Used 2016 Nissan Frontier for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Nissan Frontier cost?

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

There are 759 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Nissan Frontier earns a 4.29/5 user rating and a 6.67/10 expert rating, which points to a truck that satisfies many shoppers even if it trails newer rivals. The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the powerful V6 engine, reliability, and comfortable interior, and they also like the practical rear camera and Bluetooth features. In use-case terms, that makes it a fit if you want a straightforward pickup for daily driving, light hauling, and value-focused ownership rather than the latest redesign. The market also shows 29.5% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier reliable?

Owners rate it 4.29/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback repeatedly points to reliability, and owners also describe the truck as dependable and comfortable for everyday use. The expert evaluation reinforces that impression by describing the Frontier as a straightforward, proven setup rather than a heavily revised one. The cost-effectiveness notes also frame it as a good choice for a competent truck for less money.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about basic durability and more about finding one that has been maintained well, since age and prior use matter a lot on a truck built around an older platform.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Nissan Frontier?

At 62.5% 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 you’re considering a higher-mileage truck or one with off-road or towing use. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior body repair, and whether the equipment level matches the trim you’re paying for. If you’re shopping a V6 truck, make sure the added features and capability are actually present on the listing.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Frontier ranges from the spartan S to the better-equipped SV, Desert Runner, Pro-4X, and SL. Base S trims are especially bare, while the SV adds a full power package, touchscreen, smartphone integration, satellite radio, and keyless entry. The Pro-4X stands out for its 4WD hardware, locking rear differential, skid plates, and upgraded audio, while the SL adds 18-inch alloys and side steps but drops the off-road gear.
• Powertrain: You can find a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with 152 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, or a 4.0-liter V6 with 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is the stronger choice for acceleration and hauling, and it also keeps towing capacity at 6,500 pounds.
• Safety package: The Frontier comes standard with 4-wheel antilock discs, dual front, front-side, and full-length curtain-side airbags, and stability control. Rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera are available, and the Pro-4X Value Truck package adds those features along with other convenience upgrades.
• Infotainment: Lower trims can be very basic, while higher trims bring a 5-inch touchscreen or a 5.8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo on the Pro-4X. The system is functional, but it feels behind newer rivals.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter engine can return as good as 19 mpg city and 23 highway with the 5-speed manual. The V6 can drop only slightly to 17 mpg city and 22 highway with RWD and the 6-speed manual, while 4WD with the automatic is rated at 15 city/21 highway.

Which 2016 Nissan Frontier trim should I buy?

The 2016 Nissan Frontier is offered in 5 trim levels: S, SV, Desert Runner, Pro-4X, and SL.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the most basic version, and it’s best only if you want the lowest entry price and can live with a very sparse feature set. The manual version is especially stripped down, while the automatic adds air conditioning, cruise control, and a basic stereo.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds a full power package, touchscreen, smartphone integration, satellite radio, and keyless entry without jumping all the way to the more specialized trims. If you want a usable daily driver with a better mix of comfort and equipment, this is the one to target.
• Desert Runner: This trim adds aesthetic touches plus an off-road suspension and tires, but it is RWD only. It makes sense if you like the look and want a more rugged feel without moving into the Pro-4X’s full off-road setup.
• Pro-4X: This is the trim to choose if you want the most capability and the richest equipment list. It adds 4WD, a locking rear differential, skid plates, upgraded audio, a larger touchscreen, and more convenience features, making it the clear pick for buyers who want the Frontier’s most complete setup.
• SL: This is the top-tier trim, but it’s more about comfort and appearance than off-road ability. It adds 18-inch alloys and side steps, while losing the Pro-4X’s off-road hardware.

The safety package is standard across the lineup, with rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera available on higher-spec versions.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Nissan Frontier?

This is a moderate market, so you can be selective without expecting a deep buyer’s market.

• Deal availability: 29.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 759 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,520, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Nissan Frontier's resale value?

The current average of $15,244 sits slightly below last year's $15,276.

That small decline suggests the Frontier has been holding value fairly steadily rather than swinging sharply up or down. For you as a future seller, that kind of stability can make pricing easier because the market is not showing a dramatic drop. It also means a well-kept truck should remain reasonably easy to position against comparable listings, especially if it has the V6 and desirable equipment.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.29/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier safe?

The 2016 Nissan Frontier earns top IIHS scores in all tests except the seat/head restraint evaluation, which was rated Acceptable, and it received a four-star rating for rollover resistance from NHTSA.

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

The Frontier comes standard with 4-wheel antilock discs, dual front, front-side, and full-length curtain-side airbags, and stability control. Rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera are available, and those features can help with low-speed maneuvering and visibility. One caveat to keep in mind is the recall affecting starter motor connections on certain V6 trucks built in a narrow 2016 window, so you should confirm that any candidate has had all recall work completed.

Should I buy a 2016 Nissan Frontier 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 62.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.29/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 model year adds some new colors, and the SV trim gets a newly standard sunroof.

The bottom line: If you want a simple, proven Frontier and you find one with clean history and the right equipment, the 2016 is a reasonable buy. If you’re price-sensitive, focus on the best-maintained example you can find rather than chasing a specific trim, since condition and prior use matter more than small year-to-year changes on this truck.

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