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2016
Nissan Frontier

Starts at:
$18,290
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2WD King Cab I4 Manual S
    Starts at
    $18,290
    19 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    3,500 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD King Cab I4 Auto S
    Starts at
    $21,460
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    3,500 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD King Cab I4 Manual SV
    Starts at
    $22,680
    19 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    3,500 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Crew Cab SWB Manual S
    Starts at
    $23,500
    17 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,300 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD King Cab I4 Auto SV
    Starts at
    $23,730
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    3,500 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD King Cab V6 Auto SV
    Starts at
    $24,440
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,500 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Crew Cab SWB Auto S
    Starts at
    $24,550
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,300 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD King Cab V6 Auto Desert Runner
    Starts at
    $25,020
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,500 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Crew Cab SWB Auto SV
    Starts at
    $25,460
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,300 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Crew Cab LWB Auto SV
    Starts at
    $26,180
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,300 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Crew Cab SWB Auto Desert Runner
    Starts at
    $26,340
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,300 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD King Cab Auto SV
    Starts at
    $27,140
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,300 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab SWB Auto S
    Starts at
    $27,250
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,100 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab SWB Auto SV
    Starts at
    $28,460
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,100 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab LWB Auto SV
    Starts at
    $28,880
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,100 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab SWB Manual SV *Ltd Avail*
    Starts at
    $28,890
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,100 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab SWB Manual SV
    Starts at
    $29,410
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,100 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Crew Cab SWB Auto SL *Ltd Avail*
    Starts at
    $31,690
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,300 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Crew Cab SWB Auto SL
    Starts at
    $32,210
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,300 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab SWB Manual PRO-4X
    Starts at
    $32,340
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,100 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD King Cab Auto PRO-4X
    Starts at
    $32,580
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,300 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab SWB Auto PRO-4X
    Starts at
    $33,390
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,100 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab SWB Auto SL *Ltd Avail*
    Starts at
    $34,340
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,100 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab SWB Auto SL
    Starts at
    $34,860
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,100 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab LWB Auto SL *Ltd Avail*
    Starts at
    $35,590
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,100 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab LWB Auto SL
    Starts at
    $36,110
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,100 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier 2016 Nissan Frontier

Notable features

Four-cylinder or V-6 power
King Cab or crew cab only
no regular cab
Off-road-oriented PRO-4X version
Rear- or four-wheel drive

The good & the bad

The good

V-6 can tow up to 6,300 pounds
Maneuverability
Forward visibility
Off-road capability

The bad

Basic interior
Tiny backseat (King Cab)
Mushy brake feel
Wind noise on the highway

Expert 2016 Nissan Frontier review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Nissan has the longest history in the U.S. among import automakers of selling compact and midsize pickup trucks. Its current midsize truck, the Frontier, is available with a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 power and rear- or four-wheel drive. It comes as an extended-cab (King Cab) truck with rear-hinged rear doors or as a four-door crew cab. King Cabs have a 6-foot cargo bed and crew cabs are available with a 4.75- or 6-foot bed.

With seating for four or five, depending on the cab style, the Frontier competes with the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma.

New for 2016
The crew-cab SV trim level gains a standard moonroof.

Significant Standard Features

  • 152-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Front bucket seats
  • Two glove boxes
  • Locking tailgate
  • Removable underseat storage
  • Side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 261-hp, 4.0-liter V-6
  • Electronically controlled, shift-on-the-fly, part-time transfer case
  • Electronic locking rear differential (PRO-4X)
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Backup camera
  • Power moonroof
  • Factory spray-on bedliner

2016 Nissan Frontier review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Nissan has the longest history in the U.S. among import automakers of selling compact and midsize pickup trucks. Its current midsize truck, the Frontier, is available with a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 power and rear- or four-wheel drive. It comes as an extended-cab (King Cab) truck with rear-hinged rear doors or as a four-door crew cab. King Cabs have a 6-foot cargo bed and crew cabs are available with a 4.75- or 6-foot bed.

With seating for four or five, depending on the cab style, the Frontier competes with the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma.

New for 2016
The crew-cab SV trim level gains a standard moonroof.

Significant Standard Features

  • 152-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Front bucket seats
  • Two glove boxes
  • Locking tailgate
  • Removable underseat storage
  • Side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 261-hp, 4.0-liter V-6
  • Electronically controlled, shift-on-the-fly, part-time transfer case
  • Electronic locking rear differential (PRO-4X)
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Backup camera
  • Power moonroof
  • Factory spray-on bedliner

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2016 Nissan Frontier base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Rollover rating
3/5
21.2%
Risk of rollover
21.2%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Nissan and non-Nissan vehicles less than 10 years old and less than 100,000 miles. (Nissan vehicles less than 6 years from original new car in-service date must have more than 60,000 to qualify for Certified Select.)
Dealer certification
84-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2016
    4.7
    Nissan Frontier
    Starts at
    $18,290
    19 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    3,500 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    Compare
  • 2017
    4.7
    Nissan Titan
    Starts at
    $29,580
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    3
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    1,943 lbs
    Payload Capacity
    9,740 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    Compare
  • 2014
    4.6
    Nissan Xterra
    Starts at
    $23,390
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    -
    Payload Capacity
    -
    Towing Capacity
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  • 2018
    4.6
    Chevrolet Colorado
    Starts at
    $20,200
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    1,521 lbs
    Payload Capacity
    7,600 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    Compare
  • 2013
    4.4
    Toyota Tacoma
    Starts at
    $17,625
    21 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    3
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    865 lbs
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    Compare
  • 2018
    4.7
    Nissan Frontier
    Starts at
    $18,990
    19 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    6,500 lbs
    Towing Capacity
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

4.7 / 5
Based on 111 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.7
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • I have a 2016 frontier.

    I have a 2016 frontier. 190 thousand miles. Bearings went on front of vehicle which was easy to replace. The rear bearing is also bad and this is where I have the problem. Having a very hard time finding a shop that will undress old bearing and press on new bearing being the axle is couple feet long. This is frustrating being this is my only form of transportation and the vehicle I'm borrowing I will have to give back soon. So now I think how will I get to work a hour away. Smh
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Many likes some dislikes

    I only have two issues with this vehicle! Poor gas mileage! Terrible turn radius! I tow a boat and my friends who have full size trucks ( F150, Chevy 1500, and Dodges ) get better gas mileage Than I do towing their boats then I do without towing! Some of them have backed me in to the launch and then park the vehicle! They come back and say the turn radius is bad !
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    13 people out of 17 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The engine is well-tuned and robust. 4x4/2 works

    Excellent for private or work truck. The engine is very powerful and the bucket seats are very comfortable. With 4 full individual doors, moving in and out of the truck is much easier. More legroom than most of your standard full-size sedans.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    23 people out of 24 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • New owner

    This vehicle met all of my needs and has a lot of nice features as well. This is the best vehicle I could find for the price.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Nicest Truck that I have owned with many extras.

    Have owned Ford F150 Extended Cab and Ram 1500 Crew Cab that have lots of room. This Nissan Frontier Crew Cab has plenty of room and performs just as well with the V6 engine. Much easier to handle than larger vehicles.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • For the money, better than the Tacoma

    I've owned two of these vehicles. First one I took to 130000 miles. the second one,just over a hundred thousand. Normal maintenance, nothing crazy. I'm sad they don't make the manual transmission anymore
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • For those of us who live in less than stellar area

    I purchased an sv crew cab and at first was okay. I like the simplicity of it. However, I live in an area where when we get massive rain storms, my truck is almost in the ditch. Nice, sunny day? Handles fine. Stinger than average winds? Heavy rain? Water on the road? No. Just no. Driving through anything other than clear perfect skies is almost impossible. I've driven cars that have better handling than this truck. But hey, if you just live in the city and there's good drainage on the road ect, then it's perfect
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very solid feeling vehicle and comfortable.

    This vehicle is amazing and solid feeling to drive and ride in. Easy to maneuver and seating is high enough for comfort, I am very pleased.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I need a smaller truck to travel in for business,

    This truck will meet my expectations for what I purchased it for, I bought it for work and will be used it for business travel.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 2016 4x2 Desert Runner

    I really like the Frontier platform even if it hasn’t changed in a while.It’s a great looking truck with plenty of power. I chose the Desert Runner king cab for the looks and power of it. The gas mileage is what I expected from the V6. So for I am very pleased with it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very comfortable and reliable

    Exactly what I was looking for, perfect size for me. Rides nice comfortable, very clean, I would recommend go to Ernie's for your vehicle if you want good service.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best truck I have ever owned

    This truck has all the essentials that make it a great truck. Really like driving this truck very solid and also looks really nice and get compliments daily
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2016 Nissan Frontier?

The 2016 Nissan Frontier is available in 5 trim levels:

  • Desert Runner (2 styles)
  • PRO-4X (3 styles)
  • S (5 styles)
  • SL (6 styles)
  • SV (10 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2016 Nissan Frontier?

The 2016 Nissan Frontier offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2016 Nissan Frontier?

The 2016 Nissan Frontier compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier reliable?

The 2016 Nissan Frontier has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2016 Nissan Frontier owners.

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier a good Truck?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2016 Nissan Frontier. 93.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 111 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.7

Nissan Frontier history

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