How much does the 2016 Kia Optima cost?

Prices have softened 8.46% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 934 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare. If you find a listing below $9,256.79, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Kia Optima a good car?

Yes — 4.89/5 owners rate it, and the expert score is 8.83/10. The model scores 10/10 across Look and feel and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its stylish design, comfort, reliability, smooth ride, and excellent fuel economy. The Optima is also framed as a polished, well-rounded midsize family sedan, with broad appeal if you want something that feels more refined than merely practical. In market terms, 24.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Kia Optima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.89/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to reliability, comfort, and a smooth, trouble-free ownership experience, while the expert notes also describe improved quality and dependability. Kia’s warranty coverage and roadside assistance add another layer of reassurance for long-term ownership. For used buyers, the main risk is less about the model’s reputation and more about finding a well-kept example that has been maintained consistently.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Kia Optima?

At 50.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has any signs of prior bodywork or uneven panel gaps. Focus on condition, maintenance records, and whether the features you want are actually present on the trim you’re considering. Because lower trims can be sparse, it’s worth checking equipment carefully before you commit.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX is described as the starting point, while the LX 1.6T, EX, SX, and SX Limited add more equipment. Lower trims can feel limited, so you should pay close attention to which convenience and safety features are included.
• Powertrain: The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in SX and SX Limited models makes 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with stronger low-rpm response and a focus on drivability and fuel economy.
• Safety package: A blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alerts is standard on the SX Limited and optional on other Optimas. Adaptive bi-Xenon headlights are standard on the SX and SXL, and the SX Limited adds automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
• Infotainment: Kia’s UVO eServices system includes navigation, voice recognition, a wireless smartphone charging pad, Android Auto, and connected services. The SX Limited also gets a surround-view monitoring system.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbo model is described as returning 25 mpg in combined driving, with an official 32 mpg highway estimate and 22 mpg city estimate.

Which 2016 Kia Optima trim should I buy?

The 2016 Kia Optima is offered in 4 trim levels: LX, LX 1.6T, EX, and SX.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The LX is the entry point, but lower trims are called out for limited features, so you should expect a more basic equipment set than the higher versions.
• Sweet-spot trim: The EX is the best value if you want a more complete daily driver, since it sits above the base model and can be paired with more of the desirable tech and safety content.
• Premium/top trim: The SX is the strongest all-around choice if you want the most upscale feel without going all the way to the top, with the turbo engine and access to more advanced equipment.
• Off-road trim: Not applicable here.

A blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alerts is standard on the SX Limited and optional on other Optimas, so you should verify whether the car you’re shopping has that package or not.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Kia Optima?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 24.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 934 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.46% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 50.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,256.79, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Kia Optima's resale value?

The current average of $9,539 sits slightly below last year's $10,421.

That softer pricing suggests the model has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. If you choose a clean, well-equipped example, you may have a better chance of holding value than if you overpay for a higher-mileage or accident-history car. Strong condition and desirable features matter more when the market is already pricing the car below its prior-year average.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.89/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Kia Optima safe?

It earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

Every 2016 Optima comes with a standard reversing camera. The SX Limited adds blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking, while some of that equipment is also available on the SX. Kia also notes that the car’s structure was upgraded to improve small-overlap frontal crash performance.

Should I buy a 2016 Kia Optima or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 24.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 50.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.46% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.89/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• In expert testing, the redesigned Optima is described as a segment standard-bearer with standout styling, safety, and infotainment.

The bottom line: If you want the redesigned Optima with strong owner satisfaction, solid expert praise, and a market that has softened from last year, the 2016 is a sensible target. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can wait for a cleaner listing or a better deal, but the current year already gives you a good mix of value and desirability.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.