2020 Lincoln MKZ Review

Name: 2020 Lincoln MKZ
Brand: Lincoln

Price Range: $14,411 - $24,998

2020 Lincoln MKZ Reserve Sedan Exterior Shown

Average

7.4

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

For a luxury sedan, the 2020 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.

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Average price: $19,918

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Appraise My 2020 Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln MKZ model years

Lincoln MKZ for Sale

Lincoln MKZ types

Sedan
Hybrid

Pros

Well-equipped with many standard features
Hybrid model available at no extra charge
Impressively quick acceleration with turbocharged V6 engine option

Cons

Underwhelming interior quality
Short on interior space given its exterior size
Slower-than-average acceleration with the base engine

What's new

Minor changes and updates to standard and optional equipment
Part of the second Lincoln MKZ generation introduced for 2013

Overview

by the Edmunds Experts

8/1/2019

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

23 listings

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2020 Lincoln MKZ
Reserve Sedan
$18,995
good price
$2,079 below market
- 59,541 miles
- 20 City / 29 Hwy MPG
- 37 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Stafford, VA
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
3LN6L5F97LR615939
Stock:
DMV1837
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
New Listing
2020 Lincoln MKZ
Hybrid Reserve Sedan
$18,995
great price
$1,598 below market
- 56,647 miles
- 42 City / 39 Hwy MPG
- 197 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Wall, NJ
REFINED, EFFICIENT, WELL-EQUIPPED, NONSMOKER, LUXURY THAT SIPS INSTEAD OF SLURPS! The 2020 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Reserve continues to prove that a luxury...
Features and Specs:
41 Combined MPG (42 City/39 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
3LN6L5LU6LR603872
Stock:
65548
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
08-04-2026

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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.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Average

7.4

out of 10

We drove the 2020 Lincoln MKZ on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7/10

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.

Comfort

7.4/10

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.

Interior

7.4/10

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.

Technology

8/10

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.

Storage

7.5/10

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.

Fuel Economy

6/10

How’s the fuel economy? 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.

Value

7/10

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

7/10

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.

2020 Lincoln MKZ trim level differences

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. Compare the 2020 Lincoln MKZ trim levels in-depth.

Which MKZ trim 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.

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Make

Model

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Reliability

The 2020 Lincoln MKZ has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #13 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent

#13 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$481/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

0.86x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

9.3%

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V442000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 25S72
Manufactured from:: 2019-04-25 to
Number of vehicles affected:: 200061
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Defect Consequence:: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: unlimited years / unlimited miles

Lincoln MKZ Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.5

34 reviews

5(79%)

4(8%)

3(0%)

2(3%)

1(10%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2020 MKZ Features & Specs

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Hybrid Fleet

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$36,750
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	41 MPG
Cost to Drive	$121/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the MKZ models:

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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger3 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover10.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good