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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.5L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S7) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 20 / 30 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,400 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 378 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $33,827–$43,758 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2020 Nissan Maxima at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.7/10. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.7/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.2/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.3/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $33,827–$43,758, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Nissan Maxima sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 7.2/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2020 Nissan Maxima is a passable sedan but not a standout one. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2020 Nissan Maxima ranks #802 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 39% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $33,827 starting price is about 22% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Nissan Maxima scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.3 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $38,390 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $37,286 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $36,133 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.3/10 | $34,980 | Read review → |
| 2020 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $33,827 | |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $32,674 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $31,520 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $30,367 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $29,214 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $28,061 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Visibility / Glass, side/rear 22/09/2020 · 20V570000 | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle. |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Nissan models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.