Used 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2016 Nissan Frontier cost?

Prices have softened 1.47% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 724 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $14,521.58, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier a good car?

Generally — 4.29/5 from owners, and 6.67/10 from our experts. The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the Frontier’s powerful V6 engine, reliability, and comfortable interior, and they also call out practical touches like the rear camera and Bluetooth. In use, it comes across as a straightforward pickup for buyers who want a simple, proven truck rather than a heavily updated one.

That fits the Frontier’s role as a familiar, carryover truck that appeals if you want basic utility without a lot of change. The market also shows 29.4% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier reliable?

Owners rate it 4.29/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owners describe it as reliable, and they also praise it for being a truck they can count on over time. The expert test-drive notes reinforce that dependable, proven character even while pointing out the Frontier’s older platform and drivetrain.

The cost-effectiveness notes also support the ownership case by emphasizing that the Frontier delivers a lot of standard equipment for the money. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about basic trustworthiness and more about whether you’re comfortable living with an older design and its age-related compromises.

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

At 59.9% 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 truck has been used for towing, hauling, or off-road driving. Focus on overall condition, signs of wear in the cabin and bed, and whether the truck’s equipment matches the trim you expect.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Frontier’s trims range from sparse to well equipped, and the biggest gaps show up at the base level. The S trim can be very basic, while the SV adds more everyday convenience, and higher trims bring more comfort and tech.
• Powertrain: You can get a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder or a 4.0-liter V6. The V6 brings a major jump in power and towing ability, while the 4-cylinder is the more basic setup.
• Safety package: The Frontier comes standard with 4-wheel antilock discs, dual front, front-side, and full-length curtain-side airbags, and stability control. Rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera are available on some versions.
• Infotainment: Lower trims can be very sparse, while higher trims add a 5-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, and the Pro-4X gets a 5.8-inch touchscreen. Wireless smartphone integration and OTA capability are not mentioned.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter engine can return as much as 19 mpg city and 23 highway with the 5-speed manual. The V6 can get 17 mpg city and 22 highway with rear-wheel drive and the 6-speed manual, or 15 mpg city and 21 highway with four-wheel drive and the required automatic.

Which 2016 Nissan Frontier trim should I buy?

The 2016 Nissan Frontier is offered in 5 trim levels: S, SV, Desert Runner, Pro-4X, and SL.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the most basic way into the Frontier, and it’s best if you want the lowest entry price and can live with a very spartan setup. It’s the trim where you’ll feel the biggest equipment gaps.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds a much more usable mix of comfort and tech, including a touchscreen, smartphone integration, satellite radio, keyless entry, and upgraded cloth. If you want the Frontier to feel less bare-bones without jumping too far up the price ladder, this is the one to target.
• Desert Runner: Choose this if you want the off-road suspension and tires but don’t need four-wheel drive. It’s more about appearance and a specific setup than broad capability.
• Pro-4X: This is the most capability-focused trim, with four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, skid plates, and more equipment than the lower trims. It’s the right pick if you want the most rugged version.
• SL: This is the top-tier trim, but it gives up the Pro-4X’s off-road hardware in favor of more comfort-oriented touches like 18-inch alloys and side steps. It suits you if you want a more upscale feel rather than trail-focused gear.

The safety content notes standard airbags, stability control, and available rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop, but the best listings still deserve quick attention.

• Deal availability: 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 724 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.47% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 59.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,521.58, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Nissan Frontier's resale value?

The current average of $15,295 sits slightly below last year's $15,523.

That price movement suggests the Frontier has softened a bit, which can help you as a buyer today but may temper upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the current trend points to a market that is still willing to pay for the truck, but not at the same level it did a year ago.

The good news is that the Frontier’s value proposition remains tied to its reputation for practicality and owner satisfaction. Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.29/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier safe?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the Frontier very impressive ratings, with top scores in all tests except the seat/head restraint, which garnered the second-highest rating of Acceptable. It also earned a four-star rating for rollover resistance from NHTSA.

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The Frontier comes standard with 4-wheel antilock discs, dual front, front-side, and full-length curtain-side airbags, and stability control. Rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera are available, which can help with low-speed maneuvering.

One caveat is the seat/head restraint result, which trails the rest of its crash performance. The safety notes also mention a starter-motor wiring recall affecting certain V6 trucks built in a narrow production window, so you should confirm recall work was completed.

Should I buy a 2016 Nissan Frontier 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:

• 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 59.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.47% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.29/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 model year stands out as a straightforward carryover truck with a newly standard sunroof on the SV trim.

The bottom line: If you want a simple, proven used pickup and you find the right condition and price, the 2016 Frontier makes sense. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can also shop nearby years, but the 2016’s current pricing, owner satisfaction, and value-oriented positioning make it a reasonable place to start.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.