How much does the 2016 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 5.64% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,997 listings available, which suggests you have room to compare options across the market.

If you find a listing below $17,874.84, 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 4.91/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 8.33/10.

The model scores 9/10 across Form and function, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its stylish design, spacious interiors, and strong performance, especially with the diesel option. The overview also frames it as a truck that blends luxury and utility, which fits buyers who want capability without giving up comfort or upscale features. With 29.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, you also have a decent chance of finding a competitive offer.

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 reliable?

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

The owner summary points to a truck that feels practical, dependable, and well suited to both work and family use. It also highlights strong performance and the kind of ownership experience people can count on over time. The expert drive notes that the EcoDiesel and available air suspension help the truck feel composed and capable, which supports the case for durability-minded shoppers. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that tech quirks or missing features can matter more as the truck ages, so condition and equipment verification are important.

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

At 65.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. A pre-purchase inspection matters here, especially if you are comparing trucks with similar prices but different equipment levels. Focus on overall condition, feature completeness, and whether the truck has the equipment you actually want for daily use and towing.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Tradesman is light on luxury features, while higher trims add heated leather seats, larger wheels, ParkSense, and a backup camera. The Limited stands out with a unique grille, leather upholstery, heated/cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and navigation.
• Powertrain: You can find a base 3.6-liter V6, an EcoDiesel V6, and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The EcoDiesel balances power and efficiency well, while the V8 is the strongest towing choice.
• Safety package: ParkSense front and rear parking sensors and a backup camera are important on this truck, and some lower trims do not include them. The truck also includes a full complement of front and side-impact airbags.
• Infotainment: The Limited includes navigation, satellite radio, an Alpine stereo with 9 speakers including a subwoofer, and a large 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, while the 5.7-liter Hemi 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 misses the upscale touches and parking aids that make higher trims easier to live with.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Express adds a standard V8, a Class 4 trailer hitch, and a Uconnect 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 all-around upscale pick if you want heated leather seats, 20-inch wheels, and ParkSense with backup camera.
• Off-road trim: The Sport adds body-color bumpers, HID projector headlamps, a standard air suspension, and the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, but it is less about rugged utility than daily comfort and tech.

The safety-package note to keep in mind is that ParkSense and the backup camera are not universal, so verify those features before you buy.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory to shop carefully and enough price softness to reward patience.

• Deal availability: 29.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,997 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.64% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 65.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,874.84, 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 $17,911 sits slightly below last year's $18,982.

That softer pricing suggests the truck has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy well. A lower entry price today can also make it easier to recover value later if you keep mileage and condition in check. Strong demand for well-equipped trims and desirable powertrains should continue to support buyer interest.

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 Top Safety Pick+ recognition from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.

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

The truck comes with a standard backup camera, ParkSense front and rear parking sensors, and a full complement of front and side-impact airbags. Those parking aids are especially useful given the truck's size and visibility challenges. Lower trims may not include the same parking equipment, so you should verify the exact safety content on any used example you consider.

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:

• 29.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 65.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.64% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.91/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 stands out for its luxury-truck appeal, especially the Limited trim and EcoDiesel powertrain.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $16,260, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $17,911 average.
• It offers a broad mix of comfort, capability, and customization.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger luxury-truck identity, better current pricing context, and the standout Limited/EcoDiesel combination, the 2016 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the more budget-friendly path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.