How much does the 2020 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 9.62% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,702 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $14,535.30, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

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 strong feature set, especially in the base model. They also highlight the value it offers for the price and its smooth ride.

The trade-offs are a loose steering feel and some dissatisfaction with handling, and the expert review also points to a lack of memory seat availability and a value proposition that is not especially strong.

For you, that means the Altima makes the most sense if you want a comfortable, well-equipped midsize sedan with broad everyday appeal rather than a class leader in performance or value. It also fits shoppers who care about a modern feature set and a practical sedan layout.

28.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is still room to shop selectively.

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, comfortable, and easy to live with over time, with many drivers describing it as a strong value and a smooth daily companion. That kind of feedback usually matters most when you want a used sedan you can count on for routine commuting and family use.

The expert review also reinforces that impression by describing the Altima as agreeable in almost every way, with especially satisfying driving manners when equipped with the turbocharged engine.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about outright durability and more about whether the specific car was maintained well and equipped the way you want.

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

At 61% 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 any collision or shows uneven wear. Focus on body condition, tire wear, steering feel, and whether the electronics and driver-assistance features work as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S trim has fewer standard safety features, while higher trims add the full safety suite. The cabin is clean and easy to use, but the base model is the one most likely to leave you wanting more equipment.
• Powertrain: Most models use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a CVT, while the available 2.0-liter VC-Turbo delivers stronger output and better performance feel. AWD is available with the 2.5-liter engine, but not with the VC-Turbo.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard in fuller form on higher versions, with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking standard on the base S. Other features include pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam assistance.
• Infotainment: The system uses an 8-inch display and includes wireless-style convenience through Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a text-messaging assistant. Available upgrades include navigation, satellite radio, a Bose audio system, and Nissan Connect Services.
• Fuel efficiency: The VC-Turbo is rated at 29 mpg combined, and the standard 2.5-liter 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, Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The S trim is the one to watch if you want the lowest entry price, but it lacks the full Safety Shield 360 suite as standard. You get forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, while other driver-assistance features are optional.
• Sweet-spot trim: The SV is the best value pick if you want a more complete everyday setup without jumping all the way to the top end. It gives you a more balanced mix of comfort, equipment, and safety coverage.
• Premium/top trim: The Platinum is the most upscale choice, with the richest feature set and the available turbocharged engine. It suits you best if you want the most polished Altima experience.
• Off-road trim: The SR is the one to think twice about if you are a typical daily driver, since its sportier tuning is aimed more at sharper handling than comfort.

Safety Shield 360 is standard on SR and higher, while it is only partially included on the base S.

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

The market looks moderately favorable if you are a selective buyer.

• Deal availability: 28.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,702 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.62% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 61.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,535.30, 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 $14,574 sits slightly below last year's $16,125.

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 price today. A softer market now can also mean less downside risk later if you avoid overpaying.

Because the current average is below the prior-year level, your resale outlook improves most when you buy near the lower end of the range and keep the car in strong condition. Well-equipped examples with clean history should be easier to move later than cars with accident records or visible wear.

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

It earns a 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. A driver monitoring system, road-sign recognition, surround-view camera, and ProPilot Assist are also part of the safety story.

The main caveat is that ProPilot Assist did not inspire full confidence in testing, with irritating alerts and lane-centering behavior that could feel intrusive. Also, the full safety suite is not standard on the base trim, so you should verify exactly which features are included on the car you are considering.

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:

• 28.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 61% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.62% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 stands out because Safety Shield 360 became more widely available, especially on SR and higher trims.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $13,778, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $14,574 average.
• It introduced the redesigned Altima with modern tech and a more appealing look.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $16,703, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $14,574 average.
• It builds on the redesign with a sleeker cabin and broader safety availability.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, features, and availability, the 2020 is the smart default. If your priority is saving money, the 2019 is worth a look; if you want a newer-feeling package and can spend more, the 2021 is the cleaner upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.