Used 2016 Nissan Frontier for SaleNationwide

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 708 listings available, which gives you 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 owners even if it trails the class in newer features. The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the powerful V6 engine, reliability, and comfortable interior, and they also like the practical touches such as the rear camera and Bluetooth. In use-case terms, that lines up with the Frontier’s straightforward, carryover pickup character: you’re looking at a simple, proven setup rather than a heavily revised truck.

27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is some room to shop carefully if you want value.

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier reliable?

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

User feedback points to reliability and a truck that owners feel good about living with over time, while the expert evaluation also describes the Frontier as a good choice for a competent truck for less money. The Frontier’s straightforward, older-platform design can appeal if you want something familiar and proven, and the cost-effectiveness notes reinforce that it is meant to deliver utility without a high purchase price.

The main long-term ownership risk for used buyers is that you should verify maintenance history carefully and make sure any truck you consider has been inspected for condition and recall completion.

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

At 62.6% 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, off-road driving, or heavy work. Focus on overall condition, signs of wear in the cabin and bed, and whether the equipment on the truck matches the trim you expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S trim is very sparse, while the SV adds a fuller power package, touchscreen, smartphone integration, satellite radio, and keyless entry. Higher trims add more comfort and convenience, and the Pro-4X brings the most off-road-oriented equipment.
• Powertrain: You can find a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder or a 4.0-liter V6. The V6 brings much stronger output 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 basic, while higher trims bring a 5-inch touchscreen or a 5.8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and stronger audio systems. The system is functional but dated.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter engine can return as good as 19 mpg city and 23 highway with the 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 basic Frontier, and it is best if you want the lowest entry price and can live with a very spartan feature set. It is the trim most likely to feel stripped down, especially with the manual transmission.
• 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 a fuller power package. If you want a Frontier that feels equipped 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 do not need 4WD. It is more about appearance and a specific rear-drive setup than all-out trail capability.
• Pro-4X: This is the trim to buy if you want the most capability and the richest equipment mix, including 4WD, a locking rear differential, skid plates, upgraded audio, and more convenience features. It is the most complete Frontier in the lineup.
• SL: This is the top-tier trim, but it gives up the Pro-4X’s off-road hardware in exchange for more comfort-oriented touches like larger wheels and side steps. It makes sense if you want a more upscale feel rather than trail gear.

The safety content notes that the Frontier comes standard with 4-wheel antilock discs, dual front, front-side, and full-length curtain-side airbags, and stability control, with rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera available on some versions.

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

The market looks moderate, so you can shop selectively without expecting a deep buyer’s market.

• Deal availability: 27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 708 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.6% 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 $15,401 sits slightly below last year's $15,413.

That small decline suggests the Frontier’s pricing has been stable rather than volatile, which is helpful if you plan to sell later and want a predictable market. A truck that holds its value without sharp swings can make timing less stressful, especially if you buy at a fair price and keep it in good condition.

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 2016 Nissan Frontier earns Top Safety Pick recognition from IIHS, and it received 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 worth noting is the IIHS seat/head restraint result, which was rated Acceptable rather than top-tier.

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:

• 27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62.6% 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 new colors, and the SV trim gets a newly standard sunroof.

The bottom line: If you want a familiar, proven Frontier with stable pricing and strong owner approval, the 2016 is a sensible place to focus. If you are especially price-sensitive, shop the broader market carefully and prioritize condition, because the truck’s value proposition depends heavily on finding a clean example with the right equipment.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.