Kia vs. Nissan
When comparing the Kia brand to the Nissan brand, Kia has the advantage in the areas of used car pricing, depreciation, retained value and variety of models offered. Nissan has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, horsepower, fuel efficiency, towing capacity, 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 Nissan in 7 out of 12 vehicle comparisons. Nissan also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 7 out of 12 comparisons. Kia models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 10 out of 12 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 12 model comparisons, with Kia offering more horsepower in 6 comparisons. Nissan offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 5 out of 11 comparisons. Kia vehicles have higher MPG in 4 comparisons, and both Kia and Nissan vehicles have the same MPG in 2 comparisons. Nissan offers a greater towing capacity in 2 out of 4 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 4 out of 6 model comparisons. Kia has higher quality ratings in 1 out of 6 comparisons, and both Kia and Nissan are tied for overall quality in 1 comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Nissan has the advantage in 4 out of 6 comparisons. Nissan has better safety ratings in 6 out of 11 comparisons. Kia and Nissan tie for safety in 5 comparisons. Kia shows higher ratings for retained value in 9 out of 12 comparisons. Nissan shows higher retained value ratings in 2 out of 12 comparisons, and Kia and Nissan tie over 1 comparisons.
Best Car Rankings
Kia has better car rankings in 2 categories: Kia Sportage in Best Small SUVs and Kia Optima in Best Midsize Cars.Nissan has better car rankings in 5 categories: Nissan Maxima in Best Large Cars, Nissan Pathfinder in Best Crossover SUVs, Nissan Pathfinder in Best Midsize SUVs, Nissan Pathfinder in Best SUVs with 3 Rows, and Nissan Versa in Best Small Cars.
Most Reliable Car Rankings
Kia has better car rankings in 2 categories: Kia Sportage in Most Reliable Small SUVs and Kia Rio in Most Reliable Small Cars.Nissan has better car rankings in 5 categories: Nissan Pathfinder in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Nissan Maxima in Most Reliable Large Cars, Nissan Armada in Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows, Nissan Altima in Most Reliable Midsize Cars, and Nissan Pathfinder in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs.
Safest Car Rankings
Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: Optima in Safest Midsize Cars. Nissan has better car rankings in 4 categories: Nissan Pathfinder in Safest Crossover SUVs, Nissan Pathfinder in Safest Midsize SUVs, Nissan Pathfinder in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows, and Nissan Versa in Safest Small Cars.
Best Resale Value Rankings
Kia has better car rankings in 7 categories: Kia Telluride in SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value, Kia Optima in Midsize Cars with Best Resale Value, Kia Seltos in Subcompact SUVs with Best Resale Value, Kia K900 in Large Cars with Best Resale Value, Kia Sportage in Small SUVs with Best Resale Value, Kia Seltos in Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value, and Kia Telluride in Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value. Nissan has the better car ranking in 1 category: Versa in Small Cars with Best Resale Value.
Best Cars for the Money Rankings
Kia has better car rankings in 2 categories: Kia Rio 5-Door in Best Small Cars for the Money and Kia Sportage in Best Small SUVs for the Money.Nissan has better car rankings in 3 categories: Nissan Pathfinder in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money, Nissan Pathfinder in Best Midsize SUVs for the Money, and Nissan Pathfinder in Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money.
Available Body Styles
Kia offers 12 SUVs, 1 wagon, 4 sedans, 1 hatchback, and 1 minivan. In comparison, Nissan offers 7 SUVs, 4 sedans, 2 coupes, and 1 hatchback.
Drivetrain Options
Kia offers 11 gasoline vehicles, 3 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 2 electric vehicles. Nissan offers 15 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 6 all-wheel-drive models, 11 front-wheel-drive models, and 1 rear-wheel-drive model.
New Car Pricing
SUVs
Kia Seltos
$26,190 - $33,690
Kia Seltos
$26,190 - $33,690
Kia Sportage
$29,450 - $39,335
Kia Sorento
$31,998 - $46,395
Kia Sorento
$31,998 - $46,395
Kia Telluride
$39,858 - $57,565
Kia Telluride
$39,858 - $57,565
Cars
Kia Rio
$17,645 - $22,615
Kia Forte
$20,962 - $27,792
Kia K5
$26,686 - $37,617
Kia Stinger
$38,685 - $57,682
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
$28,658 - $37,051
New Car Pricing
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
$22,075 - $27,325
Nissan Rogue Sport
$28,932 - $35,793
Nissan Rogue
$29,447 - $41,913
Nissan Pathfinder
$40,370 - $53,777
Nissan Murano
$37,917 - $50,345
Nissan Pathfinder
$40,370 - $53,777
Nissan Murano
$37,917 - $50,345
Cars
Nissan Versa
$17,609 - $21,960
Nissan Sentra
$21,734 - $27,510
Nissan Altima
$26,644 - $36,827
Nissan Altima
$26,644 - $36,827
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
$22,075 - $27,325
Used Car Pricing
SUVs
Kia Seltos
$25,890 - $32,615
Kia Seltos
$25,890 - $32,615
Kia Sportage
$27,498 - $39,516
Kia Sorento
$31,629 - $46,467
Kia Sorento
$31,629 - $46,467
Kia Telluride
$41,885 - $59,941
Kia Telluride
$41,885 - $59,941
Cars
Kia Rio
$17,797 - $23,911
Kia Forte
$20,584 - $28,993
Kia K5
$26,500 - $37,777
Kia Stinger
$39,673 - $55,735
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
$28,606 - $36,999
Used Car Pricing
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
$22,334 - $27,988
Nissan Rogue Sport
$23,003 - $33,898
Nissan Rogue
$28,341 - $40,787
Nissan Pathfinder
$39,994 - $53,259
Nissan Murano
$35,831 - $49,348
Nissan Pathfinder
$39,994 - $53,259
Nissan Murano
$35,831 - $49,348
Cars
Nissan Versa
$18,535 - $22,931
Nissan Sentra
$22,464 - $28,001
Nissan Altima
$25,523 - $35,895
Nissan Altima
$25,523 - $35,895
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
$22,334 - $27,988
5-Year Depreciation (Lower is better)
SUVs
Kia Seltos
42.1%
Kia Seltos
42.1%
Kia Sportage
42.8%
Kia Sorento
48.5%
Kia Sorento
48.5%
Kia Telluride
47%
Kia Telluride
47%
Cars
Kia Rio
38.6%
Kia Forte
39.8%
Kia K5
46.8%
Kia Stinger
46.8%
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
48.7%
5-Year Depreciation (Lower is better)
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
44.4%
Nissan Rogue Sport
44.5%
Nissan Rogue
42.9%
Nissan Pathfinder
53%
Nissan Murano
49.8%
Nissan Pathfinder
53%
Nissan Murano
49.8%
Cars
Nissan Versa
38.2%
Nissan Sentra
44.1%
Nissan Altima
48.9%
Nissan Altima
48.9%
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
44.4%
Horsepower / Torque
SUVs
Kia Seltos
146 hp / 132 foot-lbs
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
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
139 hp / 195 foot-lbs
Horsepower / Torque
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
122 hp / 114 foot-lbs
Nissan Rogue Sport
141 hp / 147 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
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
122 hp / 114 foot-lbs
MPG (city/highway/combined)
SUVs
Kia Seltos
27 / 31 / 29
Kia Seltos
27 / 31 / 29
Kia Sportage
25 / 32 / 28
Kia Sorento
24 / 29 / 26
Kia Sorento
24 / 29 / 26
Kia Telluride
20 / 26 / 23
Kia Telluride
20 / 26 / 23
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
MPG (city/highway/combined)
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
31 / 36 / 33
Nissan Rogue Sport
Not Yet Available
Nissan Rogue
30 / 37 / 33
Nissan Pathfinder
20 / 27 / 23
Nissan Murano
20 / 28 / 23
Nissan Pathfinder
20 / 27 / 23
Nissan Murano
20 / 28 / 23
Cars
Nissan Versa
27 / 35 / 30
Nissan Sentra
29 / 39 / 33
Nissan Altima
27 / 39 / 32
Nissan Altima
27 / 39 / 32
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
31 / 36 / 33
Max Towing Capacity
SUVs
Kia Seltos
Not yet available
Kia Seltos
Not yet available
Kia Sportage
2500 lbs
Kia Sorento
3500 lbs
Kia Sorento
3500 lbs
Kia Telluride
5500 lbs
Kia Telluride
5500 lbs
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
Not yet available
Max Towing Capacity
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
Not yet available
Nissan Rogue Sport
Not yet available
Nissan Rogue
Not yet available
Nissan Pathfinder
6000 lbs
Nissan Murano
1500 lbs
Nissan Pathfinder
6000 lbs
Nissan Murano
1500 lbs
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
Not yet available
iSeeCars Overall Quality Ratings
SUVs
Kia Seltos
Not available
Kia Seltos
Not available
Kia Sportage
8.1 / 10
Kia Sorento
7.8 / 10
Kia Sorento
7.8 / 10
Kia Telluride
Not available
Kia Telluride
Not available
Cars
Kia Rio
8.0 / 10
Kia Forte
7.9 / 10
Kia K5
Not available
Kia Stinger
8.0 / 10
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
7.1 / 10
iSeeCars Overall Quality Ratings
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
Not available
Nissan Rogue Sport
7.1 / 10
Nissan Rogue
8.0 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
8.4 / 10
Nissan Murano
8.2 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
8.4 / 10
Nissan Murano
8.2 / 10
Cars
Nissan Versa
8.2 / 10
Nissan Sentra
7.9 / 10
Nissan Altima
8.3 / 10
Nissan Altima
8.3 / 10
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Ratings
SUVs
Kia Seltos
Not available
Kia Seltos
Not available
Kia Sportage
7.6 / 10
Kia Sorento
7.8 / 10
Kia Sorento
7.8 / 10
Kia Telluride
Not available
Kia Telluride
Not available
Cars
Kia Rio
7.9 / 10
Kia Forte
7.6 / 10
Kia K5
Not available
Kia Stinger
7.0 / 10
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
5.6 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Ratings
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
Not available
Nissan Rogue Sport
5.7 / 10
Nissan Rogue
7.3 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
8.3 / 10
Nissan Murano
8.2 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
8.3 / 10
Nissan Murano
8.2 / 10
Cars
Nissan Versa
7.5 / 10
Nissan Sentra
7.7 / 10
Nissan Altima
8.3 / 10
Nissan Altima
8.3 / 10
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
Not available
iSeeCars Safety Ratings
SUVs
Kia Seltos
8.0 / 10
Kia Seltos
8.0 / 10
Kia Sportage
9.0 / 10
Kia Sorento
9.0 / 10
Kia Sorento
9.0 / 10
Kia Telluride
9.0 / 10
Kia Telluride
9.0 / 10
Cars
Kia Rio
Not available
Kia Forte
8.1 / 10
Kia K5
10 / 10
Kia Stinger
10 / 10
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Safety Ratings
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
8.0 / 10
Nissan Rogue Sport
8.3 / 10
Nissan Rogue
9.0 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
10 / 10
Nissan Murano
9.9 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
10 / 10
Nissan Murano
9.9 / 10
Cars
Nissan Versa
8.9 / 10
Nissan Sentra
8.4 / 10
Nissan Altima
10 / 10
Nissan Altima
10 / 10
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Resale Value Ratings
SUVs
Kia Seltos
7.7 / 10
Kia Seltos
7.7 / 10
Kia Sportage
7.6 / 10
Kia Sorento
6.7 / 10
Kia Sorento
6.7 / 10
Kia Telluride
7.0 / 10
Kia Telluride
7.0 / 10
Cars
Kia Rio
8.1 / 10
Kia Forte
8.0 / 10
Kia K5
7.1 / 10
Kia Stinger
7.1 / 10
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
7.6 / 10
iSeeCars Resale Value Ratings
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
7.4 / 10
Nissan Rogue Sport
7.4 / 10
Nissan Rogue
7.6 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
6.8 / 10
Nissan Murano
6.5 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder
6.8 / 10
Nissan Murano
6.5 / 10
Cars
Nissan Versa
8.2 / 10
Nissan Sentra
7.5 / 10
Nissan Altima
6.7 / 10
Nissan Altima
6.7 / 10
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
7.4 / 10
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings
SUVs
Kia Sportage
#10 of 24 in
Best Small SUVs
Kia Sorento
#14 of 25 in
Best Midsize SUVs
Kia Sorento
#14 of 25 in
Best Midsize SUVs
Cars
Kia Rio
#14 of 51 in
Best Small Cars
Kia Forte
#18 of 51 in
Best Small Cars
Kia Stinger
#11 of 13 in
Best Midsize Cars
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings
SUVs
Nissan Rogue
#12 of 24 in
Best Small SUVs
Nissan Pathfinder
#6 of 25 in
Best Midsize SUVs
Nissan Murano
#9 of 25 in
Best Midsize SUVs
Cars
Nissan Versa
#11 of 51 in
Best Small Cars
Nissan Sentra
#17 of 51 in
Best Small Cars
Nissan Altima
#6 of 13 in
Best Midsize Cars
iSeeCars Most Reliable Car Rankings
SUVs
Kia Sportage
#11 of 24 in
Most Reliable Small SUVs
Kia Sorento
#17 of 61 in
Most Reliable Crossover SUVs
Kia Sorento
#17 of 61 in
Most Reliable Crossover SUVs
Cars
Kia Rio
#8 of 51 in
Most Reliable Small Cars
Kia Forte
#13 of 51 in
Most Reliable Small Cars
Kia Stinger
#11 of 13 in
Most Reliable Midsize Cars
iSeeCars Most Reliable Car Rankings
SUVs
Nissan Rogue
#14 of 24 in
Most Reliable Small SUVs
Nissan Pathfinder
#8 of 61 in
Most Reliable Crossover SUVs
Nissan Murano
#9 of 61 in
Most Reliable Crossover SUVs
Cars
Nissan Versa
#14 of 51 in
Most Reliable Small Cars
Nissan Sentra
#12 of 51 in
Most Reliable Small Cars
Nissan Altima
#4 of 13 in
Most Reliable Midsize Cars
iSeeCars Safest Car Rankings
SUVs
Kia Seltos
#53 of 61 in
Safest Crossover SUVs
Kia Seltos
#53 of 61 in
Safest Crossover SUVs
Kia Sportage
#34 of 61 in
Safest Crossover SUVs
Kia Sorento
#19 of 25 in
Safest Midsize SUVs
Kia Sorento
#19 of 25 in
Safest Midsize SUVs
Kia Telluride
#20 of 25 in
Safest Midsize SUVs
Kia Telluride
#20 of 25 in
Safest Midsize SUVs
Cars
Kia Forte
#29 of 51 in
Safest Small Cars
Kia K5
#9 of 13 in
Safest Midsize Cars
Kia Stinger
#8 of 13 in
Safest Midsize Cars
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
#9 of 21 in
Safest Hybrid SUVs
iSeeCars Safest Car Rankings
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
#55 of 61 in
Safest Crossover SUVs
Nissan Rogue Sport
#44 of 61 in
Safest Crossover SUVs
Nissan Rogue
#36 of 61 in
Safest Crossover SUVs
Nissan Pathfinder
#5 of 25 in
Safest Midsize SUVs
Nissan Murano
#14 of 25 in
Safest Midsize SUVs
Nissan Pathfinder
#5 of 25 in
Safest Midsize SUVs
Nissan Murano
#14 of 25 in
Safest Midsize SUVs
Cars
Nissan Sentra
#28 of 51 in
Safest Small Cars
Nissan Altima
#6 of 13 in
Safest Midsize Cars
Nissan Altima
#6 of 13 in
Safest Midsize Cars
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
#55 of 61 in
Safest Crossover SUVs
iSeeCars Best Resale Value Rankings
SUVs
Kia Seltos
#9 of 18 in
Subcompact SUVs
Kia Seltos
#9 of 18 in
Subcompact SUVs
Kia Sportage
#15 of 24 in
Small SUVs
Kia Sorento
#18 of 25 in
Midsize SUVs
Kia Sorento
#18 of 25 in
Midsize SUVs
Kia Telluride
#13 of 25 in
Midsize SUVs
Kia Telluride
#13 of 25 in
Midsize SUVs
Cars
Kia Rio
#23 of 51 in
Small Cars
Kia Forte
#26 of 51 in
Small Cars
Kia K5
#9 of 13 in
Midsize Cars
Kia Stinger
#8 of 13 in
Midsize Cars
Other Comparisons
Kia Niro
#10 of 21 in
Hybrid SUVs
iSeeCars Best Resale Value Rankings
SUVs
Nissan Kicks
#14 of 18 in
Subcompact SUVs
Nissan Rogue Sport
#15 of 18 in
Subcompact SUVs
Nissan Rogue
#16 of 24 in
Small SUVs
Nissan Pathfinder
#25 of 25 in
Midsize SUVs
Nissan Murano
#21 of 25 in
Midsize SUVs
Nissan Pathfinder
#25 of 25 in
Midsize SUVs
Nissan Murano
#21 of 25 in
Midsize SUVs
Cars
Nissan Versa
#20 of 51 in
Small Cars
Nissan Sentra
#45 of 51 in
Small Cars
Nissan Altima
#12 of 13 in
Midsize Cars
Nissan Altima
#12 of 13 in
Midsize Cars
Other Comparisons
Nissan Kicks
#14 of 18 in
Subcompact SUVs
iSeeCars Best Cars for the Money Rankings
SUVs
Kia Sportage
#9 of 14 in
Best Small SUVs for the Money
Kia Sorento
#14 of 15 in
Best Midsize SUVs for the Money
Kia Sorento
#14 of 15 in
Best Midsize SUVs for the Money
Cars
Kia Rio
#7 of 12 in
Best Small Cars for the Money
Kia Forte
#11 of 12 in
Best Small Cars for the Money
iSeeCars Best Cars for the Money Rankings
SUVs
Nissan Rogue
#11 of 14 in
Best Small SUVs for the Money
Nissan Pathfinder
#6 of 15 in
Best Midsize SUVs for the Money
Nissan Murano
#9 of 15 in
Best Midsize SUVs for the Money
Cars
Nissan Versa
#6 of 12 in
Best Small Cars for the Money
Nissan Sentra
#10 of 12 in
Best Small Cars for the Money