2020 Lincoln Continental Review
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2020 Lincoln Continental Review
byRyan ZumMallen
Contributor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.
Pros
- Exceptional rear-seat legroom
- Strong optional V6 engine with capable all-wheel-drive system
- Cabin stays quiet at highway speeds
Cons
- Interior and build quality are a bit inferior to luxury rivals
- Value factor is lacking
- Occasional rough and disruptive shifts from the automatic transmission
What's new
- Various new option packages
- Part of the 10th Continental generation introduced in 2017
Overview
Just saying the words "Lincoln Continental" summons a certain elegance that harkens back to the glory days of the luxury brand. And from a distance, the new sedan that carries that torch appears to do its predecessors justice, with graceful looks and the subtle flair to turn heads along any fashion district.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Lincoln Continental 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$199/mo
Continental Base
vs
$207/mo
Avg. Large Car
The problem is that the Continental can't match modern trendsetters when it comes to build quality. And even at a price that places it among affordable luxury sedans, competitors from Cadillac and Genesis offer a more complete package. A handful of minor updates for 2020 don't go far enough to keep the Continental current in a segment that is rapidly improving.
The latest model year offers refreshed exterior colors and new optional packages that include helpful features such as soft-close doors and a 19-speaker audio system. Otherwise, the Continental returns with its three available engines — a 3.7-liter V6, a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 — that offer muscle but not much panache. The seats are comfortable and the rear legroom is impressive. Overall, the Continental is a likable enough sedan, but there is little about it that suggests its predecessors were once among the most desired vehicles on the planet.
What's it like to live with the Continental?
The Edmunds editorial team purchased and lived with a Lincoln Continental for a year, logging just over 14,000 miles. We were unanimous in our praise for the powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged engine but had mixed opinions about the 30-way adjustable front seats and build quality. Note that while we tested a 2017 model, our observations still largely apply to the 2020 Continental as well. To learn more, check out our long-term Continental test for all the details, good and bad.
Edmunds Expert Rating
average
7.2/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Lincoln Continental has style that lives up to its heralded past. But a lack of refinement and overall value hinder the sedan in a crowded luxury segment. The materials and build quality, even in the higher-priced trims, are no competition for other entries in this space. Two twin-turbocharged V6 engines offer some excitement, but the Continental never feels comfortable in its own skin.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Which Continental does Edmunds recommend?
Take a look at the Continental Reserve, which comes standard with the 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It also offers an optional 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with some extra oomph. The price difference over the base Continental trim is justified by 24-way power leather seats, a 360-degree camera and a power-shade moonroof.
2020 Lincoln Continental models
Lincoln offers the Continental in three trims: base, Reserve and Black Label. The Continental offers three engine choices, and all-wheel drive is available with each one. The sedan also presents a wide variety of equipment packages to add.