Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Nissan Altima
$483
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Kia Optima
$471
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
4
Above Average
The Nissan Altima Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 11th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $483 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Altima.
4
Excellent
The Kia Optima Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $471 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Optima.
The Nissan Altima ranks highest in safety and ranks lowest in fuel economy.
86% of reviewers would recommend this car.
“Bought my 93 Altima 8/2001 had 89,000 miles at the time. Now 10 years later 303,000 miles and running strong. Dig this 5 speed with original clutch. Great car”
“Bought my 93 Altima 8/2001 had 89,000 miles at the time. Now 10 years later 303,000 miles and...”
The Kia Optima ranks highest in value and ranks lowest in fuel economy.
“This is my first car and my first time driving a Kia. It certanly wont be my last. My car is the 2004 Kia Optima LX Four Cylnder. It has many features that other cars in its class dont offer on the...”
“This is my first car and my first time driving a Kia. It certanly wont be my last. My car is the...”
The Kia Optima and the Nissan Altima are both four-door, midsize sedans. They each come with front-wheel drive.
Your engine choices for the Kia Optima and the Nissan Altima are in the same ballpark. The Optima’s standard engine has 185 horsepower, with an optional 245-horsepower engine. The Altima’s standard engine has 182 horsepower, with an optional 270-horsepower V6 engine. The Altima is one of the few midsize sedans that offers a V6 engine.
When measuring the Kia Optima and the Nissan Altima for interior and trunk space, there’s not a lot of difference. The Optima provides you with 104.8 cubic feet of interior volume and 15.9 cubic feet of space in the trunk. The Altima offers 100.5 cubic feet inside and 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space.
The Kia Optima and the Nissan Altima are both fully capable of providing you with the traditional midsize sedan benefits of a spacious interior, a large trunk, a smooth ride and a variety of trim levels to match your budget. Drive them both and see which one you prefer.