We're looking at two heavyweights in the midsize sedan class, though for two different reasons, with a comparison of the 2016 Kia Optima vs. 2016 Chrysler 200. The 2016 Kia Optima is built for road conquest, with a sleek design that takes its cues more from the Autobahn than from the automotive competition, while the 2016 Chrysler 200 starts out in base models that check in at 260 pounds more than base 2016 Optimas, at 3,479 pounds to the Optima's 3,219 pounds. And this weight difference has a profound impact on these two vehicles. The 2016 Optima gets 25 mpg city, 37 highway in base models, which tops the Chrysler 200's 23 city, 36 highway, but it also has a sporty feel, with its tiger-nose front grille and lean shape, while the Chrysler 200 not only gets inferior fuel economy but features a more stoic, thick look, with a taller, chunkier design from front to back.
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2016 Kia Optima | Vs. | 2016 Chrysler 200 |
$16,820 (Friendly Kia VIP) | Price | $18,200 (The Competition) |
25 city, 37 highway (28, 39 in LX 1.6T) | MPG | 23 city, 36 highway |
185 | Base HP | 184 |
Yes | 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick? | Yes |
Yes | KBB.com 16 Best Family Cars of 2016? | No |
10-yr/100k-mile limited powertrain | Warranty Coverage | 5-yr/60k-mile limited powertrain |