Used 2020 Nissan Maxima for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2020 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 8.95% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 424 listings available, which suggests you have a workable 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, which points to broad appeal with some clear compromises. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners commonly praise its powerful performance, stylish design, and upscale feel, while also noting that it can be fun to drive. The trade-offs are the CVT transmission and the price, and the cabin’s older-feeling technology shows up in daily use.

For you, that means the Maxima makes the most sense if you want a comfortable, premium-leaning sedan with a stronger personality than many rivals. It is less compelling if you prioritize the latest tech or maximum practicality.

Only 30.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market is somewhat selective rather than deeply discounted.

Is the 2020 Nissan Maxima reliable?

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

Owner feedback points to a car that many people found stylish, powerful, and enjoyable to drive, with enough confidence in the package to call out its technology and performance positively. The same feedback also suggests some buyers were less satisfied with the transmission and pricing, which matters if you plan to keep the car for a while.

The Maxima’s powertrain is described as strong enough for most drivers and more powerful than many rivals, and the car is presented as a comfortable cruiser that soaks up road imperfections well. That combination supports the idea that it can be a dependable daily driver if you buy a well-kept example.

If you’re shopping used, the main long-term risk is choosing a car with neglected maintenance or a history that doesn’t match its condition.

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

At 53.5% 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 prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually attractive. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the car’s equipment and interior wear match the mileage.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum trims differ in appearance and equipment, and the base model is notably less equipped than the others.
• Powertrain: Every Maxima uses a 3.5-liter V6 with a CVT, and it is tuned for strong, comfortable everyday driving rather than sporty aggression.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard across all five trim levels, with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, 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.
• Infotainment: Most models get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the base model is less fully equipped.
• Fuel efficiency: The Maxima is rated at 20 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the 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 and misses some of the nicer standard features found higher up the range.
• SV: This is the best-value choice if you want the Maxima’s core strengths without stretching to the pricier trims.
• SL: This trim adds a more upscale feel and brings in comfort-oriented equipment that makes the car easier to live with.
• SR: Choose this if you want the sportier look and feel, including unique styling and paddle shifters.
• Platinum: This is the most premium version, with the richest cabin presentation and the most upscale overall experience.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard across all five trims, 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 looks like a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you can shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 30.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 424 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.95% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 53.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,787, 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 $16,787 sits slightly below last year's $18,437.

That decline suggests the Maxima has become more affordable for used buyers, but it also means a future seller may face a softer pricing environment than owners saw a year ago. If you buy now, you’re entering at a lower cost basis, which can help cushion depreciation later.

The Maxima’s value story is still supported by its strong owner satisfaction and premium-leaning appeal. Well-kept examples should continue to attract shoppers who want a comfortable sedan with a more upscale personality.

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 IIHS and NHTSA testing, and its front crash prevention results were given the top superior rating by the IIHS.

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 grades.

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:

• 30.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 53.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.95% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 Maxima stands out for its plush accommodations, potent powertrain, luxe interior, and spacious trunk.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $16,647, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $16,787 average.
• It brings refreshed style, technology, and interior features.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $18,670, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $16,787 average.
• It adds a 40th Anniversary Edition package for the top Platinum trim.

The bottom line: The 2020 is the sweet spot if you want the Maxima’s strongest mix of price, comfort, and equipment. If you’re focused on saving a little more, the 2019 is the better 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 stronger pick if you want a lower used price and a more powerful-feeling engine. The Avalon counters with better fuel economy, more space, and stronger accident-free share, but it costs much more on the used market.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.