2020 Lincoln MKZ
Other years
2020 Lincoln MKZ Review
- Well-equipped with many standard features
- Hybrid model available at no extra charge
- Impressively quick acceleration with turbocharged V6 engine option
- Underwhelming interior quality
- Short on interior space given its exterior size
- Slower-than-average acceleration with the base engine
- Minor changes and updates to standard and optional equipment
- Part of the second Lincoln MKZ generation introduced for 2013
Lincoln is slowly redesigning its lineup of cars and SUVs and giving them new names. The 2020 MKZ, however, is not one of them. Its pros and cons are familiar since this car has been around in its current iteration since 2013.
We do like that the MKZ has a long list of standard features and, importantly for this category, comes with a lower starting price than many of its competitors. And unlike the manufacturers slimming down offerings and powertrains to minimize cost, Lincoln — like many German brands — still offers many variants to appeal to a wide variety of buyers.
There are some issues to keep in mind. The MKZ doesn't have the most interior room in its class, and some of the interior materials are lackluster in quality. Also, the base four-cylinder engine is a little underwhelming in terms of acceleration. Overall, though, the MKZ compares well against other similarly priced models such as the Acura TLX, Audi A4, Cadillac CT5, and Lexus ES 350.
Our verdict | |
For a luxury sedan, the Lincoln MKZ is average in just about all of its traits. Its driving characteristics, luxury features and performance are nothing extraordinary, but it does at least check the boxes for the class. Base MKZs are well-equipped and attractively priced, but optioned-up models start to become underwhelming compared to other cars for similar money. | |
How does the MKZ drive? | |
Though it isn't the most entertaining car in the luxury sedan segment, the Lincoln MKZ is certainly drivable with the standard 2.0-liter engine. Around town, between lights and at relatively low speed, the MKZ feels peppy. On the highway, the 2.0-liter engine has only enough power for carefully executed passing maneuvers. Our AWD tester went 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds, which is about a second slower than average for the segment. Those who desire more speed will want the powerful turbocharged V6. The MKZ comes standard with an adaptive suspension that helps it travel through corners in a relatively flat and composed manner. This Lincoln isn't a sport sedan, but it handles curves well, especially when you take into account its considerable size. But the overall steering feel is detached and numb, giving no clue to the quality of the road surface or the direction the wheels are pointing. | |
How comfortable is the MKZ? | |
The standard MKZ is smooth on the highway with relatively comfortable seats and a refined 2.0-liter engine. It's quiet and reserved almost all of the time, with lots of available extras to keep you cozy. The MKZ rides stiffer than you might expect from a compact luxury sedan, but it still makes for a good road-trip car. Broken pavement sends some small thunks and thuds into the cabin, but nothing major. At highway speeds, the MKZ is quiet enough for whisper-level conversations. On the downside, the dual-zone automatic climate control system has to work hard to bring down interior temperatures after a hot day in the sun. Our Reserve trim test car comes with front-seat heating and ventilation, though you can get heating for all four seats and steering wheel in an option package. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The MKZ's interior has several appealing virtues, such as its ease of use and excellent seat position adjustability. But it's outclassed by top luxury rivals where it matters most: space. Although there is more than enough space up front, the sloping roofline limits rear headroom. Avoid the panoramic sunroof if you regularly transport tall adults in the back seat. Another MKZ weakness lies with its compromised outward visibility. A high trunklid and low roofline inhibit a significant portion of your rearward field of view. And large roof pillars at both front and rear corners create big blind spots. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Technology is one of the MKZ's strong points and is well-integrated enough to please heavy smartphone users. The Sync 3 infotainment system is easy to use, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Avoid splurging for the optional 20-speaker stereo, though; it isn't as impressive as we hoped. Though most driver aids are optional, adaptive cruise control modulates speed well without heavy braking when a car cuts you off. During our evaluation, our test MKZ experienced a few false positives from the parking sensors and lane departure warning and mitigation systems. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The MKZ's trunk is appropriately sized for the class. You also get fold-down rear seats and a bunch of places for water bottles and other small items. In general, the MKZ is pretty utilitarian for a luxury sedan. Got kids? There are four car seat anchor positions, two on each outboard rear seat, and three on the top shelf. But installing child safety seats isn't exactly a breeze because the hooks are set deep into the seat and the surrounding cushion material is stiff. It's tough but doable. | |
How economical is the MKZ? | |
The EPA estimate for the 2.0-liter MKZ with all-wheel drive is 23 mpg combined (20 city/28 highway). Front-wheel drive is a bit better but still not impressive. During our test of the AWD four-cylinder MKZ, we averaged an unimpressive 18.4 mpg. On our 116-mile highway-heavy evaluation loop, it achieved 25.8 mpg. | |
Is the MKZ a good value? | |
The MKZ's standard equipment is impressive, as are Lincoln's warranty and lifetime roadside assistance programs. But unfortunately its cabin materials and design execution aren't as competitive as they once were. And though the base price is enticing, the high price of a well-equipped MKZ just doesn't make sense when you compare it to better built, more efficient rivals. | |
Wildcard | |
Essentially, you get what you see with the MKZ. It's relatively stylish and well-appointed, but it doesn't do anything to really wow you. It isn't that the MKZ is unentertaining or uninteresting to drive; it's just not a car you associate with fun. It's quiet, comfortable and, overall, a competent luxury sedan. The turbocharged V6 is impressively powerful, but the rest of the car's abilities aren't very sporty. | |
Which MKZ does Edmunds recommend?
Although the standard Lincoln MKZ comes with a lot of features, we'd upgrade to the MKZ Reserve straightaway. For starters, it has a nicer leather interior, power-adjustable steering wheel, ambient lighting, and larger 19-inch wheels. Additional standard technology includes front and rear parking sensors and a navigation system. These are the beginnings of a proper luxury sedan.
Lincoln MKZ models
The 2020 Lincoln MKZ is available with three powertrains — four-cylinder, six-cylinder and hybrid — and three trim levels. The base MKZ comes well-equipped, but go with Reserve I to get additional interior and technology options. Reserve II adds even more luxury amenities and technology.
Save as much as $7,849 with Edmunds
2020 Lincoln MKZ pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Hybrid Fleet
2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT
Edmunds Suggested Price$29,896
Base
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A
Edmunds Suggested Price$35,739
Hybrid Reserve
2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT
Edmunds Suggested Price$41,141
Also consider these sponsored cars
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Lincoln MKZ.
Trending topics in reviews
- engine
- appearance
- seats
- sound system
- interior
- comfort
Most helpful consumer reviews
5/5 stars, You can't get any better...
Gary C.,
Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I bought a 2020 Lincoln MKZ 3.0 Turbo in August. This car has every bell and whistle you can imagine. It even has the reclining panoramic roof which makes the car like a convertible. The fit and finish of the car is excellent. The 3.0 V6 Turbo will blow your hair back with 350 HP. It also has the Revel Ultima stereo system which sounds amazing. The ultimate option is the massaging seats which massage you from every angle. I have owned Infinitis, Jaguars, and Acuras and this car by far beats them all! Major bang for your buck here! I get compliments on this car and the beautiful lines all the time! I consider myself and huge converted Lincoln fan here!
5/5 stars, Get this car you sleeping on the MKZ
D.Fraser,
Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
For the features and looks you cant go wrong for the price plus i got the panoramic sunroof the who top slides back not to many cars have that automatic parrell parking remote start great car wish it had more power though love my V8s but good on gas good car overall
5/5 stars, Bought the exact 2020 Lincoln MKZ I found here!
Lincoln MKZ Turbo Reserve Fan,
Reserve 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I had checked with 2 Lincoln dealerships for the exact 2020 Lincoln MKZ 2.0 Turbo model I wanted but they didn't have the color and options I had settled on when I built my car online. So, I searched on Edmunds and found the exact car I wanted with the Iced Mocha exterior and Cappucinno interior, and Revel 14 speaker sound system. It was sitting at another dealership only 12 miles away. I scheduled a test drive two days later and loved the car. Based on the Edmunds suggested price, I negotiated with the sales rep on Saturday & Sunday, and on Monday morning they met my price (nearly $900 below Edmunds' recommendation) and I got Lincoln financing at 72 months with 0% interest! Couldn't be happier!
5/5 stars, I got a sedan, why
Bill,
Hybrid Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
It is very quiet and smooth. I can flat tow it behind my motor home, and it gets 41MPGs.
Helpful shopping links
Safety
Our experts’ favorite MKZ safety features:
- Blind-Spot and Cross-Traffic Alert
- Warns drivers of objects within the vehicle's blind spot and of cars approaching from behind.
- Driver Alert System
- Alerts the driver to the possibility that he or she may be too tired to continue based on driving behavior.
- Enhanced Active Park Assist
- Helps drivers into and out of parking positions by taking over the steering.
Lincoln MKZ vs. the competition
2020 Lincoln MKZ
2019 Buick LaCrosse
Lincoln MKZ vs. Buick LaCrosse
Like the MKZ, the LaCrosse offers different engine and powertrain combinations. Its highway ride is more comfortable, though it can't match the MKZ's handling capability. In general, both of these luxury sedans give you a lot of features for your money.
Lincoln MKZ vs. Lincoln Corsair
These two Lincoln Motor Company vehicles aren't of the same form factor, but they do share similar pricing and equipment. Their powertrains and infotainment systems are identical, for example. So if you like the Lincoln look and feel but want a crossover to sit higher and maybe go off-road, the Corsair makes a lot of sense.
Lincoln MKZ vs. Ford Fusion
The Fusion and MKZ are corporate cousins and share many attributes such as powertrain, infotainment systems and size. But there are some differences: The Fusion has a less luxurious interior and a sportier ride, while the MKZ uses higher-end materials and features a more comfortable suspension setup.
People who viewed this also viewed
FAQ
Is the Lincoln MKZ a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 MKZ both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. You probably care about Lincoln MKZ fuel economy, so it's important to know that the MKZ gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg to 41 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the MKZ ranges from 11.1 to 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lincoln MKZ. Learn more
What's new in the 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Lincoln MKZ:
- Minor changes and updates to standard and optional equipment
- Part of the second Lincoln MKZ generation introduced for 2013
Is the Lincoln MKZ reliable?
To determine whether the Lincoln MKZ is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the MKZ. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the MKZ's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2020 Lincoln MKZ a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Lincoln MKZ is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 MKZ and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 MKZ is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
The least-expensive 2020 Lincoln MKZ is the 2020 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $36,750.
Other versions include:
- Reserve 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $44,500
- Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $42,500
- 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $36,750
- Hybrid Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $42,500
- 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $38,750
- Hybrid Fleet 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $36,750
What are the different models of Lincoln MKZ?
If you're interested in the Lincoln MKZ, the next question is, which MKZ model is right for you? MKZ variants include Reserve 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), and Hybrid Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of MKZ models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more