NordicTrack X16: The Bottom Line

If you’ve read up on the NordicTrack X24 Treadmill and love it, but want to save a few dollars, then the X16 is probably for you. Priced at $3,499 as opposed to $3,999, the only real difference is one has a 16″ touchscreen and the other a 24″ version. Granted, the X24 is a few inches bigger here and there, but both sport the best incline and decline range on the market, 40% to -6%, with top speeds of 12mph, powered by a 4.25 CHP motor backed by a lifetime warranty. It’s the cowabunga of cardio for sure, and brings the new and improved iFit package complete with automatic trainer control, Bluetooth heart rate monitoring, and access to Netflix and Spotify.

Jump to:

• Detailed Review of the NordicTrack X24 Treadmill
• Who is Brian Boyce!
• My Pros and Cons of the NordicTrack X24 Treadmill
• What’s new for 2025 on the NordicTrack X24 Treadmill
• Will I have problems with this treadmill: What’s the tea on common issues and problems with the NordicTrack X24?

Photo by iFit

In September, I traveled to New York City to get aboard the new 2025 lineup. No doubt about it, this is going to be a great year for the brand. As I’ve written in reviews past, the biggest concern with iFit-enabled treadmills of yesteryear was their lack of alternative options for the screen. Basically, it was iFit or nothing but a manual mode. This is out the window now as the 2025 lineup comes with iFit access to both Netflix and Spotify. The NordicTrack X14 essentially replaces the outgoing NordicTrack X22i, which has been one of our top ranked options since its inception. That said, if you’re considering other options, the Sole and Horizon lineups are strong and have built-in programs, but they offer nowhere near the incline/decline range. Consider my quick comparison chart below of similar treadmills…

Why You Can Trust My Review Of The NordicTrack X16 Treadmill

My name is Brian Boyce, and I’m a fitness expert and CPT. I’m a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. I powerlift competitively, and I use treadmills 5-6x a week in my workout routine. I’ve also coached, and been coached, on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for my body building competitions. Treadmills are part of how I build endurance and strength.

I thoroughly test all the treadmills I review. I unbox them, assemble them, install them, walk on them, run on them, and try out all of the features. I do my workout routines on them. I get to know each and every treadmill I review extremely well. I log miles on the deck. I listen and record the sound of the motor, I test and measure the incline/decline, and try out all aspects of the console, trying every treadmill’s features, such as iFit.

You can learn more about how I test each treadmill here: How I Test Each Treadmill First Hand

Detailed Review of the NordicTrack X16 Treadmill

NordicTrack brings a great lineup every year, and I’ve become a big fan of iFit since its inception. Each season I get aboard the new treadmills and this year that includes the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, X24, and X16, the latter of which replace the outgoing X32i and X22i, as the primary incline treadmills. In going to New York for their trade show, I got a sneak peak at what’s ahead for users of the app iFit, and it’s exciting to say the least. I’ve been using iFit to help me cut weight for bodybuilding shows for several years now and have been able to drop from the 220s to 160s in five to six months using it. One of the great things about writing for TreadmillReviews.net is I get to play with lots of different apps and treadmills and get a hands-on look at everything from motors, rollers, and belts to the pins which hold them together.

The NordicTrack X16 is brand new. As I discussed with the manufacturers’ representatives, its designed to answer the questions customers asked about the outgoing X22i. Simply put, it’s a slightly smaller, more compact, and more dynamic machine with all the same features. It’s not for everyone, that’s for sure. Measuring 69.9″ x 38.1″ x 72.3″ with a sizeable step-up height of 13.66″ and an inbox-weight of 445 pounds, you’ll need plenty of room for this machine. It does not fold, which means you’ll want to measure your room carefully before setting it up. Since it sports a 400-pound user maximum, make sure your flooring is sufficient to handle this much weight in one spot. I’d strongly recommend placing a good treadmill mat underneath it to help save your floors.

The big pitch for this machine of course is the whopping 40% incline and -6% decline with speeds up to 12mph. Just for reference, that’s a 5-minute mile pace. There’s nothing on the home treadmill market like it. I happen to like hiking workouts and there’s no comparison to letting the machine ramp up to a 40% incline while getting your High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on. In my experience, you really don’t need to get that much speed going when you’re inclined to that level. I break a sweat at 7% easily enough. As I’d expect, the deck features SpringFlex™ cushioning to protect your joints, and the tread space measures 22″ x 60″ when in use. Previous models had experimented with the 22″ x 65″ deck and frankly I like this shorter one much better. I can see it fitting inside your home easier. Even longer-legged runners will still be able to use this model, no fears.

The machine is powered by a 4.25 CHP motor with a lifetime warranty, and you’ll also get two water bottle holders, a smart fan which adjusts to your speed and resistance, as well as a USB-C charging port for devices. Another change from the X22i, which brought a 22″ monitor, is this X16 has a pivoting 16″ touchscreen. This year’s NordicTrack lineup all feature flatter screens with less casing around them. The screens work with the iFit program which offers automatic trainer control, live workouts, and more than 10,000 on-demand programs for any kind of machine workout you’d want, as well as yoga and mindfulness. The two 2″ speakers offer premium audio quality, and the machine has Bluetooth for both headphone and heart rate monitoring.

Irrespective of the machine in question, I think this year’s improvements to the iFit program are one of the biggest plugs. Now, in addition to all the other features, you can also access Netflix and Spotfiy by way of the screen. If you opt out of the $39 per month program, you can still use the treadmill in a manual mode. Given that customers of this X16 are probably most interested in the incline capabilities, that’s a good thing.

The NordicTrack X16 Versus The Competition

The 2025 NordicTrack X16 is an upper-end treadmill priced at $3,499. The only real difference between it and the X24 is the 16″ high-definition screen as opposed to 24″, and about $500 in price. The biggest selling points include its connectivity with the iFit workout app and 16″ tilt/pivot touchscreen, automatic trainer control, and incline/decline options. If you’re comparing this to the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, you’ll see the primary difference you’re paying for is the 40% incline and -6% decline. But if you’re into connective cardio at the highest level, with live workouts, and are shopping in the $3,500 range, the NordicTrack X16 is a great option.

Frankly, there just aren’t that many rivals to the X16 given the incline and decline options. I think if $3,500 is too much, you might check out the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Yes, you give up some of the incline, but 12% is still pretty strong. You’ll also see a lot of similarities in the machines themselves, particularly where the 16″ screen comes into play. The other advantage the 1750 offers is that it’s a folding unit.

NordicTrack X16 Treadmill Treadmill - Key Specs:

In-Depth Review of the NordicTrack X16

Why We Like It

The NordicTrack X16 Treadmill is a one-of-a-kind with a maxxed out 40% incline and -6% decline, priced at $3,499. It’s a brand-new model for 2025, but based on what I’ve seen of its predecessors, the X221 and X32i, I’m expected great things. If you want the maximum in terms of hard core cardio, this will do it. As a bodybuilder and powerlifter, I’m always mindful of my quads and hamstrings when doing cardio. Trust me, there’s nothing like stomping up a 40% incline or, better yet, walking backwards uphill to that degree. You’re sure to not only tax your cardio system but even get into a bit of hypertrophy with this machine. It’s also loaded with perks like the new and improved iFit 2.0. If you’ve never tried iFit, I can’t say you’ve ever really worked out with artificial intelligence (AI) before. This program not only brings live trainers to your home, but it allows them to control your treadmill’s resistance from remote locations. Incline, decline, as well as speed, can all be managed via automatic trainer control. The same is true for on-demand workouts, which happen to be my favorite. I can hike the mountains of Brazil on my NordicTrack X14 and the program will automatically change the elevation and speed to match. This also syncs with their Bluetooth heart rate training program ActivePulse, which can also alter the resistance to match your heartbeat. 

As an athlete who’s used a treadmill while cutting weight for bodybuilding contests year after year, I really liked the way iFit auto-controls the resistance. It doesn’t let you cheat. I also really dig into the hill hiking workouts and because the treadmill automatically changes the incline and speed, I’m able to focus squarely on my workouts. As far as I’m concerned, the iFit programming is probably one of the bigger reasons to buy a NordicTrack treadmill.

It Comes With A Stellar 16″ Console

In past year, the NordicTrack touchscreens were built more like consoles and had a thick backing to them which contained the computerized hardware. This year the screens are all flatter, more like a tablet or smartphone. As I’ve been using them, I really like them better and feel they handle the pivot motion better this way. This treadmill brings what I see as a perfect 16″ HD touchscreen that pivots to your pleasure. Sure, I can have a treadmill with any sized screen, or none at all. But for my time on a treadmill, I’d say 16″ hits that sweet spot of not-too-big, not-too-small. This one is easy to keep clean and use with the touch of a finger. Instead of the incline and speed controls placed alongside the console, this version displays them on the touchscreen. This display has better graphics processing capability and Bluetooth capabilities that are faster than ever. I’ve had fewer syncing delays with this year’s screens than the older ones. You can access your workouts, Netflix, or Spotifly simultaneously and it takes but a few seconds for these to sync up. This console also brings the coolest automatic fan I’ve ever seen that smartly adjusts its speed to match your workout. There’s a USB-C charging station for your phone or tablet, premium speakers for surround sound, and water bottle holders too. If you’re into luxurious home workouts, this is it.

The new NordicTrack X16 brings a great touchscreen measuring 16 inches. Photo by iFit

Take A Look At What iFit Can Do on any NordicTrack Treadmill

Video Courtesy of TreadmillReviews.Net

NordicTrack X16 Heart Rate Training Options

The X16 does not have built-in handlebar sensors like other units, but it is Bluetooth-enabled and the iFit package is designed to sync with ActivePulse and the SmartBeat armband. This system is so smart I called it “artificially brilliant.” What amazes me is the ability of the program to not just automatically adjust the machine’s resistance to match my heart beat, but to keep me informed of this process along the way. It doesn’t just monitor your heart rate, but it can adjust, and even override, the automatic trainer control’s resistance. So if I’m on an iFit run and the program has me moving up to an incline of 9% and speed of 5mph, but my heartrate is going too high, the little ActivePulse icon on the screen will alert me and communicate the new plan, which can be adjusted again if my heartrate goes down. Frankly, I’m amazed that two completely separate programs can interact that dynamically and still be right as rain about my pulse. ActivePulse technology comes with the machine and the iFit package, but the SmartBeat armband is sold separately by NordicTrack, or often give for free as a promotion.

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 syncs with iFit’s SmartBeat armband monitor for heartrate monitoring.

Best Incline/Decline Features on the Market NordicTrack Commercial

Let’s face it, this is why you’re reading this review. The 2025 NordicTrack X16 offers up to 40% incline and a -6% decline, same as with the NordicTrack X24. And its good news the unit features decline, which activates different muscles than the traditional incline. But frankly you just can’t replicate this on any other treadmill, and if high inclines are what you want, this is the place to get them. Whether using one of iFit’s travel workouts or the iFit’s Google Maps, these incline/decline settings really do mimic the hills and hollers of tracks in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, or even Antarctica.

I really can’t emphasize enough how important incline and decline training are when it comes to weight loss. It really doesn’t matter how much of an incline you add into the mix, but the simple fact you’re going up and down makes your body adapt while in motion. You’re just not getting the same workout without adding incline to the mix.

The NordicTrack X16 offers an unrivaled level of incline and decline training. Photo by iFit

If you’re unfamiliar with iFit, I’d recommend checking it out in full here. I’ve been using it for years with NordicTrack equipment and have seen it grow from a simple workout app to the most advanced AI training system in the world. One of the most prominent features of course is the iconic smart-adjust technology which allows the live trainer, or on-demand program, to automatically control the resistance of your machine. This also works with the cardio program, ActivePulse, where the machine can keep your heart rate on point by automatically adjusting itself as your exercise. The iFit program is also one of the few around that offer live trainers, as well as more than 12,000 on-demand videos for everything from strength, rowing, biking, and nutrition to mindfulness and meditation. It’s built to travel as it can be downloaded onto any device and all of your metrics are stored.

What’s new though is the iFIT AI Coach program which selects and recommends workouts based on your past performance, and also works with your directly to design your own programs. This AI Coach can contact you via text messaging if you like, and together you can build your own workouts. This comes atop even more outdoor content, which is one of the iFit programs staples. The iFit program features professional athletes and trainers visiting more than 121 nations on all seven continents, even Antarctica, as they take through whatever kind of journey you want. And now, the iFit program can sync with Strava, Garmin, Google Fit, Apple Health, and you can use Netflix and Spotlify as well. At $39 per month, it’s about the same price as its peers’ apps, but frankly, there’s just no comparison. If you’re willing to put $2,500 into the best treadmill on the market, the $39 just doesn’t seem problematic at all. And yes, I love the fact that if I also buy a rower, bike, or elliptical from NordicTrack or ProForm, this one app works on all at the same time.

The new NordicTrack X16 brings the perfect sized screen for high-energy workouts. Photo by Roman Kim, TreadmillReviews.net.

NordicTrack X16 Dimensions

The dimensions of the 2025 NordicTrack X16 are 69.9’L x 38.1′ W x 73.3′ H. The step-up height is 13.66″.

To ensure the entire dimensions of the Nordictrack X16 will fit, we suggest having space around the deck clear for when you use the treadmill. Proper ceiling height is very important to consider as well, as this treadmill has a 13.66” step-up height from floor to top of the side rails when at a flat grade. Make sure to factor in the full measure of this machine’s 40% incline when checking out the ceilings.

NordicTrack X16 Weight

The NordicTrack X16 treadmill weighs 455 lbs when in-box.

What We Like:

• The Motor

  The X16 offers a 4.25 CHP motor and reaches speeds of up to 12 mph without making a ruckus. This makes it ideal for long-distance running as well as smooth and steady interval training. And now you get a lifetime warranty on the motor to boot.

• Pivot Touchscreen

  These days, it’s a must that fitness equipment comes with a touchscreen panel. With this model comes a 16″ touchscreen which allows you to flip between workout programs, check calories and miles, and use iFit so you can take advantage of on-the-go fitness guidance. You’ll also be able to run through real streets by checking out Google Street Views or using HD video feature that offers exercise paths around the world.

• iFit Treadmill Workouts

  This treadmill’s -6% to 40% decline/incline feature syncs with the elevations and dips of the landscape you choose to explore through iFit’s Google Maps feature, ensuring that it really does feel like you’re running outside on that terrain. This feature is ideal for those who struggle to stay motivated to keep exercising as it allows you to explore new locations.

• iFit Data Tracking

  iFit keeps tabs on fitness stats with every session. Whenever a workout is completed, the data is logged into the treadmill and then paired with any other device on iFit. This makes getting exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations easier.

• Incline & Decline Abilities

  The NordicTrack X16 offers both a 40% incline and -6% decline to burn calories, increase your resting metabolic rate, ramp up cardiovascular conditioning level, and build muscle strength simultaneously. If you’re into interval training you can simply use an incline to complete your interval rather than having to run if you so choose. Those prone to injuries will also find that going on an incline is far easier on their body as even a 1-2% gradient can help take some of the impact off the joints. Best of all, with new and improved auto-adjust technology, incline/decline transitions are fast and smooth, great for HIIT training.

• Bluetooth Audio

  Bluetooth audio capabilities allow you to listen to your favorite workout playlists through Premium Audio Speakers wirelessly, as well as sync with any number of other devices. The ability to connect instructor-led training to your Bluetooth headphones is a nice plus. I’ve never had a problem syncing with my unit and I even have satellite Internet. It usually takes about 5 seconds to connect.

• Tread Belt

  This 60″ x 22″ tread belt gives you plenty of space to move, and at 2″ wider than the industry standard, it easily accommodates larger individuals. What’s more, the belt’s thickness helps to minimize the amount of noise it makes while offering better overall longevity. Also, this is a 2-ply belt which is the preferred type, as opposed to a cheaper 1-ply belt. A regularly lubricated 2-ply belt could last you 10 years depending on use.

• Cushioning Preferences

  Prepping for a road on a cushy deck makes things too easy. This treadmill offers the ability to turn the cushioning on or off according to your preferences so you can save your joints and use the cushioning only when you need it. Keep in mind that by having it off, you’re adding 30% more impact to your joints, so you shouldn’t train this way in the long term.

• Cooling Options

  If you want to stay cool while you run or walk, the Commercial 1750’s dual AutoBreeze workout fans will do the trick. While this may seem like a treadmill luxury rather than a necessity, it’s definitely nice to have while you work out.

• Weight Capacity

  This is a pretty heavy-duty treadmill and can support users of up to 400 pounds.

What We Don’t Like:

• iFit-Dependent

  Yes, the machine will work without the $39 per month iFit program, but you’ll lose all the features which make the treadmill a great buy. The treadmill effectively goes into a manual-only mode as there are no built-in programs. I’d recommend checking out the iFit program online and getting a free trial for your phone. If you’re not into iFit, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 might not be for you as that’s where so much of the value is.

This Treadmill Could Be For You If You Want:

• A treadmill with 40% incline and -6% decline
• A dynamic 16″ high-definition touchscreen
• A quiet treadmill motor that can accommodate long-distance running, interval training, and speeds up to 12 mph
• Interconnected workouts by way of the iFit program
• Cushioning for joint protection with an option to disable to mimic outdoor road running

Will I have problems with the NordicTrack X16

I’ll be frank, this is a brand-new treadmill, so we don’t have a lot of feedback yet from customers. That said, I’ve been using NordicTrack treadmills for years and my guess this model will be similar to others. I’ve used this brand between 5-6 times per week for runs and hiking and have never had an issue with the deck. And I do push it pretty hard. That said, like with any device, there are users who have had issues with their NordicTracks, and they’ve reached out to TreadmillReviews to share their experiences. We include those here so you can see a balanced view of both what I see, and what other runners have complained about.

Some of the more common complaints about this treadmill:

• Assembly can be difficult. This is true of any treadmills, but there are many runners who have asked me about assembly and whether I found it difficult. I’ve written on the topic here and advise the average person to pay for in-home assembly. This would especially be the case with an X16 due to the size. If you do want to assemble it yourself, you will definitely need three to four people to help you. It comes in a big, long box that weighs 445 pounds. Even with a loading dolley you’ll need assistance.
• Several NordicTrack users have complained that they had to replace the electronic controller /motor boards on their units shortly after purchase. They replace it under warranty as they were under the two-year electronics warranty that NordicTrack provides. If I had to pick one part that could fail on the unit, it would be the electronic controller. Be sure to keep your treadmill clean before and after use. I write about how to do that here.
• Several runners have had their units shut off mid-workout. This is often related to the electronic controller above, and you can call NordicTrack support while under warranty to troubleshoot this.
• There have been reports of the motors overheating on the devices. This motor has a lifetime warranty and NordicTrack will replace this if it happens. Again though, the best way to avoid that is to lubricate your belt frequently and keep the unit clean.
• There are also some complaints about software glitches within the iFit system. A few years ago, NordicTrack did software brick treadmills through an over the air update. If you run into problems with iFit, be sure to contact technical support.

That said, almost every runner will tell you NordicTrack replaced the components that were affected under warranty and that they had decent interactions with NordicTrack support.

Where to Buy This Treadmill

Because this is a new unit, the only place it’s available for sale is on the NordicTrack website. I expect that to change even by the early winter of 2024 and you’ll be able to find it online at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, or Amazon.com.

To Learn More

To learn more from the manufacturer of the treadmill beyond our own expert review, you can visit the NordicTrack Website and see the product details for the NordicTrack X16 Treadmill click here.