Compare the2026 Kia K4VS 2026 Nissan Sentra

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 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

The Kia K4 Sedan (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 has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2025.

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.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the K4 second among small cars in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The Sentra isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 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 6 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.

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.

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

For better traction, the K4 GT-Line’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Sentra (235/40R18 vs. 215/50R17).

The K4 Sedan 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.

The K4 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Sentra; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The K4 Sedan is 8.9 inches shorter than the Sentra, making the K4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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

The K4 Sedan has .1 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, 3.2 inches more rear legroom and .1 inches more rear shoulder room than the Sentra.

The K4 Sedan 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.

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 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. Push Button Start is not available on the Sentra SV/SR/SL.

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.

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 SR/SL 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 costs extra on the Sentra.

The Kia K4 comes in sedan and four door hatchback bodystyles; the Nissan Sentra isn’t available as a four door hatchback.