What To Know
- In terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Altima has an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with the base engine.
- In terms of features, the Nissan Altima offers a wide range of standard and available amenities, including heated front seats, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a Bose premium audio system.
- The Altima earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick+” designation from IIHS, while the Seltos received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” designation from IIHS.
In the competitive automotive industry, the Nissan Altima and Kia Seltos stand out as two exceptional vehicles that cater to different needs and preferences. The Altima, a midsize sedan, offers a spacious interior, powerful performance, and advanced technology. The Seltos, on the other hand, is a compact SUV that combines versatility, affordability, and a stylish design. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Nissan Altima and Kia Seltos to help you make an informed decision before your next car purchase.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the Nissan Altima boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient power delivery. The Kia Seltos offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Altima has an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with the base engine. The Kia Seltos with the 2.0-liter engine gets 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine offers slightly better efficiency at 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Features
The Nissan Altima’s cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. It features an intuitive infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. The Kia Seltos’ interior is also roomy for its size, with a modern design and high-quality materials. It comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system.
In terms of features, the Nissan Altima offers a wide range of standard and available amenities, including heated front seats, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a Bose premium audio system. The Kia Seltos also comes with an impressive array of features, such as heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and a wireless charging pad.
Safety and Reliability
Both the Nissan Altima and Kia Seltos have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Altima earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick+” designation from IIHS, while the Seltos received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” designation from IIHS.
In terms of reliability, the Nissan Altima has a solid track record, with J.D. Power giving it a predicted reliability rating of 77 out of 100. The Kia Seltos, on the other hand, is a relatively new model, so its long-term reliability is yet to be determined.
Price and Value
The Nissan Altima has a starting price of $24,990 for the base S trim and tops out at $34,290 for the Platinum trim. The Kia Seltos, on the other hand, has a starting price of $23,490 for the LX trim and goes up to $30,690 for the SX Turbo trim.
In terms of value, both the Nissan Altima and Kia Seltos offer a lot for the money. The Altima provides a spacious interior, powerful performance, and a comprehensive suite of features, while the Seltos offers versatility, affordability, and a stylish design. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between the Nissan Altima and Kia Seltos depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you prioritize space, performance, and technology, the Nissan Altima is an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for a more versatile, affordable, and stylish vehicle, the Kia Seltos is a great option.
Beyond the Numbers: A Deeper Dive into the Nissan Altima vs Kia Seltos
Exterior Design
The Nissan Altima features a sleek and sporty exterior design with a bold front grille, sharp headlights, and a sloping roofline. The Kia Seltos, on the other hand, has a more rugged and adventurous appearance with a boxy shape, high ground clearance, and distinctive LED daytime running lights.
Driving Dynamics
The Nissan Altima offers a smooth and refined ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and responsive steering. The Kia Seltos provides a more engaging driving experience with its agile handling and optional all-wheel drive system.
Technology and Connectivity
Both the Nissan Altima and Kia Seltos come with a range of advanced technology and connectivity features. The Altima’s infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, while the Seltos’ system offers a wider range of customization options.
Cargo Space and Practicality
The Nissan Altima has a spacious trunk with 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The Kia Seltos offers a more versatile cargo area with 26.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats and 62.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Final Verdict: The Nissan Altima vs Kia Seltos Showdown
The Nissan Altima and Kia Seltos are both excellent vehicles that offer a unique blend of style, performance, and features. The Altima is the better choice for those who prioritize space, power, and technology, while the Seltos is the better option for those who value versatility, affordability, and a rugged design. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Nissan Altima has a more powerful engine with 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Kia Seltos‘ 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque (2.0-liter engine).
Q: Which vehicle offers better fuel economy?
A: The Kia Seltos with the 2.0-liter engine offers slightly better fuel economy than the Nissan Altima, with 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway compared to the Altima’s 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Nissan Altima has a more spacious interior, with comfortable seating for up to five passengers compared to the Kia Seltos‘ four-passenger seating capacity.
Q: Which vehicle has a higher safety rating?
A: Both the Nissan Altima and Kia Seltos have received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with the Altima earning a “Top Safety Pick+” designation from IIHS and the Seltos receiving a “Top Safety Pick” designation.
Q: Which vehicle has a longer warranty?
A: Both the Nissan Altima and Kia Seltos come with similar warranty coverage, including a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.