2020 Lincoln MKZ Performance

Most casual drivers will be content with the performance of the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four - it's just fine for propelling the MKZ around without feeling too overloaded or underpowered, whether it be motoring around town or cruising on the highway. Its respectable outputs of 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque spur it from 0-60 mph in a time of just under eight seconds in independent tests. While those power outputs are decent for the class, the 0-60 mph time is to no extent impressive, even for a midsize luxury sedan. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, with its output range of 350 hp and 400 lb-ft, spurs the MKZ Reserve from 0-60 mph in a quicker five seconds or so. It can feel overpowered, however, especially with the front-wheel drivetrain in play, which with heavy throttle inputs, causes prominent torque steer in the front wheels. Fortunately, this sensation is quelled a little by optioning in the available all-wheel drivetrain and it comes with an increase in power as well, adding an extra 50 hp. Offerings from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi deliver far superior straight-line performance, and would be the brands to consider if it's a sporty drive experience that you're looking for.

Despite the 2.0-liter turbo mill's weak acceleration times, its outputs of 245 hp and 275 lb-ft are still good enough for tugging the MKZ around at a competent and smooth pace. The outputs are managed well by the MKZ's standard-fit six-speed automatic gearbox - it delivers swift, smooth shifts while also remaining synchronized with the engine's powerband in most scenarios. It can, however, respond with a slight delay when pushed hard for power, which can be a slight hindrance when taking sharp bends.

The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 is exclusively available for the Reserve, it avails the FWD version with 350 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, improving the MKZ's acceleration times vastly, but at the expense of both handling poise and fuel-efficiency. It shines brighter in the AWD version of the MKZ though, where the power then matches the extra traction, both of which are then also dispersed to all four corners for more balanced propulsion. The six-speed automatic gearbox works great with this engine too, with the engine's extra torque mitigates the need for downshifting when taking bends.

In general, luxury midsize sedans aren't known for particularly great gas mileage returns, but the MKZ comes through less frugal than even some of its sportier counterparts. With the 2.0-liter turbo-four in play, the FWD MKZ returns EPA gas mileage estimates of 20/31/24 mpg city/highway/combined; throwing in the AWD system diminishes those figures to 20/29/23 mpg. Even the performance-focused BMW M340i with its xDrive system is more fuel-efficient, returning EPA estimates of 22/30/25 mpg. The Cadillac CT5 and Lexus ES are both more frugal too, sharing estimates of 23/32/26 mpg. With the 3.0-liter twin-turbo in action, estimates are just dismal, dropping to 18/27/21 mpg with FWD variants and 17/26/20 mpg with AWD variants.

The 2.0-liter engine comes with a 16.5-gallon gas tank while the 3.0-liter has an 18-gallon tank. In FWD guise, the 2.0-liter should power the MKZ onward for around 346 miles before the tank runs dry, and the 3.0-liter for around 378 miles.