Used 2020 Nissan Maxima for Sale nearSacramento, CA

How much does the 2020 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 7.91% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 469 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima a good car?

Generally — the 2020 Nissan Maxima earns a 4.3/5 user rating and a 7.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently point to its stylish design, powerful performance, and technology features. The Maxima is also described as fun to drive, with a plush, upscale feel that fits buyers who want a sedan that feels more premium than basic transportation.

The trade-offs are the CVT transmission and the price, and the cabin tech is dated compared with newer rivals. If you want a comfortable, spacious sedan with a more engaging personality, it fits that brief well; if you want the newest interface and the most modern packaging, you may notice its age.

Only 31.1% 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 that many people find dependable enough to enjoy over time, with praise centered on its strong performance and overall appeal. The expert review also describes it as a refined carryover with a plush cabin and a powertrain that feels strong for most drivers.

It also comes across as easy to live with, which supports confidence for used buyers who want a comfortable daily driver. For long-term ownership, the main risk is that dated technology and the CVT may matter more as the miles add up.

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

At 57.1% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are considering a higher-mileage example. Focus on condition, maintenance records, and whether the car’s equipment and trim match the listing description.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum each bring different wheel designs and cabin touches, and the base model is notably less equipped than the others.
• 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 most drivers and tuned more for comfortable cruising than sporty 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: An 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on SV and above, while the base model is less equipped. NissanConnect Services is available only on Platinum.
• 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, and Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the least expensive way into the Maxima, but it is also the most stripped-down version, so you give up some of the convenience and tech that make the higher trims easier to live with.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the core infotainment and comfort equipment while staying below the sportier and more luxurious versions.
• SL: This trim leans into comfort and refinement, and it adds more of the upscale feel that suits buyers who want a quieter, more premium daily driver.
• SR: This is the choice if you want the sportier look and feel, including the unique styling touches and paddle shifters.
• Platinum: This is the most upscale version, with the richest cabin presentation and the most premium-feeling equipment.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard across all five trim levels, while traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control are standard on all trims except the base model.

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

The market looks moderate and selective, so you have room to shop, but the best listings may move quickly.

• Deal availability: 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 469 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.91% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 57.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,994, 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 $16,995 sits slightly below last year's $18,455.

That decline suggests the Maxima has softened in the used market, which can be good for you as a buyer but less favorable if you plan to sell soon. If you buy at the right price and keep the car in strong condition, you may be able to limit depreciation pain.

The model’s mix of comfort, style, and strong owner satisfaction should help it stay relevant with shoppers who want a premium-feeling sedan. 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 standard on all trims except the base model, and lane intervention is available on SR and Platinum.

The main caveat is that the base model misses some of the more advanced standard driver-assistance features found on the higher trims.

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:

• 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 57.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.91% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It keeps the refreshed 2019-era styling and standard advanced safety features while remaining a refined carryover.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $16,869, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $16,995 average.
• It offers a premium midsize feel with strong power and crisp handling.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $18,678, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $16,995 average.
• It adds a 40th Anniversary Edition option package for the top Platinum trim.

The bottom line: The 2020 is the best fit if you want the refreshed Maxima formula at a lower used price than the 2021. If you are price-sensitive, the 2019 is the smarter value play; if you want the newest nearby version and can spend more, the 2021 is the step up.

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 is the better pick if you want a stronger value proposition and a more engaging drive. The Avalon counters with better fuel economy, more space, and stronger safety ratings, but it costs much more on the used market.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.