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 $12,643
• 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 a reliable truck without paying for extra features. It's the most budget-friendly option.

• Avg. market price: $12,643 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 872 listings
• View Tradesman RWD listings

Express RWD — "Who It's For"

The Express RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a solid truck with standard features without stepping up to pricier trims.

• Avg. market price: $17,627 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 343 listings
• View Express RWD listings

SLT RWD — "Who It's For"

The SLT RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a good mix of features and price without going for the top-tier trims.

• Avg. market price: $17,721 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 375 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-equipped truck with popular features and a wide selection.

• Avg. market price: $17,721 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 1,790 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 similar features to the Big Horn but with a slightly different style.

• Avg. market price: $17,721 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 352 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 a powerful V8 engine and premium features.

• Avg. market price: $26,883 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 15 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 84 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Sport RWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Big Horn RWD

With 1,790 active listings, the Big Horn RWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Big Horn RWD listings

Best Budget Option — Tradesman RWD

At $12,643 avg market price — below the lineup median of $17,721 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Tradesman RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Tradesman RWD

The Tradesman RWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 17 city / 25 hwy MPG/MPGe.

Browse Tradesman RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 17, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2016 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 6.83% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,764 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for you to compare trims and prices.

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 2016 RAM 1500 earns a 4.88/5 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 interior, and strong performance, and many also like the diesel option. In use-case terms, that lines up with an overview that frames this truck as a comfort-first pickup that can work as both a practical vehicle and a more premium daily driver. With 29.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.88/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a truck that feels dependable, trouble-free, and well suited to long-term ownership, especially when you value its strong performance and practical versatility. The expert drive notes also emphasize the EcoDiesel V6’s utility and the truck’s smooth, car-like air suspension, both of which support a durable everyday ownership experience. If you buy used, the main long-term risk is making sure the truck’s condition and maintenance history match its premium positioning.

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

At 64.3% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage truck or one with luxury features. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the equipment you care about is actually present and functioning. Because some owners mention tech concerns and missing features like a backup camera, it’s worth checking every convenience and safety item before you commit.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Tradesman is the simplest version, while higher trims add more comfort and convenience. The Limited stands apart with a unique grille, 20-inch wheels, full leather seating, heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, navigation, and leather door and console inserts.
• Powertrain: You can find the EcoDiesel V6, a base gas V6, and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The EcoDiesel is the standout for torque and fuel economy, while the V8 is the strongest towing choice.
• Safety package: ParkSense front and rear parking sensors and a backup camera are important equipment on this truck, and the Laramie includes the ParkSense system with backup camera. The truck does not feature lane-departure warning or blind-spot monitoring.
• Infotainment: The Limited includes 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 V6 returns 20 mpg city/28 highway in rear-wheel-drive form and 19/27 in 4-wheel-drive form. The base gas V6 is rated at 18 mpg city/25 highway, and 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 entry point, and it already includes Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost path into the truck and don’t need much beyond the basics.
• Express: This trim adds a standard V8, a Class 4 trailer hitch, and a Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen. It’s the best-value choice if you want more capability and a better feature set without jumping too far up the price ladder.
• Sport: This one adds body-color bumpers, HID projector headlamps, a standard air suspension, and the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen. Choose it if you want a more upscale look and more comfort-oriented hardware.
• Laramie: This trim brings heated leather seats, 20-inch wheels, and the ParkSense system with backup camera. It’s the right pick if you want a more premium truck and place a high value on convenience and parking aids.

The safety-package trim note is that ParkSense with backup camera appears on the Laramie, while the base truck does not include some of the advanced driver aids you might want.

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 options.

• Deal availability: 29.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,764 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.83% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 64.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,687, 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 $17,687 sits slightly below last year's $18,984.

That softer pricing suggests the truck has become more approachable for buyers, which can help keep demand steady in the near term. For a future seller, that means your resale outcome will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim desirability rather than broad market momentum alone. Well-equipped versions with the right powertrain and strong presentation should hold up better than stripped-down examples.

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?

The 2016 RAM 1500 earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Its safety equipment includes a standard backup camera, ParkSense front and rear parking sensors, and a full complement of front and side-impact airbags. The truck does not include lane-departure warning or blind-spot monitoring, so you should not expect the most advanced driver-assistance coverage on every trim. For a big pickup, the parking aids are especially useful, but the lack of those extra systems is worth noting if safety tech is a priority.

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:

• 29.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.83% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.88/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 stands out for its luxury-truck focus, especially the Limited trim and available EcoDiesel V6.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $15,990, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $17,687 average.
• It offers strong interior comfort and a well-aged chassis.

The 2016 is the better pick if you want the more upscale, luxury-leaning version of this truck and are willing to pay a bit more for it. If your priority is saving money first, the 2015 is the more budget-friendly path and still brings many of the Ram 1500’s core strengths.

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