Used 2020 Nissan Altima for Sale nearColumbia, SC

How much does the 2020 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 10.69% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,609 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

Is the 2020 Nissan Altima a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Nissan Altima earns a 4.8/5 user rating and a 7.33/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, fuel efficiency, and the impressive array of features, especially in the base model. The review summary also points to a smooth ride and strong value for the price. On the downside, the expert notes that the car’s value proposition is not especially strong and that advanced safety features are not standard across the lineup.

For you, that means the Altima makes the most sense if you want a well-rounded midsize sedan with easy-to-use tech and broad everyday appeal rather than the cheapest possible buy.

Listings priced as good or great deals make up 30.2% of the market, so there are still opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2020 Nissan Altima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to a car that feels dependable in daily use, with praise centered on comfort, fuel efficiency, and a generally trouble-free ownership experience. The expert notes that the Altima is agreeable in almost every way, and the performance write-up emphasizes a composed ride and responsive driving character that should help it feel easy to live with over time.

The cost-effectiveness commentary also makes clear that Nissan does not include free scheduled maintenance, so long-term ownership costs still depend on how well the car has been maintained.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about whether the previous owner kept up with maintenance and avoided neglect.

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

At 60.7% 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 car with a lower price or a long feature list. Focus on condition, prior damage, and whether the equipment works as expected, since the Altima’s appeal depends heavily on getting the right combination of features and overall condition.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes base S and sporty SR variants, plus SV, SL, and Platinum. The base trim is the one most likely to leave you wanting more because advanced safety features are not standard there, while higher trims add more equipment and the SR and Platinum bring 19-inch wheels.
• Powertrain: Most models use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with up to 188 horsepower and a CVT, with AWD available on that setup. SR and Platinum can also get the VC-Turbo 2.0-liter engine, which is front-wheel drive only and delivers 248 horsepower on premium fuel.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 includes forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking on the base S, while other versions add pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam assistance. Those added features are optional on the S.
• Infotainment: The system uses an 8-inch display and includes Bluetooth, a text-messaging assistant, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available upgrades include satellite radio, navigation, a 9-speaker Bose audio system, and Nissan Connect Services.
• Fuel efficiency: The VC-Turbo is rated at 29 mpg in combined driving, and the expert notes that the standard engine is tuned for efficiency as well.

Which 2020 Nissan Altima trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the trim to target if you want the lowest entry price, but you should pay close attention to the safety equipment because the fuller Safety Shield 360 package is not standard here.
• SR: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the broader safety package as standard and is also the gateway to the VC-Turbo engine.
• SV: This is the sensible middle choice if you want a more equipped Altima without jumping all the way to the luxury-leaning upper trims.
• SL: This trim suits you if you want a more upscale feel and more equipment while staying within the mainstream sedan lane.
• Platinum: This is the most feature-rich version, and it makes the most sense if you want the fullest equipment list and don’t mind paying more for it.

The safety-package note is simple: the base S gets only part of Nissan Safety Shield 360 standard, while SR and higher get the full suite.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and enough price softness to reward patience.

• Deal availability: 30.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,609 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.69% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 60.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,377, 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 $14,377 sits slightly below last year's $16,097.

That price movement suggests the Altima has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right number today. A lower entry price can reduce the amount of value left to lose, especially if you choose a well-kept example with desirable equipment.

The market still appears active enough to support demand, but resale will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim. Higher-spec cars with the right features should be easier to move than neglected examples.

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

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

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is the core driver-assistance suite, 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 forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking standard, while the rest of the lineup gets the full package.

The expert also points to ProPilot Assist, which adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. The caveat is that the system can be irritating and hard to trust in real-world use, so it is not a feature you should buy the car for on its own.

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:

• 30.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 60.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.69% 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, making safety equipment easier to find.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $13,682, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $14,377 average.
• The 2019 is all-new and marked a major step forward for the Altima.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $16,216, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $14,377 average.
• The 2021 adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and keeps the Altima’s broad appeal.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, inventory, and safety availability, the 2020 is the smart default. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2019 can save you money, while the 2021 makes sense if you want to spend more for newer tech and can stretch your budget.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.