Used 2020 Nissan Maxima for Sale near California

How much does the 2020 Nissan Maxima cost?

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

There are 505 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable selection to compare.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima a good car?

Generally — the 2020 Nissan Maxima earns 4.31/5 from owners and 7.83/10 from our experts. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners repeatedly point to its stylish design, powerful performance, and technology features. The Maxima is also described as fun to drive, with a plush interior and a comfortable feel that fits its role as an SUV alternative.

The trade-offs are its CVT transmission and price, and the expert review also notes that its technology is outdated and that it does not offer much cargo space. In practical terms, you’re looking at a sedan that leans into comfort, style, and driving character more than cutting-edge tech or utility.

With 27.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s enough market activity to make comparison shopping worthwhile.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.31/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to a car that many people found fun to drive and appreciated for its stylish design and technology features, which often lines up with a vehicle that feels dependable to live with day to day. The expert review also emphasizes the Maxima’s plush accommodations and comfortable cruising, which supports the idea that it’s built for steady, repeatable use rather than constant drama.

Nissan also includes a broad standard safety and driver-assist package, which can help reduce ownership stress if the system has been maintained properly. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright fragility and more about whether the car’s transmission, electronics, and prior maintenance history have been kept in good shape.

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

At 55.4% 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 had bodywork or any signs of uneven wear. Focus on condition details that matter most in a used sedan: interior wear, electronics behavior, tire condition, and evidence of consistent maintenance.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Maxima S, SV, and SL ride on standard 18-inch machined-finish aluminum-alloy wheels, while the SR gets 19-inch gloss black wheels and a sporty rear spoiler. The Platinum trim adds 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a more premium cabin presentation, so the higher trims are the ones to target if you want the most upscale feel.
• Powertrain: Every Maxima uses a 3.5-liter V6 with a CVT, making 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. It’s strong for the class and feels more powerful than many rivals, but the car is happiest as a comfortable cruiser rather than a hard-edged sport sedan.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard across all five trim levels, with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control are standard on all trims except the base model, and lane intervention is available on SR and Platinum.
• Infotainment: The standard setup includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a 7.0-inch driver information display. NissanConnect Services is available only on the top Platinum grade, and the available Bose system adds 11 speakers.
• Fuel efficiency: The Maxima is rated at 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

Which 2020 Nissan Maxima trim should I buy?

The 2020 Nissan Maxima is offered in 5 trim levels: S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the entry point, but it’s the least equipped version, so it makes the most sense only if you’re chasing the lowest price and can live without some of the nicer standard features found higher up.
• SV: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it keeps the Maxima’s core strengths while adding the more useful standard equipment that makes daily driving easier.
• SL: This trim is the better pick if you want a more relaxed, upscale feel, including active noise cancellation and a more premium ownership experience.
• SR: Choose this one if you want the sportier look and feel, including the unique styling, 19-inch wheels, and paddle shifters.
• Platinum: This is the most luxurious version, with the richest cabin presentation and the most premium-feeling setup for buyers who want the Maxima at its best.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard across all five trims, but traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control are not included on the base model, and lane intervention is reserved for SR and Platinum.

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

The market looks selective rather than overheated, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 27.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 505 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.73% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 55.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,056, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2020 Nissan Maxima's resale value?

The current average of $17,359 sits slightly below last year's $19,229.

That decline suggests the Maxima has moved into a more buyer-friendly pricing zone, which can help you if you’re shopping now but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the key takeaway is that the market has already adjusted downward, so holding the car longer will matter more than expecting a quick rebound.

The Maxima’s appeal still helps support demand because it offers a strong mix of comfort, style, and performance. Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.31/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima safe?

The 2020 Nissan Maxima earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard across all five trim levels, and it includes blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control are standard on all trims except the base model, while lane intervention is available only on SR and Platinum.

That means the Maxima gives you a strong standard safety foundation, but you should still confirm which driver-assist features are included on the specific trim you’re considering.

Should I buy a 2020 Nissan Maxima 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:

• 27.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 55.4% 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 4.31/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 Maxima stands out for its plush accommodations, potent powertrain, luxe interior, and spacious trunk.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $17,069, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $17,359 average.
• It offers a mildly refreshed style, updated technology, and a more premium-feeling cabin.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $19,772, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $17,359 average.
• It adds a 40th Anniversary Edition package for the top Platinum trim.

The bottom line: The 2020 is the right pick if you want the strongest balance of price, safety, and comfort in this generation. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2019 is the smarter value play; if you want a newer-feeling special edition and don’t mind paying more, the 2021 is the upgrade path.

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