Used 2020 Nissan Maxima for Sale near California

How much does the 2020 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 9.60% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 515 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable range of choices.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima a good car?

Generally — the 2020 Nissan Maxima earns a 4.31/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners commonly praise its stylish design, powerful performance, and technology features. The Maxima also comes across as fun to drive, with a strong personality that stands out in a sedan segment that can feel pretty ordinary.

The trade-offs are the CVT transmission and the price, and the tech can feel dated. For you, that means the Maxima makes the most sense if you want a comfortable, engaging sedan with a more upscale feel than many rivals, rather than the newest-feeling cabin in the class.

With 26.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a car that many people find dependable enough to live with and enjoy over time, especially when you value comfort and strong performance. The expert evaluation also emphasizes that the Maxima is easy to live with and has a good value proposition relative to rivals.

It also benefits from a maintenance-friendly ownership story in the expert notes, which helps reduce some day-to-day ownership friction. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the CVT and overall condition have been cared for properly.

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

At 55.1% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection. Focus on signs of prior bodywork, uneven wear, and any evidence that the car has been repaired after a collision.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum trims differ in wheel size, interior finish, and equipment. The base model is notably less equipped than the others, so you should pay close attention to feature gaps if you are comparing value.
• Powertrain: Every model uses a 3.5-liter V6 with a CVT, making 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. It is strong for the class and tuned more for comfortable cruising than hard-edged sport driving.
• 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: Most models get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus an available Bose Premium Audio system. NissanConnect Services is reserved for the top Platinum grade.
• 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 is the least equipped version and misses some of the nicer standard features found higher up the range. It makes sense only if your priority is getting into a Maxima at the lowest possible price.
• SV: This is the best-value choice for most shoppers because it adds more of the standard comfort and tech equipment without pushing you into the highest price tiers.
• SL: This trim is a smart middle ground if you want a more upscale feel and the quieter, more refined character that comes with the better-equipped models.
• SR: Choose this if you want the sportier look and feel, including the unique styling and available paddle shifters. It is the right pick if you care more about personality than maximum comfort.
• Platinum: This is the most luxurious version, with the richest cabin presentation and the most premium-feeling equipment. It is the one to buy if you want the Maxima at its most upscale.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard across the lineup, but traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control are not included on the base model.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it pays to compare listings carefully and move quickly on strong examples.

• Deal availability: 26.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 515 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.60% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 55.1% 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 $17,394 sits slightly below last year's $19,240.

That softer pricing suggests the Maxima has already absorbed some of its near-term depreciation, which can help if you buy at the right number. If you later sell, a lower entry price can make it easier to stay ahead of the market when compared with a vehicle that started much higher.

The current trend also shows that demand is still present, but buyers are being selective. That means condition, mileage, and equipment will matter a lot when it is time for you to resell.

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 superior front crash prevention rating from IIHS and has performed very well in IIHS and NHTSA testing.

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 on SR and Platinum.

That makes the Maxima a strong safety choice overall, especially if you want a sedan with a broad set of standard driver-assistance features. The main thing to watch is trim content, since the base model misses some of the more advanced standard systems.

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:

• 26.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 55.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.60% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.31/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It pairs a potent V6, plush accommodations, and a spacious trunk with minimal changes for the year.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $17,057, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $17,394 average.
• It offers a mildly refreshed style, technology, and interior with a premium midsize feel.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $19,755, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $17,394 average.
• It adds a 40th Anniversary Edition option package for the top Platinum trim.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, features, and current-market availability, the 2020 is the sensible pick. If you are shopping strictly on price, the 2019 can save you money, while the 2021 makes sense only if you specifically want the newer-year packaging and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.