2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, having entered its eighth generation, showcased a more athletic exterior compared to its predecessors. It featured crisp bends and lines, a bold V-Motion grille, and expressive LED headlights. The Sentra offered eight exterior paint colors, including vibrant options like Monarch Orange Metallic and Electric Blue Metallic. The SR trim levels could sport two-tone paint schemes, enhancing its dynamic look. Inside, the Sentra's layered dash and 8-inch infotainment touchscreen provided a spacious feel. The flat-bottomed steering wheel added a sporty touch, while the second row, though roomy, was better suited for two passengers. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Kia K5, available in multiple trims, stood out with its low, long, and sleek design, resembling a luxury sports sedan. Our test car, a K5 EX, featured Glacial White Pearl paint and an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior with matte-finish fake wood trim. The K5 exuded quality, with solid controls and refined steering wheel stalks. The automatic transmission shifter and door release handles felt substantial, contributing to a sense of care in construction. The K5's interior, despite some hard plastic surfaces, felt upscale and well-crafted.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, providing adequate performance for commuting and city driving. The Sentra's fuel economy was impressive, with 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and slightly lower for the SR trim. The suspension setup, including MacPherson struts and multi-link rear, along with dual-pinion electric steering, offered tidy road manners and almost fun cornering. The Sentra's 149 hp felt well-balanced for its intended purpose, delivering a solid driving experience.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered a range of powertrains, with the GT model boasting a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. However, the standard engine for most trims was a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided linear power delivery with minimal lag, thanks to its torque availability between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. The K5's Drive Mode Select allowed for customization of the powertrain, and the Active Sound Control added personality to the driving experience. The K5 EX returned 29.1 mpg during testing, close to the EPA's 31 mpg combined estimate. While road noise and minor pavement imperfections affected ride quality, the K5's handling was decent, though not as engaging as some competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-designed, with features like an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, traditional gear selector lever, and open cupholders. It offered ample storage, including a big glove compartment and roomy covered storage beneath the center armrest. The Zero Gravity front bucket seats provided comfort on long rides, and the available Premium Package added power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, and a power-sliding glass moonroof.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in comfort, with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic glass sunroof added natural light to the interior. While entry and exit were challenging due to the low-slung design, the front seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather was convincing. Rear passengers had ample room, though hard plastic front seatback panels could be a drawback. The K5 offered generous storage, including a roomy bin under the center armrest and a 16 cubic-foot trunk with a 60/40-split folding back seat.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a standard AM/FM/USB audio system with four speakers, upgraded to six speakers and SiriusXM in higher trims. The SR trim offered an optional Bose system with eight speakers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth audio and hands-free capabilities. The SV and SR trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the S trim had a 7-inch display. NissanConnect services, available on the SR, included a WiFi hotspot and remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The base system, standard on LX and LXS trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, though it required a cable for smartphone integration. The K5 also offered satellite radio, Kia Connect services, a WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system. The Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Sound Design technology. The K5's infotainment graphics were purple, and the voice recognition technology was subpar, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety with the Kia Drive Wise collection, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and more. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and a surround-view monitoring system. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.