If you are looking for some relief from these high prices, there is some relief to be found in the used market for vehicles older than five years old. Many vehicles within this range offer a ton of longevity and staying power in the used market, you just may find the perfect vehicle for you that is just a few years old but feels just like a brand-new vehicle.

Two of these used cars that might surprise you for their like-new features and drivability are the 2016 Kia Optima and the 2016 Chevy Malibu, two midsize sedans that can do everything many other vehicles can for a fraction of the price. But which of these two cars is the better deal? Here is everything you need to know about how the 2016 Optima stacks up against the 2016 Malibu.

2016 Kia Optima: specs, features, and price

The 2016 Kia Optima is a front-wheel drive, four-door sedan capable of seating five passengers. This 2016 Optima comes in five different trim levels including the LX, LX Turbo, EX, SX Turbo, and SXL Turbo.

While every trim level for the 2016 Optima comes with an automatic transmission, there are four different engine configurations to choose from, ranging from a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder engine producing 178 horsepower, all the way up to a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder producing 245 horsepower.

The 2016 Optima also comes with a good amount of features as well, including an optional navigation system that comes equipped with a Qi-compatible wireless phone charging pad and Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto.

However, skipping the navigation system will relegate drivers to a simple 5-inch touchscreen with no integrated smartphone connectivity. The Optima does come equipped with a ton of safety features including forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

With these features, the 2016 Optima received the Top Safety Pick Plus from the IIHS. According to U.S. News, the Kia Optima can be found on the used market for around $14,846 today.

2016 Chevy Malibu: specs, features, and price

The 2016 Chevy Malibu marked the beginning of the next generation Malibu, which is currently running through the 2023 model year and is still coming off the assembly line today.

This Malibu came in a few different trim levels including the L, LS, LT, and top-of-the-line Premier model. Still, a few engine options were available ranging from a 1.5L turbo four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower to a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder producing 250 horsepower. This Malibu even had a hybrid model as an option, which came equipped with a 1.8L hybrid four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower.

The 2016 Malibu comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment, along with a Wifi hotspot, a generous amount of USB ports, and available Qi wireless smartphone charging. U.S. News reports that many potential owners can expect to pay around $14,755 for a used 2016 Malibu today.

Which is the better choice?

According to U.S. News, the 2016 Chevy Malibu is a slightly better option than the used Optima. While both of these midsize sedans are excellent vehicles, the Malibu is just slightly more refined in its list of standard features, which includes Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto.

The 2016 Malibu is also slightly better in fuel economy as well, getting around 27 mpg city, and 37 mpg highway, compared to the 2016 Optima’s 24 mpg city and 35 mph highway. The Malibu also has slightly more cargo space and interior space, all for a better price.

When you also consider that the 2016 Malibu is essentially the same vehicle as the 2023 model, you are getting what is essentially the same vehicle as a brand-new Malibu for the price of a used one. For that value, it is tough to pass up a 2016 Chevy Malibu.