Used 2020 Nissan Altima for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2020 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 11.93% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,615 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable range of choices.

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 feature content, and many also call out its smooth ride and value for the price. The overview frames it as a practical, well-rounded sedan that is easy to live with, with easy-to-use technology, multiple powertrain options, and great handling standing out as the main strengths. On the downside, the expert notes poor value for money and says advanced safety features are not standard.

The Altima also looks more appealing if you want a traditional sedan rather than something flashy, and the market shows 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Is the 2020 Nissan Altima reliable?

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

The user feedback points to a dependable-feeling ownership experience, with owners highlighting comfort, fuel efficiency, and a generally trouble-free daily-driving character. The expert notes that the Altima is agreeable in almost every way, and the performance write-up emphasizes a satisfying, confidence-inspiring drive with responsive behavior. Cost-effectiveness commentary also suggests the car is not a standout for long-term value perks, so you should still pay close attention to maintenance history and overall condition.

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 57.6% 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 any prior damage or a long feature list. Focus on condition, equipment operation, and whether the safety and tech features work as intended. If you want the best value, compare trim content carefully so you do not overpay for features you may not need.

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 miss out on the fuller safety package, while higher trims add more equipment and a more upscale feel.
• Powertrain: Most models use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with up to 188 horsepower and a CVT, with AWD available on that engine. A turbocharged 2.0-liter VC-Turbo is offered on SR and Platinum, and it delivers stronger output with front-wheel drive only.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard on SR and higher, while the base S gets forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with the rest of the suite optional. The full package includes 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 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 performance notes say the standard 2.5-liter engine is paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive.

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 core sedan strengths accessible at the lowest level. It is the trim to consider if you want the basics and plan to shop carefully for value.
• SR: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the fuller safety package as standard and is also the gateway to the turbocharged engine. If you want the strongest mix of equipment and capability, this is the one to focus on first.
• SV: This trim sits in the middle of the lineup and is a sensible step up if you want more comfort and convenience without jumping all the way to the top.
• SL: This is the more upscale choice for shoppers who want a richer feature set and a more premium-feeling daily driver.
• Platinum: This is the top trim, and it suits you if you want the most fully equipped Altima, including the available turbocharged engine and the most upscale presentation.

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

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

The market looks moderately favorable for selective buyers.

• Deal availability: 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,615 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.93% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 57.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $13,993, 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 $13,993 sits slightly below last year's $15,888.

That price movement suggests the Altima has softened enough to be attractive on the used market, but it also means future sellers may need to price competitively to move a car quickly. If you buy well now, you may be starting from a lower entry point than owners who bought when prices were higher. The upside is that a lower purchase price can help cushion depreciation if you plan to keep the car for a while.

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 key driver-assistance suite here, 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 as standard, with the rest of the suite optional. ProPilot Assist adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance, but the expert notes that it can be irritating and 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:

• 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 57.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.93% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 update made Nissan Safety Shield 360 more widely available, especially on SR and above.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $13,313, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $13,993 average.
• It was all-new and brought major improvements to the sedan formula.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $16,076, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $13,993 average.
• It adds available all-wheel drive and wireless smartphone connectivity.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price and features, the 2020 is the smart middle ground. If you are shopping strictly on price, the 2019 can save you money, while the 2021 makes sense if you want the newer convenience upgrades 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. The Camry has the edge if you want stronger safety credentials and standard advanced safety features. The Altima also costs less on the used market, while the Camry asks for more money and offers more power.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.