2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a fresh chapter in Kia's design evolution, shedding its past image of drab sedans. With a fastback form reminiscent of the Kia Stinger, the K5 was styled to impress, especially in the GT-Line trim with its striking Wolf Gray paint and red seats. The design was a testament to Peter Schreyer's influence, with details like a long rear window, unique taillights, and a honeycomb grille adding to its appeal. Despite some fake vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions and styling made it a standout, though the base 16-inch wheels were less flattering. Inside, the K5's interior was driver-focused, with a split dash and quality materials, offering a sporty and upscale feel.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, showcased an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. Available in vibrant colours and two-tone paint schemes, the Sentra's design was both expressive and agile, with features like a bulging hood and muscular wheel arches. Inside, the Sentra offered a spacious and well-organized cabin, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The flat-bottomed steering wheel added a sporty touch, while the roomy second row and 404-litre trunk provided practicality. The Sentra's interior was comfortable, with features like heated front seats and available power adjustments enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Kia K5, despite its aggressive GT-Line styling, did not deliver the sporty performance one might expect. The GT-Line lacked paddle shifters and had softer suspension damping, making it less agile in tight turns. The standard engine was a 1.6-litre turbo-four with 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing decent acceleration but lacking punch at higher speeds. The GT trim promised more with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower, but its front-wheel-drive setup without a limited-slip differential raised concerns. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with the base engine achieving 9.2 L/100 km city and 6.9 highway, averaging 6.5 L/100 km in real-world conditions.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine with 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT or an optional six-speed manual transmission. Weighing between 1,349 and 1,411 kilograms, the Sentra offered adequate performance for daily driving. Fuel consumption was efficient, with the CVT models achieving 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway. The Sentra's driving experience was enhanced by its well-tuned CVT, independent suspension, and dual-pinion electric steering, providing a balanced and enjoyable ride.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered a comfortable rear seating area, accommodating two adults with ample headroom and legroom. The front seats were supportive, ideal for long drives, and the interior featured user-friendly controls and a convenient wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was straightforward, with an optional 10.25-inch display. Trunk space was 434 litres, providing decent cargo capacity.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-designed, with a practical layout and traditional controls. It featured multiple USB ports and a 12-volt outlet, though the open design could lead to clutter. The Zero Gravity front seats were comfortable for long journeys, and the SR Premium grade offered additional features like a power-adjustable driver's seat and a moonroof. The Sentra's trunk held 404 litres, with a 60/40 split rear seat for added versatility.

The 2021 Kia K5 came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, though it occasionally had connectivity issues. Standard features included LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and lane-keep assist. The GT-Line added 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. The GT trim offered a Bose audio system and 19-inch wheels, with advanced driver assistance features available.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the S and an 8-inch on SV and SR. The SR Premium included a Bose audio system. While navigation was not available, smartphone integration provided access to navigation apps. The Sentra's infotainment system was user-friendly, with Bluetooth and hands-free capabilities.

The 2021 Kia K5 received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including rear side airbags, forward collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The K5 EX trim and above included Junction Turning for added safety at intersections.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra also received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. It featured an extensive array of airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. The SR Premium offered a 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility.