2021 Kia K5 vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a significant shift in Kia's design philosophy, moving away from the drab and uninspired sedans of the past. With its fastback form and striking GT-Line trim, the K5 was reminiscent of the more performance-oriented Kia Stinger. The vehicle's design was marked by a long, ovoid-shaped rear window, unique taillights, and a killer front end with Z-shaped amber LED running lights. The interior was equally impressive, featuring a driver-focused dash, quality materials, and a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as the base 16-inch wheels, the K5 was a stylish and modern sedan that broke away from Kia's past.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima set the tone for Nissan's flagship sedan with bold styling elements like a "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille. The Maxima's design was characterized by a steeply-angled front end and massive grille, giving it an Art Deco locomotive appearance. The 40th Anniversary Edition trim added gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim, enhancing its bold look. While the Maxima's design was daring, it was not without its quirks, such as the cramped rear-seat space. However, the Maxima's design was clearly intended to be sporty, with a focus on the driver, offering an expansive view of the road and excellent side visibility.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 1.6-litre turbo-four producing 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided good fuel efficiency, with an estimated 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 on the highway. The GT trim promised a more powerful 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, although it was only available with front-wheel drive. The K5's handling was decent, but the GT-Line's aggressive styling did not translate into sporty performance, as the suspension was softer and the tires squealed in tight turns.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Maxima felt quick and agile, with a great-sounding V6 engine. However, the steering lacked precision, and the front end struggled with grip, leading to torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these limitations, the Maxima was enjoyable to drive at a relaxed pace, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered a comfortable interior with ample space for two adults in the back, thanks to scalloped roof portions and front seatbacks. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The K5's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a wireless charging pad and optional 10.25-inch display. Trunk space was 434 litres, providing ample room for cargo.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat space, offering generous headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, rear-seat passengers experienced cramped conditions, with limited headroom and legroom. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats provided excellent support, but the centre console felt too close to the driver. Cargo space was limited to 405 litres, the smallest in its class.

The 2021 Kia K5 featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, making it easy to set up. Standard features included LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and lane-keep assist. The GT-Line trim added 18-inch black alloys, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. The GT trim offered 19-inch wheels and additional performance hardware.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While it included a WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Bose audio system, the infotainment system's graphics and notification sounds felt dated. However, the Maxima provided plenty of analog controls, making it easy to operate without relying on the touchscreen.

The 2021 Kia K5 earned top marks in crash tests from both the NHTSA and IIHS, receiving the Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included rear side airbags, forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The K5 EX trim and above offered Junction Turning for added safety in intersections.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Maxima also offered adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system on higher trims.