2016 Kia Optima vs. 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

There's no more competitive vehicle class than the midsize sedan. Nearly every automaker has one available, and they are suitable for drivers at just about every stage of their lives. If you judged the competition by commercials alone, you'd have plenty of evidence already to understand what is at stake – with many automakers creating campaigns around their midsize sedans. While the Kia Optima has informative and entertaining ads with NBA star Blake Griffin and actor Christopher Walken, the Chevrolet Malibu has a recent ad that shows real people being dazzled by a 2016 model. So let's get down to the features and benefits of each car so you are able to determine which you prefer in the comparison between the 2016 Kia Optima and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Three things you need to absolutely nail when you're looking for a midsize sedan are starting price, fuel economy and safety features, since this is the kind of car you can take family and friends on long trips with, but with all the competition you shouldn't break the bank. Well, here's some good news: The 2016 Optima has been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick every year since 2011, as has the Chevy Malibu, which means they are among the most impact-resistant vehicles in their class. However, the 2016 Optima has an edge in maximum fuel economy with its LX 1.6T trim level reaching 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and any trim of the Optima will save you thousands, as you can purchase a 2016 Optima at Friendly Kia for less than $16,000 with our VIP Price, while the competition is asking for more than $20,000 for the 2016 Malibu. Read more about the Kia Optima's Available Colors and Features

2016 Kia Optima	Vs.	2016 Chevrolet Malibu
$15,535 (Friendly Kia VIP)	Price	$22,093 (The Competition)
185	Base HP	163
28, 39	Top MPG (city, highway)	27, 37
Yes	IIHS Top Safety Pick?	Yes
Yes	KBB.com Best Buy for 2016?	No
10	Max. Available Speakers	9
104.8	Passenger Volume (cubic feet)	102.9
10 years or 100,000 miles	Warranty Coverage - Limited Powertrain	5 years or 60,000 miles

Come See Why the Optima is the Tops in Tampa Clearwater and St. Petersburg FL

So far, so good for the Optima, as it saves thousands and gets fantastic fuel economy. But performance is necessary for a midsize car, also – the more HP you have, the easier it is to change lanes and negotiate packed roadways. While the 2016 Malibu tops out at a paltry 163 HP in its base trim level, the 2016 Optima rockets past that mark with a robust 185 HP in its base trim. In addition, you need to get into the proper mindset when you're driving, whether it’s a run to the pharmacy or the next state over, and the Optima's available 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system will bathe you in the music you love, while the 2016 Malibu peaks at nine speakers for its Bose audio system. Let's go back to the midsize sedan checklist: You need fuel savings, a nice price, and safety. Score a three-out-of-three for the 2016 Optima, which also has fantastic audio and the industry's best warranty (five years or 60,000 for bumper-to-bumper, among other perks) which means you have your parts covered longer than with other midsize sedans. So come see why stars like Blake Griffin and Christopher Walken are so excited about the 2016 Optima with our selection at Friendly Kia, 5819 US Highway 19 in New Port Richey, FL. We also serve the Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg area, as well as Brooksville, Trinity, Tarpon Springs and Spring Hill. If you plan on purchasing a new or used car, please take advantage of our trade-in policy and our exclusive partnership with Kelley Blue Book KBB.com's Trade-In Marketplace/Buying Center.