2020 Kia Optima vs 2020 Nissan Altima near Columbus OH
Vehicle Overview
The Kia Optima and Nissan Altima are often compared by car shoppers considering a midsize sedan. Both are affordable, stylish inside and out and loaded with standard equipment. In fact, both automakers have expanded that standard equipment even more for the 2020 model year. Every 2020 Kia Optima now has pedestrian detection, for instance, and both hybrid models now include all of the driver assists the gas models do. The 2020 Nissan Altima added driver assists as well, including cruise control. At Coughlin Kia of Lancaster serving Lancaster Columbus Groveport Ohio, we think that a 2020 Kia Optima vs 2020 Nissan Altima comparison is a great way to see how these two new models measure up.

Exterior - 2020 Kia Optima
Both the 2020 Nissan Altima and Kia Optima are four-door midsize sedans. Both exteriors are recent designs, and while they’re true to the traditional sedan form, there are enough modern visual cues to make both cars really pop. The Optima and Altima are also fundamentally similar. The Optima has a wheelbase that measures 110.4 inches and is 191.1 inches in length overall. The Altima has a wheelbase that measures 111.2 inches and is 192.9 inches in length overall. Height, width and ground clearance are all close, and the Optima boasts a somewhat bigger trunk: 15.9 vs 15.4 cubic feet.

Interior - 2020 Kia Optima near Columbus
The Optima and Altima both provide seating for five. While the wheelbases and overall lengths are close, the Optima affords considerably more passenger volume: 120.7 vs 100.8 cubic feet. This results in more headroom, legroom, shoulder room and hip room across the board in both the front and rear seats. Where does all of that space go? It seems simply to be a matter of design with the Altima.

Mechanical - Kia Optima specs near Columbus
The Kia Optima is a front-wheel drive sedan. Many have requested an all-wheel drive option, and Kia has listened, but it will not be available until the 2021 Kia Optima. Nissan, on the other hand, added all-wheel drive as an option when it launched the sixth generation for the 2019 model year. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Altima. Kia offers a number of different powertrains. The LX and S feature a six-speed automatic transmission and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The EX and EX Premium feature a seven-speed automatic transmission with a dual clutch and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 178 hp and 195 lb.-ft. The SX features the six-speed with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 245 hp and 260 lb.-ft. The standard Altima powertrain features a continuously variable automatic transmission and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 188 hp and 180 lb.-ft. An optional front-wheel-drive-only powertrain available with the SR trim and up pairs the CVT with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that makes 248 hp and 280 lb.-ft.

Technology - 2020 Kia Forte dealer
Standard tech features on the Optima include the Uvo infotainment system, an 8-inch color HD touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker audio system and Kia Drive Wise. Drive Wise is a driver assist group that includes blind-spot collision warning, cruise control, driver attention monitoring, selectable driving modes, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane keeping and departure warning and much more. The Altima features the NissanConnect infotainment system with similar features to the Optima. The driver assist group is not as robust but does include cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
Standard Equipment - 2020 Kia Forte
Kia has built its name on standard equipment groups that are loaded with value. Its aggressive decisions in this area often force competitors to do the same, which is good for consumers in general. The Optima is no exception. You get a leading-edge infotainment system, advanced driver assistance technologies and many amenities that are often reversed for an up-level trim. Nissan offers a solid package as well but not nearly as many driver assists, which is where the biggest difference lies.
Contact Us Today - 2020 Kia Forte dealer
The 2020 Kia Optima is a family-oriented vehicle that provides excellent value, and you can test-drive it at your convenience by visiting our location in Lancaster Columbus Groveport Ohio. If you have questions not answered by our 2020 Kia Optima vs 2020 Nissan Altima comparison, give us a call. You can also shop our selection on the Coughlin Kia of Lancaster website. We even offer live chat and email assistance so that you can request custom quotes, get help with financing preapproval and much more.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.