Two Midsize Sedans You Should Consider

If you’re looking for value in the used vehicle market, you need to take a look at what the 2014 model year has for you.
This model year is far enough back to give you vehicles that have already depreciated and it’s also where you can find a pair of great choices in the Kia Optima and the Chevrolet Malibu. These two cars are names you know and admire when it’s time for the drive you want when you’re ready to get out on the road and handle your daily commute with confidence.

A Similar Power Offering

You might be surprised to find a Korean model and an American one offered with nearly the same powertrain. The Kia Optima from 2014 uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that provides you with 192 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is attached to a six-speed automatic transmission and it offers you 23 city/34 hwy mpg. The Chevrolet Malibu from the same model year offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 196 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and gives you 25 city/36 hwy mpg. The Malibu powertrain is slightly better, but better is still better.

Looking for Differences in Size

The Kia Optima is about an inch shorter in length than the Malibu, but it rides on a wheelbase that’s two-inches longer. This difference makes the Optima a car that drives with a bit more confidence on the road. As you take a look at the passenger space offered, the Optima has 45.5 inches of legroom which is three more than the Malibu for the front passengers. The rear offers a different story with the Malibu offering your passengers two more inches of legroom than the Optima model. The Malibu also has a larger trunk which measures 16.3 cubic feet.

Another Area You’ll Find Similarities

The overall decision of which midsize sedan is right for you might come down to the drive. Both the 2014 Kia Optima and 2014 Chevrolet Malibu offer you air conditioning, cruise control, a stereo with a CD player, power locks, mirrors, and windows, a folding rear seat, remote keyless entry, a rear window defroster, and a tilt steering wheel. Both models also make the power driver’s seat optional, which means the differences you find might not come in the features offered.

Stylistic Driving

Since we don’t have differences in the features, and the powertrains are extremely similar, the place where we might find a difference that assists you in your decision is in the style. The Kia Optima has been regarded as one of the most attractive midsize sedans on the market. This car has smooth lines and curves to make sure you can have the quality drive you’re looking for and the car that will capture your attention. The Chevrolet Malibu is attractive but reminds you of the most common car you find at your nearby rental car location, which isn’t necessarily what you want in a vehicle that you drive.

Safety Can be the Factor

A midsize sedan is often the car you turn to for your family to ride along with you. The Kia Optima gives you three standard airbags to help keep you save and it has a five-star safety rating in all tests performed. The Chevrolet Malibu earned similar ratings for the safety tests that were performed, but this car offers you six airbags to increase the cushion around you when you’re in a crash. If you’re looking for the car that will protect you better when you crash, the choice will be the Malibu.

This is a Difficult Choice

The 2014 Kia Optima and Chevrolet Malibu are two extremely similar cars that make the decision for the drive you want a difficult one. The choices will likely boil down to style and safety when you’re ready to head out on the road. The vehicle that you want to drive could be either of these two and the fact that you’re going to receive the same features in both of them makes it easy for you to know you’ll have the right package of items for your drive. Find the used car you want to enjoy and start driving today.