DecodedCars2016 Nissan Frontier
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Crew Cab 4X4 Pro-4x, Crew Cab 4X4 Sl, Crew Cab 4X4 Sv, King Cab 4X4 Sv/Pro-4x
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 205.5–219.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,774–4,749 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Nissan Frontier is a small pickup truck offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 206 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 126-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,597 lb (Crew Cab 4X4 Pro-4x).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 23 highway), 2% worse than the 2016 small pickup truck average of 21.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 44 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Frontier — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Frontier →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Cab 4X4 Pro-4x | 205.5 in | 72.8 in | 70.1 in | 126 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,597 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab 4X4 Sl | 219.3 in | 72.8 in | 70.1 in | 139.8 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,749 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab 4X4 Sv | 219.3 in | 72.8 in | 70.1 in | 139.8 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,570 lb | 57/43 |
| King Cab 4X4 Sv/Pro-4x | 205.5 in | 72.8 in | 69.7 in | 126 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,312 lb | 57/43 |
| King Cab S/Box 4x2 S | 205.5 in | 72.8 in | 68.5 in | 126 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,774 lb | 57/43 |
| King Cab S/Box 4x2 Sv | 205.5 in | 72.8 in | 69.7 in | 126 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,145 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 21 | -2% | $3,200 | 426 |
| Frontier 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -11% | $3,550 | 478 |
| Frontier 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -11% | $3,550 | 462 |
| Frontier 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -16% | $3,700 | 483 |
| Frontier 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -10% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Frontier 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -15% | $3,950 | 514 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Nissan Frontier.
Similar 2016 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Nissan Frontier (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Ford F-150 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2016 Toyota Tacoma | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood · Mar 31, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V181000 · 1,554 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016 Frontier V6 vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to March 7, 2016. The starter motor wire harness may have been installed in an incorrect position, allowing the starter harness terminal to contact the heat shield and result in an electrical short.
- Risk
- An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reposition the starter wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2016 Nissan Frontier is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Nissan Frontier buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 10 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 8 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Nissan Frontier. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Frontier years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Frontier | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Frontier | 21 | 224 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 2025 Frontier | 21 | 224 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2024 Frontier | 21 | 224 in | Not rated | 3 | 22 |
| 2023 Frontier | 21 | 224 in | Not rated | 1 | 66 |
| 2022 Frontier | 20 | 224 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 112 |
| 2021 Frontier | 20 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 20 |
| 2020 Frontier | 20 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 23 |
| 2019 Frontier | 21 | 205.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 28 |
| 2018 Frontier | 21 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 25 |
| 2017 Frontier | 21 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 38 |
| 2015 Frontier | 21 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 33 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →