Finding a deal on a new car is challenging, with models selling for over MSRP. That’s why now is a good time to consider a used car. The 2016 Ford Fusion and 2016 Kia Optima are two popular midsize sedans. They provide numerous features and plenty of value. However, the Fusion offers several advantages over the Optima. 

1. The 2016 Ford Fusion boasts athletic handling 

One area where the 2016 Ford Fusion stands out is handling. While most cars in the midsize sedan class seem happy to plod along, the Fusion is the exception. You won’t mistake it for a Mazda Miata or Porsche Cayman, but it offers precision steering and quick reflexes that make it rewarding to drive. You won’t seek out back roads in the Fusion, but you won’t embarrass yourself on them either.

By comparison, the Kia Optima feels numb and overboosted and lacks the feel that the Fusion provides.  

2. The Fusion has more powerful engines than the Optima

With the exception of the base model, the 2016 Ford Fusion offers more powerful engines than the Kia Optima. The Ford’s 240-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo outclasses the Kia’s 178-hp 1.6-liter engine. You can get a more potent 245-hp 2.0-liter turbo in the Optima, but you’ll have to find a higher trim level at a higher cost. However, the Fusion’s 2.0-liter turbo is available in the SE midlevel trim in addition to the range-topping Titanium.  

3. On average, the 2016 Ford Fusion is cheaper to buy and maintain

Buyers generally pay less for a used 2016 Fusion than a 2016 Optima, U.S. News reports. According to more than 4,300 used car listings, the 2016 Fusion runs between $12,600 and $20,000, with the average price paid just under $16,000. By comparison, purchase prices for the Optima range from $12,900 to $24,900, with the average being almost a thousand dollars more at $17,000. 

4. The Fusion provides more rear legroom than the Optima

Both midsize sedans have similar dimensions, and the Optima offers slightly more interior space than the Fusion. However, the Fusion has a larger backseat, with 38.3 inches of legroom, compared to the Optima’s 35.6 inches. That might not seem like much, but second-row riders will notice the nearly three-inch difference. 

The 2016 Ford Fusion is more performance-oriented than the 2016 Kia Optima

The 2016 Ford Fusion is a good used car. On paper, it stacks up well against the 2016 Kia Optima and other midsize sedans. But where the Fusion stands out is in performance and handling. You’ll find plenty of practical pre-owned vehicles with four doors. But if you want functionality and fun on a budget, the 2016 Fusion is an excellent choice.