2022 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in Canada in four trim levels: LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT. Each trim featured a turbocharged engine, with the LX, EX, and GT-Line offering standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), while the GT came with a front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain. The K5's pricing ranged from $29,595 to $40,495, excluding a $1,800 destination charge. The U.S.-specification K5 EX, which was tested, had a Canadian MSRP of $32,995, including destination. The K5 was known for its distinctive styling, resembling a luxury sports sedan, and was praised for its upscale interior, featuring Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather. The car's controls exuded quality, with a solid feel to the transmission shifter, door release handles, and steering wheel stalks, contributing to a sense of care in its construction.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, a sixth-generation model, was available in three trim levels in Canada: SE, SR Midnight Edition, and Platinum. The Altima featured Nissan's V-Motion grille, a low, wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, the test car, included a gloss black painted sport grille, LED fog lights, and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty appearance. The Altima's interior boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, a well-laid-out instrument panel, and high-quality materials, providing a premium feel. However, lower trims lacked the same level of refinement. The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of its competition, with a 437-litre trunk and a 61-litre fuel tank, offering a balanced package.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the performance-oriented option, featuring a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, it lacked AWD and was the most expensive and least efficient version. The standard K5 engine was a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, delivering 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, with a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission. Despite modest figures, the K5's power delivery was linear, and the car offered decent acceleration and handling. Fuel consumption was rated at 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test returning 8.1 L/100 km. The K5's ride quality was affected by road noise and suspension issues, but wind noise was minimal, and visibility was generally good.

The 2022 Nissan Altima in Canada came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. AWD was standard, a rarity in the segment. Performance was average, with the engine and CVT struggling to deliver strong acceleration. However, the Altima excelled in ride comfort, thanks to its suspension and Active Ride Control, providing a smooth and quiet experience. The cabin was well-insulated from road noise, offering a refined driving experience.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic sunroof added natural light, and the interior featured SynTex synthetic leather. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, though front seatback panels could be a liability if reclined too much. The K5's controls were logically laid out, with a blend of style and utility. Storage was generous, with a 434-litre trunk and 60/40-split folding back seat, though the trunk lid lacked an interior handle.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four, with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its competition, with a 437-litre trunk and a 61-litre fuel tank. However, rear visibility was compromised by the high rear shelf and sloping roofline. The trunk's metal bar supports could crush items when closing the lid, requiring careful packing.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The LX and EX trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim had a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone connectivity but offering satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and navigation. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, and the GT trim had a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The K5's voice recognition was limited, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SR trim added navigation and connected services, while the Platinum trim included a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The Altima's tech included traffic sign recognition, an Around View Monitor, and ProPilot Assist, which assisted with acceleration, steering, and braking. The tech worked flawlessly during testing, providing a seamless experience.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with features like forward-collision-avoidance assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The K5 also had Safe Exit Assist, Kia Connect technology, and various collision-avoidance features. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The Altima's crash avoidance and mitigation features were rated highly, with "Superior" and "Acceptable" ratings.