DecodedCars2020 Lincoln MKZ
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2.0l AWD 4dr Sedan, Hybrid 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 41 combined · 42 city / 39 hwy
- Length
- 194.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,878–3,909 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 41 MPG combined — 49% better than the average 2020 midsize car (27.6 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Lincoln MKZ is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,909 lb (2.0l AWD 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 41 MPG combined (42 city / 39 highway), 49% better than the 2020 midsize car average of 27.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,650 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 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 MKZ — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 MKZ →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0l AWD 4dr Sedan | 194.1 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 112.2 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 3,909 lb | 59/41 |
| Hybrid 4dr Sedan | 194.1 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,878 lb | 57/43 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKZ Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 42 / 39 / 41 | +49% | $1,650 | 217 |
| MKZ FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 31 / 24 | -13% | $2,800 | 373 |
| MKZ AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -17% | $2,900 | 384 |
| MKZ FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -24% | $3,200 | 425 |
| MKZ AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -28% | $3,350 | 447 |
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 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.9% |
| 2020 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.9% |
Similar 2020 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Lincoln MKZ (this car) | 41 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Audi A4 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Tesla Model 3 | 330 mi | ★★★★★ | 21 |
Recalls (1)
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Not every 2020 Lincoln MKZ is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Lincoln MKZ buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Seats — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Lincoln MKZ. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MKZ years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 MKZ | 41 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 23 |
| 2018 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 38 |
| 2017 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 158 |
| 2016 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 71 |
| 2015 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 10 | 97 |
| 2014 MKZ | 38 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 13 | 117 |
| 2013 MKZ | 38 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 12 | 101 |
| 2012 MKZ | 38 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 195 |
| 2011 MKZ | 38 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 170 |
| 2010 MKZ | 21 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 150 |
| 2009 MKZ | 21 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 103 |
| 2008 MKZ | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 259 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →