Used 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale nearTacoma, WA

How much does the 2016 Nissan Frontier cost?

Prices are up 1.37% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 742 listings available, which gives you a meaningful 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 still connects with shoppers even if it feels dated. 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 and practical features such as the rear camera and Bluetooth. In use-case terms, that makes it a fit for you if you want a straightforward pickup that emphasizes everyday usability, durability, and familiar controls over modern flash.

Only 32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market is somewhat selective even if the truck’s value proposition remains strong.

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 and a truck that feels dependable for everyday use, with praise centered on a powertrain and cabin that many drivers feel they can count on. The expert evaluation reinforces that sense of durability by describing the Frontier as a simple, proven pickup rather than a complicated one, and it also notes that the truck’s lower price helps it make sense as a long-term ownership play.

If you’re shopping used, the main risk is age-related wear and the possibility that a truck with a lot of miles may need more attention than a newer rival.

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

At 63.5% 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 focus your inspection on body condition, signs of prior repair, and how well the truck’s equipment works in real use. Pay extra attention to the cabin and bed for wear, since the Frontier’s age means condition can vary a lot from one listing to the next. If you’re considering a higher-trim truck, make sure the added features are actually present and functioning.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S trim is very basic, while the SV adds more everyday convenience, and higher trims bring more comfort and equipment. The Pro-4X is the off-road-oriented choice, while the SL is the top-tier trim but gives up the Pro-4X’s off-road hardware.
• Powertrain: You can find 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 simpler, less powerful setup.
• Safety package: The Frontier comes standard with 4-wheel antilock discs, dual front airbags, front-side airbags, 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 or 5.8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, satellite radio, and upgraded audio. The system feels dated compared with newer rivals.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter engine can return as good as 19 mpg city and 23 highway with the 5-speed manual. 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 basic Frontier, and it makes sense only if you want the lowest entry price and can live with a very sparse feature set. The automatic version adds air conditioning, cruise control, and a 4-speaker stereo, so it’s the better pick if you’re shopping the entry trim.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds a full power package, a touchscreen with smartphone integration, satellite radio, keyless entry, and upgraded cloth. If you want a more usable daily driver without jumping too far up the price ladder, this is the trim to target.
• Desert Runner: This trim adds styling changes plus an off-road suspension and tires, but it is only available with rear-wheel drive. It makes sense if you want a more rugged look and feel without moving all the way to the Pro-4X.
• Pro-4X: This is the off-road-focused trim, and it adds 4-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, skid plates, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10-speaker stereo, and a larger touchscreen. It’s the right choice if you want the most capability and equipment.
• SL: This is the top trim, but it loses the Pro-4X’s off-road hardware and instead leans into comfort and appearance with 18-inch alloys and side steps. Choose it if you want a more upscale Frontier rather than the most rugged one.

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 have room to shop carefully rather than rush.

• Deal availability: 32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 742 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.37% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 63.5% 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 $15,314 sits slightly above last year's $15,106.

That upward move suggests the Frontier is holding value reasonably well for a used truck in this segment. If you’re planning to sell later, the current pricing trend is a positive sign because it shows buyers are still willing to pay for this model year. The truck’s value story is helped by its straightforward reputation and the fact that it still appeals to shoppers who want a simple, durable pickup.

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 test, which is rated Acceptable. It also earns a four-star rollover rating from NHTSA.

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

The Frontier comes standard with 4-wheel antilock discs, dual front airbags, front-side airbags, 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 worth noting is the recall tied to starter motor connections on certain V6 trucks built in a narrow production window, so you should confirm that any used example you’re considering was addressed properly.

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:

• 32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.37% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.29/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 model adds new colors and makes a sunroof standard on the SV trim.

The bottom line: If you want a Frontier with familiar hardware, strong owner approval, and a price that still makes sense, the 2016 is a reasonable target. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can also shop nearby years and compare condition, equipment, and accident history closely, since the truck’s age means individual listings matter a lot.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.