2016 Kia Optima vs. 2016 Hyundai Sonata

Whether you're an experienced luxury sedan driver or you're looking to make a step up from a compact to the mid-size sedan class, two good models to consider are the 2016 Kia Optima and the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Both of them have different strengths and features, so we'll put them to the test and see which is the superior vehicle for the mid-size class.

If you're looking for a car with get-up-and-go, both the 2016 Kia Optima and the 2016 Hyundai Sonata have a baseline of 178 horsepower with a maximum of 245 horses in pricier trim options, so that's a dead heat in performance. But only the 2016 Kia Optima was the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy of 2016 in the midsize sedan class, while also garnering an award as one of the 16 Best Family Cars of 2016. That's the trusted automotive source chiming in with what we already know - the Optima is value-packed, spacious and brimming with family-friendly features.

If you want your car to save you money at the gas pump, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata base models will get you 25 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The 2016 Kia Optima is new to dealership lots, but its value is already known, and rightfully so with peak fuel economy figures of 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway which are superior to the 2016 Sonata's. This is possible because the 2016 Kia Optima has a new 1.6-liter turbo engine for its LX 1.6T trim, which improves its fuel economy.  If you're looking for even more value, Friendly Kia offers a VIP Price that is significantly more affordable than the competition, with a price that starts at around $15,535 for base 2016 Kia Optima LX models, saving you about $4,000 from the get-go.

It's been a tight race so far, but the 2016 Kia Optima pulls ahead because of its superior features and drive-ability. There's a reason why Kia puts so much into its Optima ad campaigns, whether it's Blake Griffin spots or father-son road trips; they put a ton into these cars. The 2016 Kia Optima comes with bleeding-edge connectivity and tech features: Among the new features are UVO eServices with Geo-fencing, Speed Alert and Driving Score, and an available 10-speaker surround sound system to create an immersive music experience. By contrast, the Sonata has just nine speakers in its priciest option, the Limited 2.0T. Plus, the Optima is also the Kia pilot vehicle for cutting-edge tech like Android Auto, which gives you the ability to access music and navigation from your smartphone. Finally, the 2016 Optima has voice-command navigation, which the 2016 Sonata does not have. The 2016 Kia Optima has the clear edge in the technology department, features which make the drive more enjoyable. When it comes to how the car feels when you drive, the 2016 Kia Optima's sleek exterior with swept-back headlights and additional hot stamping covers a sturdy interior with improved crash protection.

We have several Kia Optimas available on the Friendly Kia lot, so check one out today. We're a dog-friendly lot, and every new car you buy at Friendly Kia will get lifetime free car washes on-site at the dealership. So come on in to look at, test drive or purchase a car at Friendly Kia in New Port Richey, FL, about 20 miles from Clearwater and Trinity, less than 40 miles from Tampa and St. Petersburg, and less than 25 miles from 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.

Click here for more information about the Kia Optima.