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.

There are 723 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $14,520.41, 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 — the 2016 Nissan Frontier earns a 4.29/5 user rating and a 6.67/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the powerful V6 engine, reliability, and comfortable interior. Reviewers also call out the truck’s handling and practical features like the rear camera and Bluetooth.

That lines up with the Frontier’s straightforward, work-ready use case: you’re looking at a simple pickup that prioritizes utility and familiar controls over newer-tech polish. With 27.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still gives value-focused shoppers some room to shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to reliability and a truck that many drivers feel good about living with over time. The expert notes also frame it as a competent truck for less money, which supports the idea that it can be a practical long-term buy if you want straightforward capability.

The main ownership risk for used buyers is age-related wear, so you should pay close attention to maintenance history and how the truck has been used.

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

At 61.8% 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 truck that may have seen towing, off-road use, or heavy work duty. 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: Base S trims are pretty spartan, while SV adds a fuller power package and more convenience features; higher trims bring more equipment, and the Pro-4X stands out for its off-road-oriented hardware.
• Powertrain: You can get a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder or a 4.0-liter V6, and the V6 brings a major jump in power and towing ability.
• 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 optional.
• Infotainment: Lower trims can be very basic, while higher trims add a 5.8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and a stronger audio system.
• 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 deliver 15 city/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 basic version, and it’s best only if you want the lowest entry price and can live with a very sparse feature set.
• SV: This is the best-value trim because it adds the most useful everyday upgrades, including a fuller power package and a 5-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration.
• Desert Runner: Choose this if you want the styling and off-road suspension/tire setup but don’t need 4WD.
• Pro-4X: This is the trim to buy if you want the most capability, with 4WD, a locking rear differential, skid plates, and the strongest equipment mix.
• SL: This is the top-tier comfort-oriented choice, but it gives up the Pro-4X’s off-road hardware, so it makes sense mainly if you want the more upscale feel.

The safety content also notes that rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera are optional, so it’s worth prioritizing a trim or package that includes them.

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 should move quickly on the right truck.

• Deal availability: 27.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 723 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 61.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,520.41, 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 $15,389 sits slightly below last year's $15,504.

That small decline suggests the Frontier has been holding value fairly steadily rather than dropping sharply. For a future seller, that kind of price movement points to a market that is stable enough to support predictable resale, especially if your truck is clean and well maintained.

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 earns 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 and visibility.

One caveat is the recall on the starter motor connections affecting certain V6 trucks built in a narrow window in 2016, so you should confirm that any affected vehicle was repaired.

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 61.8% 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 expert summary says the Frontier has yet to catch up with the competition, which means you should buy it for value and simplicity rather than class-leading refinement.

The bottom line: If you want a straightforward used truck with stable pricing, decent deal availability, and strong owner satisfaction, the 2016 Frontier is a reasonable buy. If you’re especially price-sensitive, focus on the best-maintained example you can find and be selective about history and equipment, since condition matters more than chasing the cheapest listing.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.