How much does the 2020 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 9.73% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,591 listings available, which suggests you have a solid amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $14,533.73, 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 easy-to-use features, and many also like the value it offers for the price. The smooth ride comes up often, along with appreciation for the base model’s equipment. Trade-offs include the lack of a memory seat feature and some complaints about loose steering and handling.

For you, that makes the Altima a strong fit if you want a comfortable, tech-friendly midsize sedan for everyday driving and family use. It looks especially appealing if you value a well-equipped cabin and a relaxed ride over sharper dynamics.

29.1% of listings are marked 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.

Reviewers describe it as dependable and trouble-free in everyday use, with strong praise for comfort, fuel efficiency, and the sense that it’s a car you can count on. The expert evaluation also points to a well-rounded, agreeable sedan that feels especially solid with the turbocharged engine.

Nissan does not include free scheduled maintenance, so long-term ownership costs may depend more on how well the car was maintained before you buy.

For used buyers, the main risk is less about the model’s basic appeal and more about finding one that has been cared for consistently.

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

At 61.6% 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 is priced near the top of the market. Pay close attention to signs of prior bodywork, uneven tire wear, steering feel, and the condition of the driver-assistance systems. If you’re shopping a higher-trim car, make sure the added equipment works as intended and hasn’t been disabled or repaired poorly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S trim gets a simpler safety setup, while higher versions add more of the driver-assistance equipment and the automatic high-beam headlights needed for the top safety recognition.
• Powertrain: Most models use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a CVT, while SR and Platinum can be had with the VC-Turbo engine that emphasizes both power and efficiency.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 is the main 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 does not get the full package standard.
• Infotainment: The system uses an 8-inch display and includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a text-messaging assistant. Wireless smartphone integration and over-the-air updates are not mentioned.
• 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 mpg figure 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:

• Base trim: The S is the value play, but it lacks the full Safety Shield 360 suite standard, so you give up some key driver-assistance features.
• Sweet-spot trim: The SV is the most balanced choice if you want a stronger mix of comfort, equipment, and safety without jumping to the top end.
• Premium/top trim: The Platinum adds the most upscale feel, along with the available VC-Turbo engine and extra visual and convenience touches.
• Off-road trim: Not applicable here.

The safety package is standard on SR and higher, while the base S gets only part of it unless you add more equipment.

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

The market looks moderate, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 29.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,591 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.73% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 61.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,533.73, 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 $14,539 sits slightly below last year's $16,106.

That price movement suggests the Altima has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help future sellers if the market stabilizes. If you buy at the right price now and keep the car in strong condition, you may be better positioned than someone who paid closer to the prior-year average. The biggest factor will be how well your specific car is maintained and documented over time.

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?

It earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick 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. The base S trim gets only part of that package standard, while higher trims get the full set.

One caveat is ProPilot Assist: it is designed to reduce fatigue, but the expert evaluation found it irritating and hard to trust in regular 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:

• 29.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 61.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.73% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Nissan Safety Shield 360 is more widely available this year, especially on higher trims.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $13,829, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $14,539 average.
• It introduced the redesigned Altima with a fresh look and available turbo power.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $16,763, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $14,539 average.
• It builds on the redesign with a more polished cabin and broader appeal.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, features, and current-market availability, the 2020 is the sensible pick. If your priority is saving money, the 2019 is the value alternative; if you want to spend more for a newer-feeling package, the 2021 is the upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 31, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.