Used 2020 Nissan Altima for Sale nearHouston, TX

How much does the 2020 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 10.61% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,567 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 feature set, especially in the base model. The review summary also points to strong value for the price and a smooth ride. On the other hand, the expert notes that value for money is weak 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 comfortable, tech-friendly midsize sedan rather than a class leader in every category. 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, 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.

Owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with praise for comfort, fuel efficiency, and a smooth ride that many shoppers can count on over time. The expert drive notes that the Altima’s ride and handling are impressive, and the VC-Turbo engine is described as satisfying to drive. Nissan also 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 risk is less about outright durability and more about choosing a well-kept example with a clean service history.

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

At 59.6% 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 the car has been in a prior collision or shows uneven wear. Focus on body condition, panel alignment, tire wear, and whether the safety and driver-assistance features work as expected. If you are comparing multiple listings, give extra weight to cars with clean records and consistent maintenance.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes base S and sporty SR variants, plus SV, SL, and Platinum. The base trim leaves some safety equipment optional, while higher trims get more standard equipment and a more complete feature set.
• Powertrain: Most models use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with up to 188 horsepower and a CVT, and AWD is available with that engine. The optional VC-Turbo 2.0-liter engine is offered only on SR and Platinum, with FWD only.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard on SR and higher, while the base S gets only forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking unless you add the package. The full suite adds pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam assistance.
• Infotainment: The Altima 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 engine is rated at 29 mpg in combined driving.

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 Altima appealing if you want the core sedan experience at the lowest price. It gets the easy-to-use tech and the standard safety basics, but some of the broader Safety Shield 360 features remain optional here.
• SR: This is the best-value trim if you want the strongest mix of equipment and safety coverage without jumping to the top of the range. It makes Safety Shield 360 standard and adds the sport suspension tuning, which helps it stand out for drivers who care about handling.
• SV: This trim is the sensible middle ground if you want a more complete feature set than the S without paying for the upper trims. It should suit you if you want a balanced daily driver with broad appeal.
• SL: This is the comfort-leaning choice for shoppers who want a more upscale Altima without going all the way to Platinum. It builds on the lineup with a more premium feel and remains a strong option if you value convenience over flash.
• Platinum: This is the most fully equipped Altima, and it is the right pick if you want the richest feature set and the available VC-Turbo engine. It suits you best if you want the top trim and are willing to pay for it.

Safety-package note: the base S trim does not get the full Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, while SR and higher do.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,567 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.61% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 59.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,364, 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 $14,364 sits slightly below last year's $16,068.

That price drop suggests the market has softened, which can help you buy more affordably now but may also limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you are thinking about future resale, the current trend means condition, mileage, and equipment will matter even more when it is time to sell. A well-kept Altima with desirable features should still be easier to move than a rougher example, but you should not expect strong appreciation from this model year.

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 main 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 the core collision-warning and automatic-braking functions unless you add the package, while SR and higher get the full suite standard. ProPilot Assist adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance, but the expert found it 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:

• 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 59.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.61% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Nissan made Safety Shield 360 more widely available, with the full suite standard on SR and higher.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $13,836, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $14,364 average.
• The 2019 is an all-new redesign with a more upscale cabin and easy-to-use tech.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $16,337, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $14,364 average.
• The 2021 adds wireless smartphone integration and broader modern convenience.

The bottom line: The 2020 is the right pick if you want a well-rounded Altima with improved safety availability and strong owner satisfaction at a softer price. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2019 is the cheaper path; if you want newer convenience features and can spend more, the 2021 is the better upgrade.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.