Used 2016 RAM 1500 for SaleNationwide

Compare 2016 RAM 1500 Trims

The 2016 RAM 1500 offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to fully loaded models, all featuring a capable V6 engine.

• Starting at $11,995
• Best MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Most Popular: Big Horn RWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

Tradesman RWD — "Who It's For"

The Tradesman RWD is the pick for shoppers who want essential features without paying for extras. It's a great entry-level option.

• Avg. market price: $12,749 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 821 listings
• View Tradesman RWD listings

Express RWD — "Who It's For"

The Express RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a solid set of features without breaking the bank. It offers a good balance of value and capability.

• Avg. market price: $17,898 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 360 listings
• View Express RWD listings

SLT RWD — "Who It's For"

The SLT RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of comfort and technology without going for the top trim. It provides a nice upgrade over base models.

• Avg. market price: $17,824 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 382 listings
• View SLT RWD listings

Big Horn RWD — "Who It's For"

The Big Horn RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded truck with popular features at an accessible price. It's the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $11,995 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 1,695 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Big Horn RWD listings

Lone Star RWD — "Who It's For"

The Lone Star RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a stylish truck with added features without stepping up to the Sport. It offers a good mix of style and functionality.

• Avg. market price: $17,824 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 338 listings
• View Lone Star RWD listings

Sport RWD — "Who It's For"

The Sport RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded truck with premium features. It's ideal for those who prioritize luxury and performance.

• Avg. market price: $28,360 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 15 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 77 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Sport RWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Big Horn RWD

With 1,695 active listings, the Big Horn RWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Big Horn RWD listings

Best Budget Option — Big Horn RWD

At $11,995 avg market price — below the lineup median of $17,824 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Big Horn RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Tradesman RWD

The Tradesman RWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup at 17/25 MPG.

Browse Tradesman RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2016 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 6.59% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,778 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $17,738.64, 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 4.88/5 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 the truck’s stylish design, spacious interior, and strong performance, especially with the diesel option. The overview also frames it as a polished pickup that can work as both a capable utility vehicle and a more refined daily driver.

With 29.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have room to shop selectively and focus on the best-equipped examples.

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.88/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. Reviewers repeatedly describe it as practical, powerful, and comfortable, and they also highlight the diesel option as a standout for performance.

The expert drive notes reinforce that dependability angle by emphasizing the EcoDiesel V6’s strong torque and the truck’s car-like highway behavior. The cost-effectiveness notes also mention that the base trim includes Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, which adds everyday convenience without forcing you into a higher trim.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the truck’s condition and maintenance history match its premium ambitions.

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

At 64.2% 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 on trucks that have been used for towing, commuting, or city parking. Focus on overall condition, signs of wear in the cabin, and whether the truck’s equipment still works as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Tradesman is the most stripped-down choice, while higher trims add features like heated leather seats, 20-inch wheels, ParkSense, navigation, and a more upscale cabin. The Limited stands out for its unique grille, chrome accents, full leather seating, heated and cooled seats, and heated steering wheel.
• Powertrain: You can shop the EcoDiesel V6, a base 3.6-liter V6, or a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The diesel is the torque-rich choice, while the gas engines trade some efficiency for different power and towing priorities.
• Safety package: ParkSense front and rear parking sensors and a backup camera are especially valuable on this large truck. The safety content also notes a full complement of front and side-impact airbags, while lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring are not part of the equipment described.
• Infotainment: The Limited includes navigation, satellite radio, an Alpine stereo with 9 speakers and a subwoofer, plus a large customizable digital screen. Lower trims start simpler, but Bluetooth hands-free connectivity is standard across the lineup.
• Fuel efficiency: The EcoDiesel V6 is rated at 20 mpg city/28 highway in rear-wheel-drive form and 19/27 with 4-wheel drive. The base gas V6 returns 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:

• Tradesman: This is the value-focused starting point, and it already includes Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. It makes sense if you want the lowest entry price and plan to keep the truck simple.
• Express: This trim adds a standard V8, a Class 4 trailer hitch, and a Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen, so it is the better pick if you want more capability and a more useful daily setup without jumping too far upmarket.
• Sport: This is the step-up choice if you want body-color bumpers, HID projector headlamps, a standard air suspension, and the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen. It looks and feels more premium than the lower trims.
• Laramie: This is the best-value trim if you want a more upscale cabin, since it adds heated leather seats, 20-inch wheels, and ParkSense with backup camera. It is the strongest middle ground between comfort and price.

The safety content highlights ParkSense front and rear parking sensors and a backup camera as especially useful on this truck, while lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring are not described here.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 29.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,778 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.59% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 64.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,738.64, 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 $17,732 sits slightly below last year's $18,983.

That softer pricing can help you buy in at a more favorable point, but it also means future resale gains may be more limited if the market stays soft. If you plan to sell later, condition and equipment will matter a lot, especially on a truck that can vary widely by trim and powertrain.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.88/5, 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 safety content emphasizes 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 notes a full complement of front and side-impact airbags.

The main caveat is that the safety content does not describe lane-departure warning or blind-spot monitoring, so you should not assume those features are present on the truck you are considering.

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:

• 29.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.59% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.88/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The expert summary calls out the EcoDiesel V6 and available air suspension as standout strengths in a luxury-truck package.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $15,986, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $17,732 average.
• It offers handsome looks, a fantastic chassis, and broad cabin flexibility.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger all-around shopping opportunity, the 2016 is the better target because it combines softer pricing, strong owner satisfaction, and a premium-feeling feature set. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the more budget-friendly alternative and still delivers much of the Ram 1500’s core appeal.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.