Used 2020 Nissan Sentra for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2020 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 3.13% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,823 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

Is the 2020 Nissan Sentra a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Nissan Sentra earns a 4.75/5 user rating and a 7.67/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its beautiful design, smooth ride, and excellent fuel economy, and they also like the car’s impressive gadgets and safety features for its price. The main trade-off is fairly pedestrian performance, especially when you want stronger acceleration or quicker engine response. For you, that means the Sentra makes the most sense if you want a stylish, well-equipped compact sedan that feels more upscale than basic transportation. With 28.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s meaningful value in the market.

Is the 2020 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Owners rate it 4.75/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback points to a car that feels reliable, trouble-free, and easy to live with over the long term, with many drivers saying they’re very satisfied with their purchase. The expert review also describes the Sentra as smooth and responsive in everyday driving, with engine noise and vibration kept mostly at bay. Nissan’s included maintenance perk adds a little extra ownership appeal. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about durability and more about making sure any individual car has been cared for properly.

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

At 61.9% 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 the car has any signs of prior bodywork or uneven wear. Focus on condition details that matter in daily use, including the cabin, electronics, and how smoothly the car drives in traffic. If you’re comparing multiple listings, a cleaner history and better-maintained example are worth paying for.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The mid-level SV adds a larger touchscreen, expanded instrument display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, WiFi, dual-zone climate, proximity-entry key, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start, while the SV Premium Package adds brighter LED headlights and upgraded interior materials. The SR adds 18-inch wheels and fog lights.
• Powertrain: A 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder with 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque works with a CVT and front-wheel drive. The setup is smooth and responsive, but acceleration tapers off after 30 mph.
• Safety package: A full suite of driver-assist features comes standard, including forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection for the front, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Rear side airbags and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger are also standard.
• Infotainment: The mid-level SV brings Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, WiFi, two more USB ports including USB-C, and larger screens. Navigation and wireless charging are not offered.
• Fuel efficiency: EPA-rated fuel economy is 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined, while the SR delivers 1 mpg less in the city and combined and 2 less on the highway.

Which 2020 Nissan Sentra trim should I buy?

The 2020 Nissan Sentra is offered in 3 trim levels: S, SV, SR.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the entry point, but the Sentra’s standard safety equipment is already strong, so you’re not giving up the core value proposition if you shop here.
• SV: This is the best-value trim. It adds the larger screens, wireless smartphone integration, WiFi, dual-zone climate, adaptive cruise control, and remote start, making it the sweet spot for most buyers.
• SR: Choose this if you want the sportier look, 18-inch wheels, and fog lights, but it’s more about appearance and trim content than performance.

The standard safety package is a major strength across the lineup, so you don’t need to move up trims just to get the important driver-assistance features.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 28.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,823 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.13% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 61.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,111, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2020 Nissan Sentra's resale value?

The current average of $14,902 sits slightly below last year's $15,383.

That price movement suggests the Sentra has softened enough to help you buy more affordably today, but it also means future resale gains may be limited if the market stays soft. If you buy well now, you may reduce your depreciation exposure compared with paying closer to the high end of the range. A clean-history car with strong equipment and good condition should be easier to resell later than a rougher example.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.75/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2020 Nissan Sentra safe?

The 2020 Nissan Sentra has not been crash-tested by either NHTSA or IIHS, but CarGurus expects top ratings in all categories.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Nissan makes safety a major selling point here by including rear side airbags, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection for the front, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and a driver attention monitor on every trim. That means you get a broad standard safety package without needing to climb the trim ladder. The main caveat is that formal crash-test results are not available.

Should I buy a 2020 Nissan Sentra 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:

• 28.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 61.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.13% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 model brings a major redesign with stronger style, technology, and driving dynamics.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $15,502, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $14,902 average.
• It builds on the redesign with a more polished, smart-choice feel.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2020 is the stronger buy because it combines lower pricing with a redesigned cabin, strong safety content, and solid owner satisfaction. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model-year example, the 2021 is the cleaner follow-up choice, but price-sensitive buyers should focus on the 2020 and shop for a well-kept SV.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.