Top 10 Full-Size Pickup Trucks 2016 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

Looking back at the 2016 model year, the Best Overall full-size pickup was the Ford F-150 SuperCrew 3.5 EcoBoost, starting around a 2016 MSRP of $40,000 in mid-grade Lariat form. Its aluminum body had hit its stride after the 2015 redesign, trimming roughly 700 pounds and pushing the twin-turbo V6 to a 12,200-pound tow rating that no other half-ton matched.

The standout Best Value was the Ram 1500 Tradesman/SLT with the 5.7 Hemi, opening at a 2016 MSRP of $26,145, pairing a coil-spring rear suspension, the best-riding cabin in the class, and a strong V8 for thousands under a comparably equipped Ford. 2016 was a pivotal year: Nissan launched the all-new Titan and the Titan XD with the 5.0 Cummins diesel, slotting a truck between half-ton and heavy-duty, while Ford's aluminum F-150 proved durable enough to silence early skeptics.

This retrospective ranks the trims that defined that year and which still make sense used.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each truck the way a 2016 buyer actually shopped, then layered in how each has aged. Sources include period road tests from Edmunds, TFLtruck, Car and Driver, U.S. News, Green Car Reports, manufacturer press kits, and Wikipedia for production history.

• Towing and payload — 25%: real SAE J2807 ratings, not marketing maximums.
• Reliability and durability — 20%: long-term ownership data and powertrain track record.
• Value in period — 15%: 2016 MSRP versus equipment delivered when new.
• Powertrain and efficiency — 15%: horsepower, torque, and EPA MPG in period dollars-per-mile terms.
• Ride and interior — 15%: cabin comfort, materials, and on-road manners.
• Used value now — 10%: what these trucks bring on the used market a decade later.

1. Ford F-150 SuperCrew 3.5 EcoBoost 🏆 BEST OVERALL

2016 MSRP: $40,000 (Lariat, as configured) | Best for: the buyer who wanted maximum capability without a diesel

The aluminum-bodied F-150 was the truck everyone else chased in 2016, and the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 was its sharpest tool, making 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque with peak twist arriving low in the rev range. Properly equipped it towed up to 12,200 pounds and carried up to 2,890 pounds of payload in SuperCrew form, both class-leading figures for a half-ton.

EPA economy landed at 20 mpg combined in 2WD and 19 mpg in 4WD, strong for the output. The weight savings from the aluminum body paid off in braking and handling, and a decade on, clean SuperCrews still command roughly $18,000 to $24,000 used.

Pros:

• Best-in-class towing and payload for a 2016 half-ton.
• Low-end torque that made the V6 drive like a big V8.
• Aluminum body resisted rust and dropped meaningful weight.
• Huge configuration range from work XL to luxury Platinum.

Cons:

• Early EcoBoost units could need carbon-cleaning and timing maintenance.
• Aluminum panel repairs cost more at the body shop.

Verdict: The most capable, most flexible half-ton of 2016 and the deserving Best Overall.

2. Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi (Tradesman / SLT) 💎 BEST VALUE

2016 MSRP: $26,145 (Tradesman base) | Best for: value shoppers who wanted ride quality and V8 grunt

The Ram 1500 won 2016 on feel and price. Its 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivered 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, and the truck's signature coil-spring rear suspension (with optional air springs) gave it the smoothest ride in the segment by a clear margin. Towing reached about 10,650 pounds properly equipped, and the eight-speed automatic kept the Hemi in its sweet spot.

Open at $26,145, a well-optioned SLT still undercut a comparable Ford or Chevy by thousands, which is why it takes Best Value. Used examples now trade around $15,000 to $21,000, and the interior still feels a cut above its rivals.

Pros:

• Class-best ride comfort thanks to coil-spring (or air) rear.
• Strong, characterful Hemi V8 with an eight-speed.
• Lowest entry price of the major half-tons.
• Upscale cabin even in mid trims.

Cons:

• Hemi fuel economy trails the EcoBoost and EcoDiesel.
• Some early air-suspension and electronics niggles.

Verdict: The most truck for the money in 2016 — the clear Best Value.

3. Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 3.0 V6

2016 MSRP: $30,000 (EcoDiesel option, approximate) | Best for: high-mileage drivers chasing efficiency

The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 turned the Ram 1500 into the efficiency champion of the half-ton class, rated at 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque with EPA figures of 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway (and 21/29 in the HFE trim). Towing held at roughly 8,300 to 9,200 pounds depending on configuration.

The diesel commanded a premium of about $2,500 to $4,000 over the Hemi, but heavy-mileage owners recouped it at the pump. Note that later emissions litigation affected these trucks, so used buyers should confirm recall and tune status; clean examples now sit around $16,000 to $22,000.

Pros:

• Best fuel economy of any 2016 full-size truck.
• Diesel torque ideal for steady highway towing.
• Same plush Ram ride as the Hemi version.

Cons:

• Emissions and reliability concerns clouded later years.
• Higher up-front and maintenance costs than gas.

Verdict: The mileage king of 2016, best for buyers who drive a lot of highway miles.

4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 6.2 V8 (LTZ / High Country)

2016 MSRP: $45,000 (LTZ with 6.2, approximate) | Best for: buyers who wanted the most muscular V8

Chevy's flagship engine, the 6.2-liter V8, was the most powerful gas option in the class, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque and towing up to 12,000 pounds when properly equipped. It paired with an eight-speed automatic in upper trims and returned about 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway.

The Silverado's strengths were its rock-solid drivetrain and straightforward, durable design. The 6.2 was limited to Double and Crew Cab body styles in higher trims. Used 6.2 trucks now bring roughly $18,000 to $25,000, helped by GM's strong powertrain reputation.

Pros:

• Most powerful gas V8 in the 2016 half-ton field.
• Up to 12,000 pounds towing properly equipped.
• Proven, durable drivetrain with broad parts support.

Cons:

• 6.2 was restricted to pricier trims and cab styles.
• Interior trailed Ram and F-150 on materials.

Verdict: The strongest gas V8 of 2016 for buyers who valued raw output.

5. Nissan Titan XD 5.0 Cummins Diesel

2016 MSRP: $48,000 (diesel crew cab, approximate) | Best for: the buyer who wanted near-HD towing in a livable truck

The headline of 2016 was the all-new Titan XD and its 5.0-liter Cummins V8 turbodiesel, rated at 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque. Nissan positioned the XD between half-ton and three-quarter-ton, and it backed that up with a maximum tow rating around 12,314 pounds and a payload near 2,000 pounds in diesel form.

The Cummins offered roughly 20 percent better economy than a comparable gas V8 when towing. It was a bold new entry that gave diesel-curious buyers an alternative to the big HD trucks. Used XD diesels now trade around $20,000 to $28,000.

Pros:

• 555 lb-ft of Cummins torque for confident towing.
• Heavy-duty-adjacent capability in a daily-drivable package.
• Genuinely new platform with a long warranty when new.

Cons:

• Ride and economy unimpressive when unloaded.
• First-year build quality was uneven.

Verdict: The most interesting debut of 2016 and a real tool for serious towers.

6. Toyota Tundra 5.7 V8 (SR5 / Limited)

2016 MSRP: $31,504 (SR base) to roughly $42,000 (Limited) | Best for: buyers who prioritized long-term reliability

The Tundra was the durability benchmark, and its 5.7-liter V8 made 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque through a well-sorted six-speed automatic. Towing reached up to 10,500 pounds and payload up to 2,060 pounds when properly equipped. The trade-off was thirst: just 15 mpg combined in either 2WD or 4WD.

What kept the Tundra on this list was its exemplary reliability and resale record — the strongest in the class — which is why clean used examples still command a premium near $22,000 to $30,000 today.

Pros:

• Best reliability and resale of any 2016 full-size truck.
• Smooth, torquey 5.7 V8 that never felt strained.
• Holds value better than any rival used.

Cons:

• Class-worst fuel economy.
• Dated interior and only a six-speed automatic.

Verdict: Buy it for the decade of trouble-free ownership, not the MPG.

7. GMC Sierra 1500 5.3 V8 (SLT)

2016 MSRP: $42,000 (SLT, approximate) | Best for: buyers who wanted Silverado bones with a richer cabin

The Sierra shared the Silverado's chassis and engines but wrapped them in a more upscale package. The volume 5.3-liter V8 made 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, towed up to about 11,100 pounds, and returned 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway — competitive efficiency for a gas V8.

The Sierra's nicer trim materials and quieter cabin justified its modest premium over the Chevy. A decade later, Sierras hold value slightly better than equivalent Silverados, with clean SLTs around $18,000 to $24,000.

Pros:

• Upscale cabin over the mechanically identical Silverado.
• Efficient, proven 5.3 V8 with strong tow ratings.
• Good used resale within the GM family.

Cons:

• Costs more than a Silverado for the same mechanicals.
• 5.3 lacks the punch of the optional 6.2.

Verdict: The polished GM half-ton for buyers who wanted comfort with their capability.

8. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3 V8 (LT)

2016 MSRP: $39,685 (LT Crew Cab) | Best for: the no-nonsense mainstream V8 buyer

The volume Silverado paired the 5.3-liter V8 (355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft) with proven mechanicals and a tow rating up to 11,100 pounds. At 16/23 mpg, it was one of the more efficient gas V8s in the class, and the truck's reputation for drivetrain durability made it a safe, sensible pick.

The LT trim hit the sweet spot of equipment and price. Used 5.3 Silverados are plentiful and affordable now, typically $16,000 to $22,000, making them one of the smarter used buys from the year.

Pros:

• Efficient, durable 5.3 V8 with broad service support.
• Strong towing for a mainstream trim.
• Plentiful and affordable on the used market.

Cons:

• Interior plastics trailed Ram and Ford.
• Ride firmer than the coil-sprung Ram.

Verdict: The dependable mainstream choice, and a bargain used today.

9. Ford F-150 5.0 V8 (XLT)

2016 MSRP: $36,000 (XLT with 5.0, approximate) | Best for: traditionalists who wanted a naturally aspirated V8 F-150

For buyers wary of turbocharging, Ford offered the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 making about 385 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque. It towed up to roughly 11,100 pounds and delivered a familiar, linear V8 character with EPA economy near 17 mpg combined.

It surrendered some low-end torque and efficiency to the EcoBoost but rewarded owners with simpler, well-understood mechanicals. Used 5.0 XLTs now run about $17,000 to $23,000 and appeal to buyers who want the aluminum F-150 without the turbos.

Pros:

• Proven naturally aspirated V8 with simpler upkeep.
• Same lightweight aluminum body as the rest of the line.
• Strong towing with classic V8 sound.

Cons:

• Less low-end torque than the EcoBoost.
• Trails the turbo V6 on efficiency.

Verdict: The traditionalist's aluminum F-150 — capable and uncomplicated.

10. Nissan Titan XD 5.6 Endurance V8 (Gas)

2016 MSRP: $35,290 (XD S Crew Cab 4x2) | Best for: buyers who wanted the big Titan XD body without diesel cost

For shoppers drawn to the new XD's size but not its diesel price, Nissan offered the 5.6-liter Endurance V8 gasoline engine making 390 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It gave the XD strong everyday performance at a far lower entry point than the Cummins, opening at $35,290.

As the newcomer, the Titan lacked the resale strength of the established players, which actually makes it a value used buy now at roughly $16,000 to $22,000 for a clean crew cab. The long original warranty was a real draw when new.

Pros:

• Big XD footprint at a gas-engine price.
• 390-horsepower V8 with confident everyday power.
• Affordable used thanks to softer resale.

Cons:

• Weakest resale of the 2016 field.
• First-year refinement trailed the established trucks.

Verdict: The value way into the big Titan XD body for non-diesel buyers.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One Was Right for You?

What to Look For in a 2016 Full-Size Truck (Then and as a Used Buy Now)

• Verify the real tow rating for the exact cab, bed, axle, and drivetrain — published maximums often applied only to a single stripped configuration.
• Check service history on turbo and diesel engines — EcoBoost carbon buildup, EcoDiesel emissions recalls, and early Cummins XD updates all matter.
• Inspect the F-150's aluminum body for proper panel repairs; corrosion is rare but bad bodywork is costly to redo.
• Confirm payload on the door sticker, not the brochure, especially on loaded crew cabs where it drops fast.
• Prioritize maintenance records over odometer reading on V8 trucks; a well-kept 120,000-mile Tundra or 5.3 Silverado often outlasts a neglected low-mileage rival.
• Remember that peak horsepower matters less than nostalgia implies — low-end torque, the transmission's behavior, and real-world payload shaped how these trucks actually drove far more than headline output figures.

FAQ

Which 2016 full-size truck was the best overall? The Ford F-150 SuperCrew with the 3.5 EcoBoost, thanks to class-leading towing and payload, strong efficiency for its output, and the weight advantage of its aluminum body.

What was the best value full-size pickup in 2016? The Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi, opening at a 2016 MSRP of $26,145, paired the best ride in the class with a strong V8 for thousands under comparable rivals.

Was the 2016 Nissan Titan XD a half-ton or heavy-duty truck? Neither exactly — Nissan positioned the XD between the two, with the 5.0 Cummins diesel making 555 lb-ft and towing about 12,314 pounds, more than a half-ton but short of a full HD.

Which 2016 truck holds its value best used? The Toyota Tundra 5.7, which commands a clear resale premium today on the strength of its reliability record, often $22,000 to $30,000 for clean examples.

Did the Ford F-150 Raptor come back in 2016? The second-generation Raptor was revealed in 2015 and went on sale in fall 2016 as a 2017 model, using a 450-horsepower High-Output 3.5 EcoBoost and the new aluminum body.

Was the Ram EcoDiesel worth the premium? For high-mileage highway drivers, yes — its 20/28 mpg rating beat every gas rival — but buyers should confirm emissions recall and tune status before purchase.

Bottom Line

2016 was a landmark year for full-size trucks. Ford's aluminum F-150 had matured into the most capable and flexible half-ton, earning Best Overall in 3.5 EcoBoost form. Ram answered with the best ride and the lowest price, making the 5.7 Hemi the Best Value, while its EcoDiesel led on efficiency.

GM's Silverado and Sierra offered the most powerful gas V8 and dependable, efficient mainstream choices, and Toyota's Tundra remained the reliability and resale benchmark. The big story, though, was Nissan's all-new Titan and the Titan XD with the 5.0 Cummins, which carved out fresh ground between half-ton and heavy-duty.

A decade later, the same hierarchy largely holds for used buyers: F-150 for capability, Ram for ride and value, Tundra for peace of mind.

Sources

• 2016 Ford F-150 — Cars.com Research
• 2016 Ford F-150 Performance & Towing — U.S. News
• 2016 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Towing MPG Test — TFLtruck
• 2016 Ford F-150 Review — Edmunds
• 2016 Nissan Titan XD Press Kit — Nissan News
• 2016 Nissan Titan XD Review — Edmunds
• Nissan Pricing for Gasoline Titan XD 5.6 V8 — Nissan News
• 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Fuel-Economy Review — Green Car Reports
• 2016 Ram 1500 Performance & Engines — U.S. News
• 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Performance — U.S. News
• 2016 Toyota Tundra Review — Edmunds
• Ford F-150 Raptor 2nd-Gen Specs — F150hub

*Full-size truck review — 2016 full-size truck reviews, rating, best full-size pickup 2016, and a retrospective review of the top used truck picks for buyers.*