EVs
Nissan Ariya
Not available
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
Not available
Nissan Rogue
8.1 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Ratings
SUVs
Kia Seltos
Not available
Kia Sportage
7.6 / 10
Kia Sorento
8.2 / 10
Kia Sorento
8.2 / 10
Kia Telluride
Not available
Kia Telluride
Not available
Cars
Kia Rio
7.7 / 10
Kia Forte
7.6 / 10
Kia K5
Not available
Kia Stinger
7.0 / 10
EVs
Kia EV6
Not available
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
5.6 / 10
Kia Sportage Hybrid
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Ratings
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
Not available
Nissan Rogue
8.0 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
8.6 / 10
Nissan Murano
8.4 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
8.6 / 10
Nissan Murano
8.4 / 10
Cars
Nissan Versa
7.7 / 10
Nissan Sentra
7.9 / 10
Nissan Altima
8.3 / 10
Nissan Altima
8.3 / 10
EVs
Nissan Ariya
Not available
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
Not available
Nissan Rogue
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Safety Ratings
SUVs
Kia Seltos
8.0 / 10
Kia Sportage
9.0 / 10
Kia Sorento
9.0 / 10
Kia Sorento
9.0 / 10
Kia Telluride
10 / 10
Kia Telluride
10 / 10
Cars
Kia Rio
Not available
Kia Forte
8.0 / 10
Kia K5
10 / 10
Kia Stinger
10 / 10
EVs
Kia EV6
10 / 10
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
8.6 / 10
Kia Sportage Hybrid
10 / 10
iSeeCars Safety Ratings
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
8.0 / 10
Nissan Rogue
8.6 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
10 / 10
Nissan Murano
10 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
10 / 10
Nissan Murano
10 / 10
Cars
Nissan Versa
9.5 / 10
Nissan Sentra
9.1 / 10
Nissan Altima
10 / 10
Nissan Altima
10 / 10
EVs
Nissan Ariya
10 / 10
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
8.0 / 10
Nissan Rogue
8.6 / 10
iSeeCars Resale Value Ratings
SUVs
Kia Seltos
8.2 / 10
Kia Sportage
7.9 / 10
Kia Sorento
7.5 / 10
Kia Sorento
7.5 / 10
Kia Telluride
7.6 / 10
Kia Telluride
7.6 / 10
Cars
Kia Rio
8.7 / 10
Kia Forte
8.5 / 10
Kia K5
7.9 / 10
Kia Stinger
7.8 / 10
EVs
Kia EV6
7.1 / 10
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
8.0 / 10
Kia Sportage Hybrid
7.6 / 10
iSeeCars Resale Value Ratings
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
8.6 / 10
Nissan Rogue
7.9 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
7.2 / 10
Nissan Murano
7.3 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
7.2 / 10
Nissan Murano
7.3 / 10
Cars
Nissan Versa
8.6 / 10
Nissan Sentra
8.1 / 10
Nissan Altima
7.6 / 10
Nissan Altima
7.6 / 10
EVs
Nissan Ariya
7.0 / 10
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
8.6 / 10
Nissan Rogue
7.9 / 10
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings
SUVs
Kia Sportage
#9 of 19 in
Best Small SUVs
Kia Sorento
#11 of 25 in
Best 7-Seater SUVs
Kia Sorento
#17 of 32 in
Best Midsize SUVs
Cars
Kia Rio
#7 of 17 in
Best Subcompact Cars
Kia Forte
#16 of 26 in
Best Compact Cars
Kia Stinger
#10 of 13 in
Best Midsize Cars
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings
SUVs
Nissan Rogue
#11 of 19 in
Best Small SUVs
Nissan Pathfinder
#7 of 25 in
Best 7-Seater SUVs
Nissan Murano
#13 of 32 in
Best Midsize SUVs
Cars
Nissan Versa
#5 of 17 in
Best Subcompact Cars
Nissan Sentra
#14 of 26 in
Best Compact Cars
Nissan Altima
#5 of 13 in
Best Midsize Cars
iSeeCars Most Reliable Car Rankings
SUVs
Kia Sportage
#11 of 19 in
Most Reliable Small SUVs
Kia Sorento
#18 of 32 in
Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
Kia Sorento
#18 of 32 in
Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
Cars
Kia Rio
#18 of 43 in
Most Reliable Small Cars
Kia Forte
#24 of 43 in
Most Reliable Small Cars
Kia Stinger
#11 of 13 in
Most Reliable Midsize Cars
iSeeCars Most Reliable Car Rankings
SUVs
Nissan Rogue
#9 of 19 in
Most Reliable Small SUVs
Nissan Pathfinder
#7 of 32 in
Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
Nissan Murano
#15 of 32 in
Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
Cars
Nissan Versa
#21 of 43 in
Most Reliable Small Cars
Nissan Sentra
#15 of 43 in
Most Reliable Small Cars
Nissan Altima
#3 of 13 in
Most Reliable Midsize Cars
iSeeCars Safest Car Rankings
SUVs
Kia Seltos
#59 of 67 in
Safest Crossover SUVs
Kia Sportage
#35 of 67 in
Safest Crossover SUVs
Kia Sorento
#19 of 39 in
Safest SUVs with 3 Rows
Kia Sorento
#21 of 32 in
Safest Midsize SUVs
Kia Telluride
#9 of 39 in
Safest SUVs with 3 Rows
Kia Telluride
#12 of 32 in
Safest Midsize SUVs
Cars
Kia Forte
#32 of 43 in
Safest Small Cars
Kia K5
#8 of 13 in
Safest Midsize Cars
Kia Stinger
#7 of 13 in
Safest Midsize Cars
EVs
Kia EV6
#8 of 44 in
Safest Electric SUVs
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
#14 of 32 in
Safest Hybrid SUVs
Kia Sportage Hybrid
#6 of 32 in
Safest Hybrid SUVs
iSeeCars Safest Car Rankings
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
#56 of 67 in
Safest Crossover SUVs
Nissan Rogue
#46 of 67 in
Safest Crossover SUVs
Nissan Pathfinder
#5 of 39 in
Safest SUVs with 3 Rows
Nissan Murano
#8 of 32 in
Safest Midsize SUVs
Nissan Pathfinder
#5 of 39 in
Safest SUVs with 3 Rows
Nissan Murano
#8 of 32 in
Safest Midsize SUVs
Cars
Nissan Sentra
#21 of 43 in
Safest Small Cars
Nissan Altima
#4 of 13 in
Safest Midsize Cars
Nissan Altima
#4 of 13 in
Safest Midsize Cars
EVs
Nissan Ariya
#9 of 44 in
Safest Electric SUVs
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
#56 of 67 in
Safest Crossover SUVs
Nissan Rogue
#21 of 39 in
Safest SUVs with 3 Rows
iSeeCars Best Cars for the Money Rankings
SUVs
Kia Sportage
#11 of 13 in
Best Small SUVs for the Money
Kia Sorento
#5 of 16 in
Best Midsize SUVs for the Money
Kia Sorento
#5 of 16 in
Best Midsize SUVs for the Money
Cars
Kia Rio
#3 of 13 in
Best Small Cars for the Money
iSeeCars Best Cars for the Money Rankings
SUVs
Nissan Rogue
#5 of 13 in
Best Small SUVs for the Money
Nissan Pathfinder
#7 of 16 in
Best Midsize SUVs for the Money
Nissan Murano
#9 of 16 in
Best Midsize SUVs for the Money
Cars
Nissan Versa
#4 of 13 in
Best Small Cars for the Money