Used 2020 Nissan Maxima for Sale nearChesapeake, VA

How much does the 2020 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 8.17% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 475 listings available, which suggests you have a workable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima a good car?

Generally — you’re looking at a 4.3/5 user-rated sedan with an expert score of 7.8/10. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners commonly praise its powerful performance, stylish design, and useful technology features. The Maxima also comes across as fun to drive, even if some shoppers were disappointed by the CVT transmission and the price.

That lines up with the broader use case: you’re shopping a sedan that aims to feel upscale, comfortable, and more engaging than many rivals, while still offering a plush cabin and room for passengers. The trade-off is that the technology is dated and cargo space is limited.

Only 28.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market is selective rather than flooded with bargains.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.3/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car people can count on for strong performance and a generally satisfying ownership experience, even if some buyers had concerns about the transmission and price. The expert evaluation also describes it as a comfortable cruiser with a potent powertrain and a plush cabin, which supports the idea that it’s built to deliver steady everyday use.

Its dependability story is strongest when you prioritize well-kept examples, because used-car ownership risk here is more about condition and maintenance history than a lack of appeal. A careful pre-purchase inspection is still smart, especially on higher-mileage listings.

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

At 58.5% 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 focus your inspection on signs of prior bodywork, uneven panel gaps, and wear that doesn’t match the mileage. Because the Maxima’s appeal depends heavily on comfort, features, and condition, you’ll want to make sure the cabin, electronics, and drivetrain all feel consistent with the asking price.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: S, SV, and SL ride on standard 18-inch wheels, while SR adds 19-inch wheels and a sportier look; Platinum moves further upscale with premium-leaning cabin materials.
• Powertrain: Every model uses a 3.5-liter V6 with a CVT, making 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque; it’s strong and comfortable rather than sporty in the traditional sense.
• 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 but the base model.
• Infotainment: An 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and hands-free text messaging are standard on all but the base model; NissanConnect Services is reserved for the top Platinum grade.
• Fuel efficiency: The Maxima returns 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, 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 the richer standard feature set found higher up.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the core infotainment and convenience equipment while staying below the sportier and more expensive grades.
• SL: This is the comfort-focused choice if you want a more upscale feel and quieter long-distance driving without jumping all the way to the top trim.
• SR: This is the pick if you want the sportier look and feel, including the 19-inch wheels and available paddle shifters, but it’s not a true performance model.
• Platinum: This is the most luxurious version, with the richest cabin presentation and the most premium-leaning equipment, making it the right call if you want the Maxima at its most upscale.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard across all five trim levels, while lane intervention is limited to SR and Platinum.

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

This is a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you have room to shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 28.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 475 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.17% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 58.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,989, 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 $16,989 sits slightly below last year's $18,500.

That softer pricing suggests the model has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future buyers if you plan to sell later. For you, that means the Maxima may be easier to buy at a reasonable entry point than it was a year ago, but resale upside will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment.

Because the market still shows meaningful demand and a decent share of listings in good or great deal territory, a clean, well-maintained example should remain easier to move than a neglected one. Strong equipment and a good history report will matter most when it’s time to resell.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.3/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima safe?

The 2020 Nissan Maxima has performed very well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety tests.

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 also standard on all but the base model, while lane intervention is available only on SR and Platinum.

That means the safety story is a strong one, especially if you shop above the base trim or want the fullest driver-assistance coverage. The main caveat is that some of the more advanced convenience and assistance features are not universal across the lineup.

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:

• 28.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 58.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.17% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It offers plush accommodations, a potent powertrain, and a luxe interior.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $16,896, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $16,989 average.
• It was mildly refreshed and emphasizes premium feel and strong power.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $18,796, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $16,989 average.
• It adds a 40th Anniversary Edition package and leans more upscale.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, comfort, and features, the 2020 is the sensible default. If you’re shopping strictly on price, the 2019 is the better value play, while the 2021 makes sense only if you want the newer-year premium and can justify the higher cost.

How does the 2020 Nissan Maxima compare to the 2020 Toyota Avalon?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2020 Nissan Maxima:

• Pros: Standard advanced safety features, Powerful engine.
• Cons: Outdated technology, Not much cargo space.

2020 Toyota Avalon:

• Pros: Great safety ratings, Standard advanced safety features, Spacious.
• Cons: Poor value for money.

Our experts score the 2020 Nissan Maxima 7.8/10 and the 2020 Toyota Avalon 7.7/10. The Maxima has the edge if you want a stronger value proposition and a more exciting drive, while the Avalon leans harder into space and safety. The Avalon also posts better fuel economy and a higher share of good and great deals, but it costs much more on the used market.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.