2016 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2016 Kia Optima
When we compare the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu's and the 2016 Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and reliability. The 2016 Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu's and the 2016 Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the 2016 Kia Optima is a better car than the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2016 Kia Optima Pricing
A used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu ranges from $9,493 to $19,210 while a used 2016 Kia Optima is priced between $9,114 to $18,997.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2016 Kia Optima Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu loses 45.2 percent of its value and the 2016 Kia Optima loses 43.2 percent of its value. This means the 2016 Kia Optima retains 2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2016 Kia Optima Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 8.0 out of 10 while the Kia Optima's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 11 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Kia Optima being ranked 8 out of 13.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2016 Kia Optima Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 8.2 out of 10. For the Kia Optima the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Malibu a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu’s base engine makes 160 horsepower, and the 2016 Kia Optima base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Malibu is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 481 miles. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 648 miles.This gives the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2016 Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are midsize cars, the 2016 Kia Optima has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space. The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2016 Kia Optima has higher safety ratings than the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.18 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
9493 - 19210
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.45187
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
9114 - 18997
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.431597
Chevrolet Malibu Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.954629 / 10
Reliability:
8.203888 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
8.4 / 10
Kia Optima Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.419361 / 10
Reliability:
7.658084 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Chevrolet Malibu Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 13Kia Optima Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Trim Levels
L, LS, LS Fleet, LT, Premier
2016 Kia Optima Trim Levels
EX, LX, LX Turbo, SX Turbo, SXL Turbo
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.18 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
160 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 37 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
351 / 481 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 35 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
444 / 648 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple Car Play:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Cargo Space:
15.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
102.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
45.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
15.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
104.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3086 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
57.6 inches
Length:
193.8 inches
Wheelbase:
111.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3219 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
57.7 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
110.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/65R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/65R16