Used 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale nearKnoxville, TN

How much does the 2016 Nissan Frontier cost?

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

With 720 listings available, you have a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Nissan Frontier earns a 4.29/5 user rating and a 6.67/10 expert rating, which points to a truck that resonates with shoppers even if it trails newer rivals. The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

Owners repeatedly praise the powerful V6 engine, reliability, and comfortable interior, and they also like the truck’s handling plus practical features such as the rear camera and Bluetooth. In use-case terms, that makes it a fit if you want a straightforward pickup that emphasizes value, familiar controls, and everyday usefulness over the latest redesign.

With 27.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier reliable?

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

The owner feedback also points to reliability as one of the Frontier’s core strengths, alongside a reputation for being dependable and practical for everyday use. The expert notes reinforce that sense of durability by describing the truck as a good choice for a competent truck for less money, which suggests a simple, proven ownership experience rather than a high-strung one.

The main long-term ownership risk for used buyers is making sure the truck has been maintained well and that any past recall-related work was completed.

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

At 61.1% 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 careful inspection of bodywork, frame condition, and signs of prior repair. It also makes sense to focus on how the truck was used, since condition can vary a lot between lightly used daily drivers and harder-working examples. If you’re considering a higher-trim truck, make sure the equipment you want is actually present and functioning.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S trim is very basic, while the SV adds a full power package, a touchscreen with smartphone integration, satellite radio, and keyless entry. Higher trims add more comfort and convenience, and the Pro-4X stands out for its off-road-oriented equipment.
• Powertrain: You can find a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder with 152 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, or a 4.0-liter V6 with 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. The V6 brings a major boost in towing and everyday punch, while the four-cylinder is the simpler, lower-output choice.
• 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 sparse, while higher trims bring a 5-inch touchscreen or a 5.8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and upgraded audio systems. Wireless phone integration and over-the-air capability are not mentioned.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter engine can return as good as 19 mpg city and 23 highway with the 5-speed manual, while the V6 can drop to 15 city and 21 highway with 4WD 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 stripped-down version, and it makes sense only if you want the lowest entry price and can live without much equipment. The automatic version adds air conditioning, cruise control, and a basic stereo, while the manual version is especially bare.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds a full power package, a touchscreen with smartphone integration, satellite radio, and keyless entry without pushing you into the pricier off-road or luxury trims.
• Desert Runner: This trim adds styling changes plus an off-road suspension and tires, but it is RWD only, so it suits you best if you want the look and some extra capability without moving to the more serious 4WD setup.
• Pro-4X: This is the trim to choose if you want the Frontier’s most capable off-road setup, with 4WD, a locking rear differential, skid plates, and the better audio and convenience equipment.
• SL: This is the top-tier trim, but it gives up the Pro-4X’s off-road hardware in favor of more comfort-oriented equipment and easier cab access.

The safety package includes standard airbags, stability control, and antilock brakes, with rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera available on some trims.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on a strong listing.

• Deal availability: 27.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 720 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 61.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,520, 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 $15,368 sits slightly below last year's $15,453.

That small decline suggests the Frontier’s value has been fairly stable rather than volatile. For you as a future seller, that kind of movement usually means the truck is holding a predictable market position instead of swinging sharply with demand. The current pricing also suggests buyers still see value in its straightforward formula, which can help support resale interest.

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 Frontier earns top IIHS scores in all tests except the seat/head restraint evaluation, which is rated Acceptable, and it earns a four-star rating for rollover resistance from NHTSA.

It earns an 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 and parking.

One caveat is the IIHS seat/head restraint result, which falls short of the truck’s otherwise strong crash-test performance. You should also keep in mind the recall noted for starter motor connections on certain V6 trucks built in early 2016.

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:

• 27.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 61.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.29/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 model year adds some new colors, and the SV trim gets a newly standard sunroof.

The bottom line: If you want a familiar, value-oriented Frontier and you find one in clean condition, the 2016 is a sensible buy. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can still shop carefully and target the lower end of the range, but the best move is to prioritize condition, equipment, and history over chasing the absolute cheapest listing.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.