Ford Taurus vs. Lincoln MKZ

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Taurus 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 Taurus and the Lincoln MKZ.

When we compare the Ford Taurus's and the Lincoln MKZ's specifications and ratings, the Ford Taurus 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 base engine power. The Lincoln MKZ has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Ford Taurus's and the Lincoln MKZ's specifications and ratings, the Ford Taurus is a better car than the Lincoln MKZ.

Pricing: A used 2019 Ford Taurus ranges from $13,500 to $25,808 while a used 2019 Lincoln MKZ is priced between $17,995 to $28,995.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Taurus loses 50.2 percent of its value and the Lincoln MKZ loses 51 percent of its value. This means the Ford Taurus retains 0.8 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 Taurus is 8.4 out of 10 while the Lincoln MKZ's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Taurus being ranked 5 out of 8 Best Large Cars and the Lincoln MKZ being ranked 3 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Taurus is 7.8 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 Taurus.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Taurus’s base engine makes 288 horsepower, and the Lincoln MKZ base engine makes 245 horsepower. The Taurus is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 494 miles. The MKZ is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. This gives the Lincoln MKZ the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Taurus. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Taurus 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 Lincoln MKZ has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

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