Used 2016 Toyota Tacoma for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

How much does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma cost?

Prices have softened 2.13% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,250 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of trucks to compare.

Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Toyota Tacoma earns 4.33/5 from owners and 7.67/10 from our experts. 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 strong choice among midsize trucks. The Tacoma’s appeal is especially clear if you want a truck that’s easier to live with than a full-size pickup but still built for off-roaders, outdoor enthusiasts, and professionals who need capability. In market terms, 32.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there’s meaningful shopping opportunity if you compare carefully.

Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

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

Owner feedback points to reliability, long-lasting performance, and resale value as recurring strengths, and the truck’s reputation is built around being dependable over time. The expert evaluation also emphasizes capability, reliability, and predictability, while noting that the Tacoma’s revised frame and composite bed were designed to address past durability concerns. Toyota’s maintenance-friendly reputation is reinforced by the truck’s straightforward mechanical setup, and the first scheduled maintenance visit is on the house for some configurations. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that prior use and maintenance history matter a lot, especially on trucks that may have seen hard work or off-road duty.

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

At 60.3% 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 hands-on inspection of body panels, frame condition, and signs of hard use. Because this truck is often bought for capability, it’s smart to focus on wear from towing, off-road driving, and general work-truck abuse. Pay close attention to maintenance records, tire wear, and any evidence of repairs that could affect long-term durability.

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. SRs and SR5s feature fabric-trimmed seats, while the TRD versions have unique upholstery and the Limited gets premium leather. The SR5 adds Entune Audio Plus with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and the Scout GPS Link navigation app, while the TRD trims step up to Entune Premium Audio with navigation, an App Suite, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The Limited adds the Entune Premium JBL Audio system.
• Powertrain: You get a carried-over 2.7-liter 4-cylinder or a new 3.5-liter V6. The V6 makes 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, and it uses Atkinson-cycle efficiency tech with VVT-iW and D-4S direct and port fuel injection. Either engine can be paired with a new 6-speed automatic, while manuals are a 5-speed for the 4-cylinder and a 6-speed for the V6.
• Safety package: The Toyota Star Safety System™ includes vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, and Smart Stop brake-override technology. The airbag system 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 mentioned among available features, and the TRD Off-Road adds off-road-focused hardware such as skidplates and Bilstein dampers.
• Infotainment: Standard tech includes Bluetooth hands-free integration, audio streaming, Siri® Eyes Free, touchscreen controls, and voice recognition. The SR5’s system uses a 6.1-inch touchscreen, while TRD trims move to a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation and an App Suite. Qi wireless charging is also available.
• Fuel efficiency: The 4-cylinder returns 19 mpg city/23 highway/21 combined with RWD, while the V6 returns 19/24 with RWD and 18/23 with 4WD. In testing, the V6 4WD setup was rated at 18 mpg city/23 highway.

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, and it makes sense if you want the Tacoma’s core capability without paying for extra comfort or tech. It’s the trim to consider if you value simplicity and plan to add only the equipment you truly need.
• SR5: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds a more useful infotainment setup with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and Scout GPS Link navigation app. If you want a better daily-driver experience without jumping into the pricier TRD or Limited models, this is the sweet spot.
• TRD Sport: Choose this if you want a more upscale-feeling Tacoma with TRD-specific equipment and the stronger infotainment package. It’s a good fit if you want a truck that feels more polished than the SR or SR5 but don’t need the off-road hardware of the TRD Off-Road.
• TRD Off-Road: This is the trim for you if off-pavement use matters most. It adds skidplates, Bilstein dampers, and an off-road-tuned suspension, along with the more advanced Entune Premium Audio setup.
• Limited: Pick this if you want the most comfort and the most premium audio setup, including leather and the Entune Premium JBL Audio system. It’s the right choice if you care more about refinement than ruggedness.

The safety package includes Toyota Star Safety System™ and a broad airbag setup, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts among the available features.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 32.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,250 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.13% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 60.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $23,327, 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 $23,805 sits slightly below last year's $24,324.

That softer pricing can help you buy more carefully now, but it also suggests the market has already adjusted a bit from where it was a year ago. For a future seller, that means the Tacoma still has a strong reputation, but your return will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment. Trucks with cleaner histories and desirable trims should remain easier to move because the Tacoma’s owner satisfaction and reputation continue to support demand.

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?

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Toyota Star Safety System™ is standard, and it includes vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, and Smart Stop brake-override technology. The truck also includes driver and passenger knee airbags, roll-sensing side curtain airbags, and active headrests for the front seats. Available driver aids include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts, and the Tacoma’s available 4WD features such as Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control can help in difficult terrain.

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:

• 32.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 60.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.13% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 brings a redesigned truck with a stronger V6, more tech, and a broader trim lineup.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $20,394, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $23,805 average.
• It leans harder into rugged off-road capability than modern technology.

The bottom line: If you want the more modern Tacoma with better tech, stronger refinement, and a broader range of trims, the 2016 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less and you’re comfortable with an older, more purpose-built truck, the 2015 is the value-oriented alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.