Even though new car prices are finally leveling off, it’s still hard to find deals. That’s why considering a used car might be wise. Most pre-owned vehicles can still offer you a way to get the vehicle you want. If you’re looking for a midsize car, the 2016 Kia Optima and 2016 Toyota Camry offer a variety of flavors. Both are well-equipped and offer a lot of value. However, if a lower purchase price, higher safety scores, and user-friendly tech are musts, the 2016 Optima might be the better used sedan for you. 

Buyers usually pay less for a used 2016 Kia Optima than a 2016 Toyota Camry

Opt for the Kia, and you’ll typically pay less than you would for the Camry. 2016 Optima prices range from $12,900 to $24,900 depending on mileage, options, and condition, with an average price of $17,000. By comparison, the Camry starts at $700 more, ranging between $13,600 and $20,100, with an average price of $16,300.

Even though the average price for the Kia is higher, it’s skewed by the range-topping models. But stick with the LX or EX trim, and you’ll save over a comparable Camry. 

The 2016 Optima earned higher safety scores than the Camry 

The 2016 Kia Optima also has higher safety scores from the NHTSA and IIHS. Both the Optima and the Camry get top ratings for front and rear crash protection. But in rollover safety and side protection, the Camry received four stars, while the Optima earned five stars in every category. As a result, the Optima got a perfect 10 for safety, while the Camry scored 9.3 out of 10. 

Kia’s sedan boasts user-friendly tech

The 2016 Kia Optima offers generous standard equipment. Even the base LX includes satellite radio and Bluetooth, while higher trims levels get leather seating, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Spring for the SXL Turbo, and you get premium features like a 10-way power-adjustable front-passenger seat with power lumbar support and bi-xenon HID headlights with high-beam assist.

Besides the plethora of features, the technology is more user-friendly in the 2016 Optima than in the Camry. The controls are all well-laid-out, with a mix of buttons and knobs that don’t all look identical. Additionally, the infotainment interface and connectivity options are intuitive and easy to use. By comparison, the Camry’s infotainment system lacks some of the standard features in the Optima, including a CD player, auxiliary input, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. 

Overall, the 2016 Kia Optima is more stylish and functional than the 2016 Toyota Camry

The 2016 Kia Optima and 2016 Toyota Camry are great used cars. However, the Kia Optima offers more style and standard functionality for the same money or less. Simply put, the Kia feels fresher and more modern than the Camry, with an interior that looks more current and provides more standard features.  

However, the Toyota Camry is far from terrible. Quite the contrary — it ranks second in U.S. News’ “2016 Affordable Midsize Cars” category. Regardless of which model you choose, both are excellent midsize sedans. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but if you want to go long on style and value, the 2016 Kia Optima holds the edge.