Used 2016 Toyota Tacoma for Sale near California

How much does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma cost?

Prices have softened 1.77% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,262 listings available, which suggests you should have some room to compare prices and equipment.

If you find a listing below $23,311.05, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma a good car?

Generally — the 4.33/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 7.67/10. The standout strength is Look and feel at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its reliability, resale value, and long-lasting performance, and many describe it as a great option among mid-size trucks. That fits the Tacoma’s use case well if you want a truck that is easier to live with than a full-size pickup but still appealing to off-roaders, outdoor enthusiasts, and professionals who need capability.

With 27.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market gives you some opportunity to shop selectively while still finding a well-regarded truck.

Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

Owners rate it 4.33/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback highlights reliability, resale value, and long-lasting performance, while the expert review also emphasizes the Tacoma’s capability, reliability, and predictability. The cost-effectiveness notes add that it is not likely to present unusual problems or unexpected major repairs, and that Toyota’s past efforts to repair unforeseen issues should provide peace of mind.

The expert review also points to low maintenance needs for a rear-wheel-drive 4-cylinder model with the manual transmission, which reinforces the Tacoma’s dependability story. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that prior use, maintenance history, and drivetrain complexity can matter a lot, so condition and service records deserve close attention.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Toyota Tacoma?

At 60.9% 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 off road or for towing. Focus on signs of frame, suspension, bed, and underbody wear, along with any evidence of past repairs or hard use. Condition matters a lot here because the Tacoma’s appeal often comes from capability, and that can mean more demanding ownership.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup starts with the hard-working SR and continues to the well-equipped SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and the range-topping Limited. SR and SR5 models use fabric-trimmed seats, while the TRD versions add unique upholstery and the Limited gets premium leather. The TRD Off-Road trim adds extra skidplates and Bilstein suspension dampers, while the Limited emphasizes comfort and convenience with premium audio and leather.
• Powertrain: You can choose a carried-over 2.7-liter 4-cylinder or the new 3.5-liter V6. The V6 is more powerful and efficient, and it pairs with a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. The 4-cylinder can also be paired with a manual or automatic, and the V6 is the better fit if you want stronger towing and more relaxed highway performance.
• Safety package: The Tacoma carries the Toyota Star Safety System™, which includes vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, and Smart Stop brake-override technology. It also includes driver and passenger knee airbags, roll-sensing side curtain airbags, and active headrests. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts are available, but not every trim gets the same equipment.
• Infotainment: SR models get Entune audio, SR5 models add Entune Audio Plus with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and Scout GPS Link, TRD models get Entune Premium Audio with a 7-inch touchscreen, navigation, and an App Suite, and Limited models get Entune Premium JBL Audio. Bluetooth, audio streaming, Siri Eyes Free, touchscreen controls, and voice recognition are standard, but there is no WiFi hotspot capability.
• Fuel efficiency: The 4-cylinder returns 19 mpg city/23 highway/21 combined with rear-wheel drive, while the V6 returns 19/24 with rear-wheel drive and 18/23 with 4-wheel drive. The expert review also cites 18 mpg city/23 highway for the TRD 4WD Off-Road with the V6 and automatic.

Which 2016 Toyota Tacoma trim should I buy?

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is offered in 5 trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited.

Here's the short version:

• SR: This is the work-focused starting point, with fabric seats and standard Entune audio. It makes sense if you want the Tacoma’s core capability and plan to keep equipment simple.
• SR5: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds Entune Audio Plus with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and Scout GPS Link, giving you a more usable daily setup without jumping too far up the price ladder.
• TRD Sport: Choose this if you want a more premium-feeling midrange truck with the TRD-specific interior and Entune Premium Audio, including navigation and a 7-inch touchscreen.
• TRD Off-Road: This is the trim to target if you care most about trail use. It adds extra skidplates, Bilstein dampers, and an off-road-tuned suspension, making it the most purpose-built choice for rough terrain.
• Limited: Pick this if comfort and convenience matter most. It brings premium leather and the Entune Premium JBL Audio system, so it is the most upscale Tacoma in the lineup.

The safety package includes Toyota Star Safety System™ and a strong airbag setup, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts are available on higher-spec versions.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Toyota Tacoma?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without expecting deep discounts everywhere.

• Deal availability: 27.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,262 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.77% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 60.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $23,311.05, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma's resale value?

The current average of $24,269 sits slightly below last year's $24,707.

That small decline suggests the Tacoma remains relatively resilient even as prices ease. For a future seller, that matters because a model with steady demand and a strong reputation is less likely to suffer sharp value drops. The Tacoma’s loyal following and reputation for durability help support pricing over time, especially if your truck is well maintained and lightly used.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.33/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma safe?

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Since it’s a new model, safety scores and crash-test ratings for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma aren’t yet available. The Tacoma does include the Toyota Star Safety System™, which brings vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, and Smart Stop brake-override technology.

It also includes driver and passenger knee airbags, roll-sensing side curtain airbags, and active headrests for the front seats. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts are available, and the available 4WD aids like Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control can help in difficult conditions.

Should I buy a 2016 Toyota Tacoma 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:

• 27.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 60.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.77% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It’s a redesigned Tacoma with broader configuration choices and stronger tech than the outgoing model.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $20,377, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $24,269 average.
• It is a final-year truck with a clear off-road focus and a more old-school identity.

The bottom line: If you want the better-rounded Tacoma with more refinement, more tech, and broader everyday appeal, the 2016 is the stronger pick. If your priority is spending less and you specifically want the older truck’s rugged, purpose-built character, the 2015 can still make sense.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.