How much does the 2016 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 6.16% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,850 listings available, which suggests you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $17,962.55, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 2016 RAM 1500 earns a 4.91/5 user rating and an 8.33/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Form and function, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its stylish design, spacious interiors, and strong performance, and many specifically call out the diesel option. The overview also points to a blend of luxury and utility, which fits buyers who want a truck that can work hard and still feel upscale.

With a 28.4% good-or-great-deal share in the market, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.91/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary also points to a truck that feels dependable in daily use, with many reviewers highlighting its strong performance, practical versatility, and ability to serve both work and family needs. The expert evaluation reinforces that impression by emphasizing the EcoDiesel V6’s torque and the truck’s smooth, car-like driving character.

The cost-effectiveness notes also point to a broad trim ladder and a well-equipped base model, which can help you match features to budget without overbuying. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure prior use, maintenance history, and condition line up with the truck’s mileage and equipment.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 RAM 1500?

At 65.1% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage truck or one with towing use. Focus on condition, maintenance records, and whether the truck’s equipment matches the way you plan to use it. If you want a daily driver, pay close attention to comfort and tech features as well as mechanical wear.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Tradesman is the most stripped-down choice, while higher trims add features like heated leather seats, larger wheels, ParkSense, and a backup camera. If you want a more upscale cabin, the Limited stands out with navigation, heated/cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and full leather seating.
• Powertrain: You can choose from the EcoDiesel V6, a base gas V6, or a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The EcoDiesel is the efficiency standout, while the V8 is the strongest towing choice.
• Safety package: ParkSense front and rear parking sensors and a backup camera are especially useful on this large truck. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity is standard on all trims, but lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring are not part of the equipment described here.
• Infotainment: The lineup includes a 5-inch touchscreen on the Express and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the Sport, while the Limited adds navigation, satellite radio, an Alpine stereo with 9 speakers including a subwoofer, and a large customizable digital screen. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity is standard on all trims.
• Fuel efficiency: The EcoDiesel returns 20 mpg city/28 highway in rear-wheel drive and 19/27 in 4-wheel drive. The base gas V6 is rated at 18 mpg city/25 highway, and the V8 is rated at 15 mpg city/22 highway.

Which 2016 RAM 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2016 RAM 1500 is offered in 4 trim levels: Tradesman, Express, Sport, Laramie.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The Tradesman keeps costs down, but it lacks the upscale touches you get higher up the range. If you want the essentials and can live without luxury features, it’s the budget-first choice.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Express adds a standard V8, a Class 4 trailer hitch, and a 5-inch touchscreen, making it a strong value if you want more capability without jumping too far in price.
• Premium/top trim: The Laramie is the best fit if you want a more upscale daily driver, with heated leather seats, 20-inch wheels, and ParkSense with a backup camera.
• Off-road trim: The Sport is worth a look if you want the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen and standard air suspension, but it’s less about rugged utility than everyday comfort and style.

For safety-minded shoppers, the backup camera and ParkSense system are the most useful trim-level upgrades to prioritize.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 RAM 1500?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully without expecting a deep bargain on every listing.

• Deal availability: 28.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,850 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.16% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 65.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,962.55, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 RAM 1500's resale value?

The current average of $17,971 sits slightly below last year's $19,150.

That price movement suggests the truck has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. If you choose a well-kept example with desirable equipment, you may have a better chance of holding value than if you overpay for a rougher truck. Strong demand for the diesel and higher-trim versions can also support resale appeal.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.91/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 safe?

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The truck comes with a standard backup camera and ParkSense front and rear parking sensors, both of which are especially helpful on a large pickup with a long wheelbase. It also includes a full complement of front and side-impact airbags.

The safety content does not describe lane-departure warning or blind-spot monitoring, so those are not part of the standard safety story here. For used buyers, that makes it especially important to verify the presence and condition of the parking aids and camera if you want the easiest day-to-day driving experience.

Should I buy a 2016 RAM 1500 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:

• 28.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 65.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.16% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.91/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 stands out for its luxury-truck positioning, EcoDiesel efficiency, and upscale Limited trim.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $16,348, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $17,971 average.
• It offers a broad mix of comfort, performance, and versatility.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger all-around shopping case, the 2016 is the better target because it combines a softer price trend, strong owner satisfaction, and standout luxury-truck appeal. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers the core Ram strengths.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.