2020 Lincoln MKZ

The MKZ harbors a 2.0L Turbo 4 cylinder that is capable of a 245 horsepower and a torque of 129-pound feet of torque. The ride quality lacks polish but its an efficient machine, only if you consider the base engine. The Reserve trim offers an optional V6 engine that can take in the competition in a better way. Other small sedans like the Ford Fusion, Buick Regal GS, and Chrysler 300C will put up a grudging fight.

The Lincoln MKZ comes in three different trims; Standard, Reserve I and Reserve II. While all trims come with a monochromic Turbocharged inline-4 engine, you also get n option for a Turbocharged V6 on the top Reserve trim. Though the base trim is brimmed with features, the Reserve trim brings in the extras to upgrade the interior and technology. The Reserve II adds more touches of luxury and swell the tech-savvy features.

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We would suggest you go for the Reserve I trim because of its adaptive cruise control and other luxury additions, plus the low difference in price adds a cherry on the cake.

“Though it isn't the most entertaining car in the luxury sedan segment, the Lincoln MKZ is certainly very drivable with the standard 2.0-liter engine. This engine does make it slower than most rivals, so those who desire a bit of speed might want to look into the more powerful turbocharged V6”- Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

The Lincoln MKZ comes with different powertrains, the base trim harbors 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The standard powertrain can amass a maximum of 245 horsepower and 275-pound feet of torque. As you climb up the trim ladder, the Reserve II trim comes with an optional 3.0L V6 engine mated to the same 6-speed automatic transmission that cranks out 350 horsepower and 400-pound feet of torque. Another hybrid powertrain also bags the MKZ lineup but that’s the thing for another review.

Acceleration

The MKZ feels peppy under lower speeds, which makes it ideal for city maneuvering, however, it hardly meets the highway’s demands for power. It's only good enough to carefully maintain your speed and let the bog guns pass by. Hence, the MKZ completes the 0 to 60 mph test in an unimpressive 7.6 seconds.

Ride and Handling

The MKZ is the most fun to drive a car in the luxury sedan market though it is not the most powerful them all. The steering is fairly light which gains a little heft when you punch the Sport mode. However, the steering is devoid of any feel and delivers no road communication you have minimal knowledge of what the car is doing under you. The MKZ handles well and holds on its own in the corners, courtesy of standard adaptive suspension. It’s not sporty but can pull a treat when you want. The gear shifts are smooth plus the car holds the gear, you are not lost between the gears.

Braking:

This Lincoln is one of the heaviest cars in this segment with a curb weight of 3,871 lbs. The pedal feels engaging with the apt response time. Hence, the brakes are easy to modulate and will tackle the city’s constant stops with no sweat. The car has a stopping distance (60-0 mph) of 113 feet which is again notable for its weight and size.

From the standard powertrain, you can expect a 21 mpg and on the highway, it swells to 31 mpg, so you can expect to save a few bucks on the gas station. However, the optional V6 engine goes downhill as far as mileage goes. The city mileage for the V6 engine is 18 mpg and on the highway way 27 mpg, so it's your choice between power and economy.

“The MKZ's interior has several appealing virtues, but it's outclassed by top luxury rivals. Although there is more than enough space up front, the sleek, sloping roof limits rear headroom. Avoid the panoramic sunroof if you plan on transporting tall adults in the back seat regularly”-Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

Lincoln had great plans MKZ’s exterior but the interior does not share the same enthusiasm. The MKZ’s interior is still inclined to its Ford Fusion roots. It may compete with the top dogs as far as looks go but the cabin is more substance than style.

The car comes in three themes namely, Chalet, Vineyard, and Thoroughbred. The comfort level inside the MKZ is elevated by the cozy leather seats that come with 8-way power adjustments for height, lumbar, etc. The seats are also heated to multi-levels. The rear seats come with folding armrest and split-folding rear seatbacks and rear ventilation ducts.

Interior Features:

• 8-way power-adjustable front seats with a heating feature
• Front seats with lumbar support
• Leatherette
• 4 one-touch power windows
• Cruise Control
• Rear parking sensors
• Rearview Camera
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Interior air filtration
• Climate Control
• 11 total speakers
• Updated Infotainment system

Infotainment System

The MKZ features an 8-inch infotainment screen featuring an 8-inch touch screen. The system is responsive and easy to use however, sometimes it can feel a little confusing to use features that could have been simple to use. Though, it’s better than the earlier jargon-phobic MYLincoln Touch system. You have smartphone connectivity like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Cargo Capacity

While cargo space might not be on the priority list of an MKZ buyer, it's still something you wish to know. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has a cargo space of 15.1 cubic feet, which is competitive but not the best. Other luxury centric cars like Buick Regal and Chrysler 300 C deliver a tad more cargo space than the Lexus.

“The 2018 Lincoln MKZ says luxury outside, not inside”- The Car Connection

Design and Dimensions

The MKZ’s exterior aesthetics speaks a story and a luxurious one, something which is absent in their interiors. It might be based on the Ford Fusion the MKZ has its own persona with a Jaguar like front grill which also exudes an uncanny resemblance to the brand's continental flagship. Lincoln has done a great job of styling the pale metal sheet on the MKZ and beat it into a delicious looking car, the one thing which the Fusion lacks.

The Lincoln MKZ is one of the largest and heaviest cars in this segment. Its dimensions are rated at 194.1 in length, 73.4 in width and 58.1 in height, making it second in terms of a length behind the Toyota Avalon and first in terms of width and height, giving it the presence of a luxury executive. The MKZ also has a curb weight of 3,841 lbs. making it the second heaviest car among the four behind the Infinity Q50 Hybrid.

Exterior Features

• Autolamp automatic on/off headlamps
• Remote Start System
• Power-adjustable/manual-folding, heated side-view mirrors with memory, integrated blind spot mirrors
• LED turn signal indicators
• Hands-free entry
• Rear defogger
• Variable Intermittent Wipers
• 18” alloy wheels

Lincoln bags the MKZ with a series of advanced safety features but the total vehicle cost skyrockets to a hefty number. NHTSA is yet to crash test the MKZ but the yesteryear’s numbers are pleasing. Since the car has not undergone any major changes the same could be said for 2020’s MKZ.

• Front-seat side airbags
• Driver and front-passenger knee airbags
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children)
• Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System (excludes spare, when equipped)
• Intelligent Access with push-button start
• SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System
• Side-curtain airbags3 with roll-fold technology
• MyKey® technology to help parents encourage responsible driving

Ford Fusion V6 vs Lincoln MKZ

Though Lincoln modeled the MLZ on the Fusion, so both cars have their fair share of similarities and differences. The Fusion is more humble and less luxurious than the MKZ in every way, though it’s also a tad roomier and features a bigger trunk. In terms of features, the Fusion can hardly beat Lincoln. From the inside, the Fusion is a lot different, it features a rotary knob to control the infotainment while the MKZ has independent switches to control the features.

However, Fusion parleys luxury at a convenient price. Ford gives a V6 engine for a similar price where Lincoln offers the Inline-4.

Chrysler 300C vs Lincoln MKZ

Chrysler 300 C is the American rival is all up to take the luxury segment back to Chrysler’s lap. The Chrysler 300 C is more expensive and adds a V8 engine to spice up the powertrain and multiply the fun. The infotainment is intuitive and easy to use in the 300C plus there is a sweet sound backing your experience in this Chrysler. As far as the economy goes, the curse of power precedes the 300C as its fuel economy is much lower than that of the MKZ. As for the looks and luxury, Lincoln did a better job than Chrysler.

The 2020 Lincoln MKZ looks like a gentleman’s ride by all means. It's stunning from the outside as well from the inside, to sum it with the impressive mileage it serves the complete purpose of a luxury sedan. However, the performance of the car in terms of power falls short compared to the other sedans in the stable. You can upgrade your MKZ with a bigger engine but that will cost you more money. Hence, you get a better bang for your buck with the rival cars.