Used 2020 Nissan Altima for Sale near Iowa

How much does the 2020 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 11.51% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,661 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 7.3/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, fuel efficiency, and the amount of equipment it offers, 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 review notes poor value for money 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 lowest sticker price. It also fits shoppers who prioritize comfort and features over a bargain-first purchase. Good and great deals account for 31.2% of listings, so there is some 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 in daily use, with praise centered on comfort, fuel efficiency, and a trouble-free-feeling ownership experience. The expert review also describes the Altima as agreeable and well-rounded, which supports the idea that it should be easy to live with over time.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about outright durability and more about choosing a well-kept example with the right equipment and condition.

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

At 59.8% 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. Focus on body condition, repair quality, and whether the safety and driver-assistance equipment works as expected. Because the Altima’s appeal depends heavily on features and condition, a clean, well-maintained example is the one most likely to feel worth the money.

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 without the full safety package, while higher trims add more equipment and a more upscale feel.
• Powertrain: Most models use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with up to 188 horsepower and a CVT, and AWD is available with that engine. A turbocharged 2.0-liter VC-Turbo is offered on SR and Platinum, with more power and a stronger performance focus.
• 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 Altima uses an 8-inch display with 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 standard 2.5-liter engine is described as efficient without a specific figure in the text.

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’s easy-to-use tech and broad everyday appeal accessible at the lowest level. It is the trim to watch if you want the lowest price, but it is also the one where the full safety package is not standard.
• 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 is also one of the trims that can be paired with the turbocharged engine.
• SV: This trim sits in the middle of the lineup and is a sensible step up if you want more equipment without jumping all the way to the top trims.
• SL: This is a more comfort-oriented choice for shoppers who want a more upscale feel and broader equipment coverage.
• Platinum: This is the most premium version, and it suits you if you want the most features and the most upscale presentation in the lineup.

The safety-package note is simple: the full Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite is standard on SR and higher, while it is optional on the S.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay patient.

• Deal availability: 31.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,661 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.51% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 59.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,153, 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 $14,156 sits slightly below last year's $15,998.

That decline suggests the Altima has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help you as a used buyer but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy at the right price, the softer market can reduce your near-term loss compared with a newer purchase. The flip side is that a future seller may need to price competitively to stand out.

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 from IIHS.

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 and automatic emergency braking on the base S, with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam assistance on other versions. Those added features are optional on the S.

One caveat is that the base trim does not get the full suite standard, so you should verify exactly which safety features are included on any used listing you consider.

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:

• 31.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 59.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.51% 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 more accessible than before.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $13,455, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $14,156 average.
• The 2019 is all-new and feels more polished and modern.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $16,142, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $14,156 average.
• It adds all-wheel drive availability and wireless smartphone integration.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, features, and availability, the 2020 is the smart default. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2019 can save you money, while the 2021 is the better pick if you want a newer-feeling setup and are willing to pay more.

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 is the better pick if you care most about easy tech, multiple powertrain choices, and handling feel. The Camry has the edge if you want stronger safety credentials and standard advanced safety features. Price and inventory also favor the Altima, while the Camry asks more money on the used market.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.