Used 2020 Nissan Altima for Sale nearAlexandria, VA

How much does the 2020 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 11.86% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,657 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for used-car shoppers.

Is the 2020 Nissan Altima a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Nissan Altima earns a 4.8/5 from owners and a 7.3/10 from our experts. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10. Owners consistently praise its comfort, fuel efficiency, and the impressive amount of equipment it offers, especially in the base model. The car also gets credit for its smooth ride and easy-to-use technology, while the overview frames it as a well-rounded midsize sedan rather than a one-note standout. The main trade-offs are poor value for money and the fact that advanced safety features are not standard across the lineup. For you, that means the Altima makes the most sense if you want a comfortable, tech-friendly family sedan and can live with a value story that depends on trim and equipment. Good and great deals account for 29.0% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2020 Nissan Altima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. Reviewers describe it as comfortable, efficient, and easy to live with, and they also praise the amount of equipment it brings for the money. The expert evaluation adds that the Altima is agreeable in almost every way and highlights its broad appeal as a traditional sedan. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about outright durability and more about choosing the right trim and condition so you get the safety and equipment you expect.

What should I look for when buying a used 2020 Nissan Altima?

At 60.2% 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 or lower-priced example. Focus on condition, prior damage, and whether the equipment on the car matches the trim you want. If advanced safety features matter to you, make sure the listing includes the package or trim level that brings them.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S trim is the most stripped-down version, while SR and higher trims add more of the safety equipment that helps define the model year. If you want the strongest safety story, avoid assuming the base car includes everything.
• Powertrain: Most versions use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a CVT, and AWD is available with that setup. A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is also offered on SR and Platinum, with more power and a more performance-oriented feel.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 is the key suite to look for. On the base S, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard, while the rest of the suite is standard on higher versions and optional on S.
• Infotainment: The Altima uses an 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Bluetooth and a text-messaging assistant. Wireless smartphone integration is not called out here, so verify the exact connectivity on the car you’re considering.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbocharged engine is rated at 29 mpg in combined driving in the expert notes, and the standard engine is described as efficient, though no additional figure is stated here.

Which 2020 Nissan Altima trim should I buy?

The 2020 Nissan Altima is offered in 5 trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL, Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the entry point, and it makes the most sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the Altima. It gives you the core sedan experience, but you should pay close attention to the safety equipment because the full suite is not standard here.
• SR: This is the best-value trim if you want the strongest mix of equipment and safety. It gets the full Nissan Safety Shield 360 package standard, and it also unlocks the turbocharged engine option.
• SV: This is the middle-ground choice for shoppers who want a more balanced feature set without jumping all the way to the luxury-leaning trims.
• SL: This trim is for you if you want a more upscale feel and more equipment while staying within the mainstream sedan lane.
• Platinum: This is the most premium Altima, and it suits you if you want the most content and the available turbocharged engine in the most fully equipped package.

The safety-package note to keep in mind is that Nissan Safety Shield 360 is optional on S but standard on SR and higher.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2020 Nissan Altima?

The market looks selective rather than overheated, which gives you room to shop carefully.

• Deal availability: 29.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,657 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.86% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 60.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,154, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2020 Nissan Altima's resale value?

The current average of $14,158 sits slightly below last year's $16,063.

That decline suggests the Altima has moved into a more buyer-friendly pricing zone, which can help you if you’re shopping now but may soften returns if you plan to sell soon. The current market also implies that resale value is being shaped more by condition, trim, and equipment than by broad demand alone. If you buy well and keep the car in strong shape, you’ll be better positioned when it’s time to trade or sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2020 Nissan Altima safe?

The 2020 Altima earns a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

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

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is the key driver-assistance suite here, and it includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam assistance. The base S trim gets only part of that package standard, while the rest is standard on higher trims and optional on S. The Altima also includes a driver monitoring system, road-sign recognition, a surround-view camera, and ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. One caveat is that the expert review found ProPilot Assist hard to trust in real-world use.

Should I buy a 2020 Nissan Altima or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2020 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2020 if:

• 29.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 60.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.86% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 gains a more widely available Nissan Safety Shield 360 package, which improves its safety appeal.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $13,553, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $14,158 average.
• It is all-new and feels more polished and modern than earlier Altimas.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $16,177, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $14,158 average.
• It adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and keeps broad appeal.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price and features, the 2020 is the smart default. If you’re focused on saving money, the 2019 is the value play; if you want newer tech and can spend more, the 2021 is the upgrade path.

How does the 2020 Nissan Altima compare to the 2020 Toyota Camry?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2020 Nissan Altima:

• Pros: Easy-to-use technology, Multiple powertrain options, Great handling.
• Cons: Poor value for money, Advanced safety features are not standard.

2020 Toyota Camry:

• Pros: Great safety ratings, Premium interior materials, Standard advanced safety features.
• Cons: Cramped back seat, Not much cargo space.

Our experts score the 2020 Nissan Altima 7.3/10 and the 2020 Toyota Camry 7.5/10. The Altima gives you more affordable used pricing, more listings, and a stronger deal share, while the Camry brings a slightly higher expert score and stronger safety credentials. If you want the lower-cost buy with good tech and handling, the Altima is compelling. If safety and standard advanced features matter more, the Camry has the edge.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.