How much does the 2016 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 2.58% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,905 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

If you find a listing below $9,421.80, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima a good car?

Generally — the 4.47/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert score is 8/10. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise the Altima for its gas mileage, sleek design, comfort, and overall value. The overview also points to a spacious cabin and a practical, efficiency-focused setup, which makes it a sensible fit for commuting and everyday use.

The market backs that up with 25.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, so you have room to shop carefully and still find value.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.47/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback repeatedly points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience in the areas that matter most to daily drivers, especially when it comes to comfort, value, and efficiency. The expert review also notes that the proven engine lineup and well-sorted CVT automatic aren’t harboring any nasty surprises for long-term maintenance.

That said, owner comments also raise concerns about the CVT transmission, so a used example is best approached with a careful service-history review and a thorough test drive.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Nissan Altima?

At 47% 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 higher mileage or incomplete service records. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the transmission feels smooth and consistent during a test drive.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 SR, and 3.5 SL. The base setup is more basic, while higher trims add features such as LED lighting, upgraded wheels, and more comfort and convenience equipment.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 182 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, or a 270 hp V6 in the 3.5 models. The CVT is the only transmission, and the 4-cylinder returns 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
• Safety package: The available active safety suite includes dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. The SL trim carries this equipment, while lower trims may not.
• Infotainment: The standard system uses a 5-inch color display that doubles as the rear-view camera screen. A 7-inch display is available with NissanConnect Navigation with Mobile Apps, and the system can include Bluetooth, voice command, navigation, and satellite radio.
• Fuel efficiency: The 4-cylinder is rated at 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, with a combined 31 mpg in mixed driving. The V6 is rated at 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

Which 2016 Nissan Altima trim should I buy?

The 2016 Nissan Altima is offered in 7 trim levels: 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 SR, and 3.5 SL.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The 2.5 is the entry point, but it misses the richer equipment and safety tech found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The 2.5 SV is the best value if you want a stronger feature mix without jumping all the way to the luxury-leaning trims.
• Premium/top trim: The 2.5 SL is the most appealing all-around choice if you want the available driver aids, upgraded tech, and a more upscale feel.
• Off-road trim: None of the trims are aimed at off-road use, and the car is front-wheel drive only.

The safety package is especially worth seeking out if you want the available driver-assistance features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Nissan Altima?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 25.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,905 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.58% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 47.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,421.80, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Nissan Altima's resale value?

The current average of $9,675 sits slightly below last year's $9,931.

That price movement suggests the Altima is holding value reasonably well, but not strongly enough to create a seller’s market. If you own one, you should expect resale to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and service history rather than brand-wide demand alone.

Because the market has softened, a clean, well-maintained example can still stand out to buyers. If your car has strong records and no accident history, you’re in a better position to defend asking price.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.47/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima safe?

The 2016 Altima has not been rated by NHTSA yet, but the IIHS has given it its top rating of Good across all categories, including the small-overlap frontal crash test.

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

The available active safety equipment includes dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, and predictive forward collision alert with emergency braking. The SL trim is the one specifically called out with this suite, so lower trims may not include the same level of driver assistance.

One caution from owner feedback is the CVT transmission concern, which is worth keeping in mind when you evaluate a used example.

Should I buy a 2016 Nissan Altima 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:

• 25.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 47% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.58% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.47/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 refresh brings updated styling, strong fuel economy, and available advanced safety tech.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,366, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,675 average.
• It excels at handling, fuel economy, technology and comfort.

The bottom line: If you want the newer styling, stronger safety presentation, and still-solid value, the 2016 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the more budget-friendly route and still delivers many of the same core strengths.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.