Used 2020 Nissan Maxima for Sale nearWashington, DC

How much does the 2020 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 9.89% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 505 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima a good car?

Generally — you’re looking at a 4.31/5 user-rated sedan with an expert score of 7.83/10. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners commonly praise the Maxima’s stylish design, powerful performance, and technology features. The model also comes across as fun to drive, with a plush interior and a comfortable, engaging character that fits buyers who want an SUV alternative in a sedan body.

The trade-offs are the CVT transmission and the price, and the car’s technology is described as outdated. Even so, the Maxima’s roomy, upscale feel and strong core strengths help it make sense if you value comfort and driving character more than the latest interface tech.

Only 29.9% 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 4.31/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

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 evaluation also emphasizes that it delivers comfortable cruising and feels planted in most driving situations, which supports confidence in everyday use.

Nissan also includes a broad safety and convenience package, which can help reduce ownership stress if you choose a well-kept example. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about finding one that has been maintained carefully and still feels fresh inside.

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

At 58% 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 close inspection of bodywork, panel alignment, and signs of prior repair. Because the Maxima’s technology is one of its weaker points, it’s also smart to test every infotainment and driver-assist feature before you commit. Focus on overall condition, since a clean, well-kept example will matter more than a bargain price if you want the car to feel upscale.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum trims differ in wheel size, interior finish, and feature content, with the Platinum trim veering well into premium territory. The base model is notably less equipped than the others, so feature gaps matter here.
• Powertrain: Every model 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 tuned more for comfortable cruising than sporty aggression.
• 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 up, while the base model is less equipped. 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’s the least equipped version and misses some of the nicer standard content found higher up. It makes sense only if you want the lowest starting price and can live without the richer feature set.
• SV: This is the best-value choice for most shoppers because it adds the more usable standard infotainment setup and a stronger overall equipment mix without jumping all the way to the sportier or luxury-leaning trims.
• SL: This trim is a good fit if you want a more relaxed, upscale-feeling Maxima, especially since active noise cancellation is included at this level and above.
• SR: Choose this if you want the sportier look and feel, including unique styling and available paddle shifters. It’s the trim for buyers who want the Maxima’s more engaging side.
• Platinum: This is the most premium version, with the highest-end cabin presentation and the most upscale feel. It suits you best if comfort and interior polish matter more than value.

Safety Shield 360 is standard across all five trim levels, 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, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 29.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 505 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.89% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 58.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,052, 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 $17,250 sits slightly below last year's $19,143.

That decline suggests the Maxima is currently in a softer pricing phase, which can be good news if you’re buying now but less favorable if you plan to sell soon. For a future seller, the key takeaway is that the market has already adjusted downward, so strong condition and a clean history will matter more when it’s time to list. Well-kept examples should still attract interest because the Maxima’s comfort, power, and upscale feel give it a clear identity in the used market.

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 has performed very well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests and the 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, while lane intervention is available on SR and Platinum.

One important caveat is that the base model misses some of the more advanced standard driver-assistance content, so trim choice affects how much safety tech you get.

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:

• 29.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 58% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.89% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.31/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It offers a plush cabin, a potent powertrain, and minimal changes after the 2019 refresh.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $16,962, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $17,250 average.
• It was mildly refreshed with updated style, technology, and interior features.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $19,621, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $17,250 average.
• It adds a 40th Anniversary Edition option package for the top Platinum trim.

The bottom line: The 2020 is the right pick if you want the current-year Maxima at a softer price and can accept its older tech. If you’re shopping strictly on price, the 2019 is the better value play; if you want the newest nearby version and don’t mind paying more, the 2021 is the step up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.