Compare the2025 Kia K4VS 2025 Nissan Sentra

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics

Safety

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With its standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, the Kia K4 is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Nissan Sentra, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	K4	Sentra
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	-15 MPH	-8 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-8 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	-16 MPH	-1 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-24 MPH
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-22 MPH
37 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-4 MPH
Warning Issued-Low beams	1.5 sec	.6 sec

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Kia K4 achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Nissan Sentra has not been tested.

Both the K4 and Sentra have rear cross-traffic warning, but the K4 LXS/EX/GT-Line has Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Sentra’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the K4 and the Sentra have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Kia K4 is safer than the Nissan Sentra:

	K4	Sentra
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	16.7%	29.9%
Neck Stress	129 lbs.	356 lbs.
Neck Compression	39 lbs.	65 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	147/158 lbs.	313/316 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	349	569
Neck Injury Risk	30.2%	31.5%
Neck Stress	118 lbs.	155 lbs.
Neck Compression	70 lbs.	83 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	315/48 lbs.	408/384 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the K4 is much safer than the Sentra:

	K4	Sentra
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Head Injury Criterion	168	289
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Forces L/R	67/45 pounds	202/180 pounds
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Forces L/R	67/45 pounds	202/180 pounds
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	POOR

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Kia K4 is safer than the Nissan Sentra:

	K4	Sentra
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	1 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	196 lbs.	196 lbs.
Hip Force	361 lbs.	422 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	11 inches	12 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Kia K4 is safer than the Sentra:

	K4	Sentra
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	253	387
Head Peak Forces	no contact	84 G’s
Neck Tension	335 lbs.	379 lbs.
Neck Compression	-134 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Torso Max Deflection	1.57 in	1.65 in
Torso Deflection Rate	9 MPH	13 MPH
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	982 lbs.	1071 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Passenger Injury Measures
Neck Tension	89 lbs.	178 lbs.
Neck Compression	-134 lbs.	112 lbs.
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	669 lbs.	848 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Kia K4 (Built after January 2025) has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Sentra is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The K4 comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Sentra’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Kia’s powertrain warranty covers the K4 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Nissan covers the Sentra. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Sentra ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are better in initial quality than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia fourth in initial quality, above the industry average. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is ranked 6th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia above average in long-term dependability. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Nissan is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Kia 3 places higher in reliability than Nissan.

Engine

The K4 GT-Line Turbo’s standard 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder produces 41 more horsepower (190 vs. 149) and 49 lbs.-ft. more torque (195 vs. 146) than the Sentra’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the K4 GT-Line Turbo 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Nissan Sentra:

	K4	Sentra
Zero to 60 MPH	7.3 sec	9.2 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	20 sec	26.3 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	7.7 sec	9.4 sec
Quarter Mile	15.7 sec	17 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	90 MPH	83 MPH
Top Speed	130 MPH	120 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the K4 LX 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder CVT gets better fuel mileage than the Sentra SR (30 city/40 hwy vs. 30 city/38 hwy).

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the K4 GT-Line Turbo’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Sentra:

	K4 GT-Line Turbo	Sentra
Front Rotors	12 inches	11 inches
Rear Rotors	11.2 inches	9” drums
Opt Rear Rotors		10.2 inches

The Kia K4 has standard four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Rear drums are standard on the Sentra. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes that work much harder than conventional brakes.

The K4 stops shorter than the Sentra:

	K4	Sentra
70 to 0 MPH	173 feet	174 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	120 feet	123 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the K4 GT-Line’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Sentra (235/40R18 vs. 215/45R18).

The K4 LX/LXS’ standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sentra S/SV’s standard 60 series tires. The K4 GT-Line’s tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Sentra SR’s 45 series tires.

Suspension and Handling

The K4 GT-Line Turbo handles at .87 G’s, while the Sentra SR pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The K4 GT-Line Turbo executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Sentra SR (26.6 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 27.5 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the K4’s turning circle is 2.9 feet tighter than the Sentra’s (35.2 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

Passenger Space

The K4 has 2.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Sentra (98.7 vs. 96.1).

The K4 has .1 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, 3.1 inches more rear legroom and .2 inches more rear shoulder room than the Sentra.

Cargo Capacity

The K4 has a larger trunk than the Sentra (14.6 vs. 14.3 cubic feet).

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the K4’s trunk can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Sentra doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the K4 GT-Line, the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Sentra doesn’t offer a memory system.

The K4 GT-Line’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Sentra doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The K4’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Sentra’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The power windows standard on both the K4 and the Sentra have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the K4 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Sentra prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The K4 EX/GT-Line’s front power windows open fully with one touch of the switches, and the driver’s window also automatically closes, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Sentra’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

On a hot day the K4’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Sentra can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The K4’s standard Smart Key allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Push Button Start standard on the Sentra only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

The K4’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Sentra’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The K4’s headlights were rated “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the Sentra’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

The K4’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Heated mirrors cost extra on the Sentra and aren’t offered on the Sentra S.

When the K4 GT-Line with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Sentra’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the K4 GT-Line keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Sentra doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

Both the K4 and the Sentra offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the K4 GT-Line Turbo has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Sentra doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Compared to traditional radio, the Kia K4’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the Sentra SV/SR.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Kia K4 EX/GT-Line has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The Sentra doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

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