New car prices remain close to all-time highs, so finding a deal is challenging. You’re either stuck paying close to MSRP for something sitting on the dealer lot or waiting months for your order. With that in mind, used cars offer a compelling option, saving you money while delivering the vehicle you want. The 2016 Toyota Camry and 2016 Kia Optima are two popular midsize sedans that offer various trims and options. Each is well-equipped, even the base model, providing plenty of value. However, the 2016 Camry has a few advantages over the 2016 Optima. 

1. The 2016 Toyota Camry boasts a higher reliability score than the Optima

A Toyota Camry photo should accompany the definition of “reliable” in the dictionary. J.D. Power gives the 2016 model a perfect reliability score of 5 out of 5. That doesn’t mean things won’t go wrong or the car won’t need repairs. But compared to the average midsize car, the Camry proves more reliable. 

By comparison, the 2016 Optima scores 3.5 out of 5 from J.D. Power. That’s still a good rating, but it isn’t stellar.  

2. The 2016 Camry has a more upscale interior

Another area where the 2016 Camry stands out is its interior. The cabin is well-laid-out with a refined, upscale appearance. All the controls and materials have a solid, high-quality feel. It’s not a stretch to say the level of refinement befits a more expensive car. 

That’s not to say the 2016 Optima’s interior is terrible. It also has a well-laid-out interior with quality materials. But it lacks some of the Camry’s elegance. If the Optima is an 8 out of 10, the Camry is a 9.   

3. The Camry also gives rear passengers more space

Both vehicles are very close in dimensions, but as with other categories, the 2016 Toyota Camry wins in rear passenger room. Rear headroom measures 38.1 inches to the Optima’s 37.8 inches. Shoulder room is a slight 0.2-inch difference, with the Camry measuring 56.6 inches to the Optima’s 56.4. 

But the real difference is legroom. The Optima provides a decent 35.6 inches, but that’s on the small side for cars in this class. By comparison, the Camry offers 38.9 inches, U.S. News reports. 

Overall, the 2016 Toyota Camry offers more value than the 2016 Kia Optima

Both the 2016 Kia Optima and 2016 Toyota Camry are excellent used cars. But the Camry provides more bang for your buck. The average price for a used 2016 Optima ranges between $12,900 and $24,900, depending on mileage, options, and condition. By comparison, buyers pay about $13,600 to $20,100 for a used 2016 Camry.  

But the Toyota sedan doesn’t win only because it’s cheaper. It also offers more value for the money. For that reason, it ranks toward the top of U.S. News’ “Best 2016 Affordable Midsize Cars,” scoring 8.8 out of 10 overall. 

Beyond the numbers, this used Camry offers superior value thanks to its overall quality, predicted reliability, high safety ratings, and accident-avoidance technologies. Add to that a comfortable ride, roomy seating, and easy-to-use features, and the 2016 Toyota Camry is hard to beat in practicality and value.