Ford Fusion vs. Lincoln MKZ

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Fusion and the Lincoln MKZ.

When comparing the Ford Fusion's and the Lincoln MKZ's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fusion has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The Lincoln MKZ has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. The Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Ford Fusion's and the Lincoln MKZ's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fusion is a better car than the Lincoln MKZ.

Pricing: A used 2020 Ford Fusion ranges from $14,994 to $23,000 while a used 2020 Lincoln MKZ is priced between $20,943 to $32,439.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Fusion loses 42.3 percent of its value and the Lincoln MKZ loses 51 percent of its value. This means the Ford Fusion retains 8.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Lincoln MKZ.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Fusion is 8.7 out of 10 while the Lincoln MKZ's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Fusion being ranked 4 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Lincoln MKZ being ranked 3 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Fusion is 8.2 out of 10. For the Lincoln MKZ the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Lincoln MKZ a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Fusion.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Fusion’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Lincoln MKZ base engine makes 245 horsepower. Both the Fusion and the MKZ are rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Ford Fusion has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ are comparable in regards to front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Fusion and the Lincoln MKZ have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.