DecodedCars2020 Nissan Maxima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 20 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,587 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 24 MPG combined, 13% below the 2020 midsize car average of 27.6 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Nissan Maxima is a midsize car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,587 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (20 city / 30 highway), 13% worse than the 2020 midsize car average of 27.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2020
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Maxima →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Smyrna, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2020 Maxima configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 56.7 in | 109.4 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,587 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 24 | -13% | $3,400 | 378 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Nissan Maxima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.5% |
Similar 2020 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Nissan Maxima (this car) | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2020 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear · Sep 22, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V570000 · 150 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC752.
Not every 2020 Nissan Maxima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Nissan Maxima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 4 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 23,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Nissan Maxima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Maxima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 5 |
| 2021 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 3 |
| 2019 Maxima | 24 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 18 |
| 2018 Maxima | 25 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 36 |
| 2017 Maxima | 25 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 106 |
| 2016 Maxima | 25 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 142 |
| 2014 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 90 |
| 2013 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 52 |
| 2012 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 82 |
| 2011 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 83 |
| 2010 Maxima | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 156 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →