Used 2016 Kia Optima for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Kia Optima cost?

Prices have softened 6.82% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 896 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare by trim, mileage, and condition.

Is the 2016 Kia Optima a good car?

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

Owners consistently praise the stylish design, comfort, smooth ride, and excellent fuel economy. The overview also points to a polished, well-rounded sedan that feels more energetic in Optima Turbo form, especially in everyday driving where lower-rpm responsiveness matters.

For you, that means the 2016 Optima makes the most sense if you want a midsize family sedan that feels more upscale than basic transportation. The market also shows 24.9% good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Kia Optima reliable?

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

The owner summary highlights reliability alongside comfort and stylish design, and it also points to the smooth ride and excellent fuel economy that tend to support day-to-day confidence. The expert notes also describe ownership as relatively worry-free, with favorable predictions for long-term costs and improved quality and dependability over the past several years.

Kia’s warranty coverage and roadside assistance add another layer of reassurance for used buyers, especially if you want lower ownership risk over time. Even so, you should still verify maintenance history and condition carefully, since any used car can carry hidden wear.

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

At 51.3% 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 you’re considering a higher-mileage example or a car with prior bodywork. Focus on signs of uneven panel gaps, paint mismatch, tire wear, and any evidence that safety systems or electronics were repaired after a collision.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX is the least expensive starting point, while the LX 1.6T, EX, SX, and SX Limited add more equipment. Lower trims can feel limited in features, so you should pay close attention to whether the car has the comfort and tech you want.
• Powertrain: The Optima SX and SX Limited use a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain is tuned for better drivability and fuel economy, and it feels more responsive at lower rpm.
• Safety package: Every 2016 Optima has a standard reversing camera. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on the SX Limited and optional on other trims, while the LX 1.6T, EX, SX, and SX Limited are the trims that add or make available additional safety-related UVO eServices features. The SX and SXL also get adaptive bi-Xenon headlights, 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, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, Bluetooth streaming, Internet radio, song tagging, and USB 2.1 quick-charge ports. It is standard on the SX and SX Limited and optional on the LX 1.6T and EX.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbocharged model is described as returning 24 mpg in combined driving, with a test-loop average of 25.3 mpg and a highway estimate of 32 mpg.

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:

• LX: This is the entry point, and it makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and are comfortable with a simpler feature set. It is the trim to compare first if budget matters most.
• LX 1.6T: This is the best-value choice if you want more equipment without jumping all the way to the top trims. It can add more of the tech and safety content that lower trims lack, making it a smart middle ground for many shoppers.
• EX: Choose this if you want a more upscale daily driver and are willing to pay for additional comfort and convenience features. It sits in the middle of the lineup and should appeal if you want a more polished feel without going full luxury.
• SX: This is the trim to target if you want the strongest performance and the most advanced available equipment. It gets the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and standard UVO eServices, so it suits you best if driving feel and tech matter most.

The safety package note to keep in mind is that blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on the SX Limited and optional on other trims, while the LX 1.6T, EX, SX, and SX Limited are the trims that add or make available additional safety-related UVO eServices features.

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

This looks like a moderate market for selective buyers, so it’s worth shopping carefully and moving quickly when you find the right car.

• Deal availability: 24.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 896 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.82% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 51.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,246, 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 $9,592 sits slightly below last year's $10,294.

That decline suggests the market has softened, which can help you buy more affordably now but may also limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you’re thinking about future trade-in value, the current pricing trend points to a model that is still desirable but no longer commanding the stronger prices it did a year ago.

Well-kept examples should hold up better than average because buyers still respond to the Optima’s styling, comfort, and fuel economy. 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?

The 2016 Kia Optima earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

Every 2016 Optima comes with a standard reversing camera, and Kia also offers a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The SX and SXL add adaptive bi-Xenon headlights, while the SX Limited goes further with automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Kia also strengthened the car’s structure with more advanced high-strength steel to improve crash performance. For used buyers, the main safety takeaway is that you should compare trims closely, because some of the most useful driver-assistance features are not standard across the lineup.

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:

• 24.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 51.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.82% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.89/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 stands out for its redesigned styling, strong safety focus, and excellent infotainment, with the Turbo version praised for better low-rpm responsiveness.

The bottom line: If you want the most polished version of this generation’s Optima, the 2016 is the one to target because it combines strong owner satisfaction, a softer price trend, and a broad mix of comfort, safety, and tech. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can still shop aggressively within this year’s market and focus on the best-maintained examples rather than stretching to a newer model.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.