Used 2020 Nissan Maxima for Sale nearWashington, DC

How much does the 2020 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 8.83% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 435 listings available, which gives you a decent 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 commonly praise its powerful performance, stylish design, and comfortable, upscale feel. The Maxima also gets credit for being fun to drive, even if some shoppers are less enthusiastic about the CVT and pricing.

The trade-offs are clear: the technology feels dated, and the cabin does not offer much cargo space. That matters most if you want a sedan that feels modern in its interface or need extra practicality from the trunk.

If you want a comfortable, upscale-feeling sedan with a stronger-than-expected powertrain, the Maxima fits that brief well. The market also shows 31.7% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

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 live with, with repeated praise for its strong performance and overall appeal. The same feedback also suggests you should expect some compromises, especially around the transmission and value perception.

The expert review reinforces that this is a car built for comfortable, confident daily use, with a strong V6 and a planted feel on the road. It also notes that the Maxima is happiest as a cruiser rather than a hard-edged sport sedan.

If you’re shopping used, the main long-term ownership risk is that a well-worn example may show its age in technology and overall refinement before it shows major mechanical trouble.

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

At 53.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. Then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has higher mileage or incomplete service records.

Pay close attention to the cabin, infotainment behavior, and overall wear, since the Maxima’s age shows most clearly in its technology and interior presentation.

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 the Platinum gets 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The cabin is spacious, and the Platinum trim level veers well into premium territory.
• Powertrain: Every Maxima 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 more powerful than many rivals, but the car is 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 trim levels but the base model, and lane intervention is available on SR and Platinum.
• Infotainment: An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard on SV and up, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7.0-inch driver information display. NissanConnect Services is available only on 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, so you should only choose it if price matters most and you’re comfortable giving up some convenience and tech.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the core infotainment and convenience features without pushing you into the pricier upper trims.
• SL: This trim is a good fit if you want a more upscale daily driver, especially since it adds a more premium-feeling cabin and noise-reduction features.
• SR: Choose this if you want the sportier look and feel, including the unique styling and available paddle shifters.
• Platinum: This is the one to buy if you want the most premium Maxima experience, with the richest interior presentation and the most upscale feature set.

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

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 435 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.83% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 53.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,680, 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 $16,680 sits slightly below last year's $18,295.

That decline suggests the Maxima has softened in the used market, which can be a concern if you’re thinking about future trade-in value. On the other hand, a lower entry price can help you buy in at a more favorable point, which may reduce how much value you lose later.

Because the model still has a strong reputation for comfort and performance, it should remain appealing to shoppers who want a well-equipped sedan with a more premium feel. That kind of demand can help support resale value, especially for cleaner examples with good service history.

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 trim levels but the base model, while lane intervention is available on SR and Platinum.

One caveat is that the base model misses some of the standard convenience and driver-assist content found on higher trims, so you should verify the exact equipment on any listing 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:

• 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 53.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.83% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 keeps the refreshed look and strong V6 performance with minimal changes.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $16,517, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $16,680 average.
• It offers a refreshed style, updated technology, and premium interior feel.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $18,541, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $16,680 average.
• It adds a 40th Anniversary Edition package for the top Platinum trim.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price and current-market availability, the 2020 is the sensible pick. If you’re focused on saving a little more, the 2019 is the better value path; if you want the newest version and can spend more, look to the 2021.

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 leans more toward performance, while the Avalon emphasizes space and stronger safety credentials. If you want a more engaging drive, the Maxima has the edge; if you want a roomier sedan, the Avalon is the better fit. The Avalon also costs more on the used market, which makes the Maxima the more affordable choice.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.