Lincoln MKZ vs. BMW X3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Lincoln MKZ and BMW X3 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 Lincoln MKZ and the BMW X3.
When we compare the Lincoln MKZ's and the BMW X3's specifications and ratings, the Lincoln MKZ has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and reliability. The BMW X3 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Lincoln MKZ's and the BMW X3's specifications and ratings, the BMW X3 is a better car than the Lincoln MKZ.
Pricing: A used 2020 Lincoln MKZ ranges from $20,943 to $32,439 while a used 2020 BMW X3 is priced between $23,684 to $39,754.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lincoln MKZ loses 51 percent of its value and the BMW X3 loses 48.6 percent of its value. This means the BMW X3 retains 2.4 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 Lincoln MKZ is 8.6 out of 10 while the BMW X3's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Lincoln MKZ being ranked 3 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the BMW X3 being ranked 1 out of 29 Best Luxury Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Lincoln MKZ is 8.5 out of 10. For the BMW X3 the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the Lincoln MKZ a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW X3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Lincoln MKZ’s base engine makes 245 horsepower, and the BMW X3 base engine makes 248 horsepower. The MKZ is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. The X3 is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 499 miles.This gives the BMW X3 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Lincoln MKZ the advantage in maximum range. The MKZ uses regular unleaded, and the X3 uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW X3, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Lincoln MKZ, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Lincoln MKZ and the BMW X3 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$36,750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$63,037
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$25,370 - $130,000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$41,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$45,123
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$33,500 - $73,400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$26,652
Price Range:
$20,943 - $32,439
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$44,278
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$23,996 - $77,843
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
138
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
45,107
# Good or Great Deals:
42
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$30,703
Price Range:
$23,684 - $39,754
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$34,494
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$24,102 - $55,670
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
393
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
55,673
# Good or Great Deals:
199
Lincoln MKZ Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
BMW X3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lincoln MKZ
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
7.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
4 - 10.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
25.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
8.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
6.7 - 9.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.6 - 32.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
32.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
1 - 32.2
Lincoln MKZ Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
16 out of / 29Ranking
20 out of / 29BMW X3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 68Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
25 out of / 68Ranking
26 out of / 59Ranking
43 out of / 68Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Lincoln MKZ Trim Levels
Reserve, Standard
BMW X3 Trim Levels
M40i, sDrive30i, xDrive30i
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
245 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
275 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1450 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 31 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
330 / 512 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 29 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
430 / 499 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Cargo Space:
15.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
96.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
28.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
62.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
130.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3739 lbs
Width:
83.3 inches
Height:
58.2 inches
Length:
194.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3931 lbs
Width:
84.2 inches
Height:
66 inches
Length:
185.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P245/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Infinite Black
Blue
Empire Blue Tinted Clearcoat
Brown
Iced Mocha Premium Colorant
Gray
Magnetic Gray
Red
Magma Red Clearcoat / Red Carpet Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Silver Radiance Clearcoat
White
Ceramic Pearl Tri-Coat / White Platinum Tri-Coat
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Brown
Terra Brown Metallic
Gray
Dark Graphite Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Glacier Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Green
Dark Olive Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Brown
Cappucino
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching / Black w/ Contrast Stitching
Brown
Cognac w/ Contrast Stitching / Mocha w/ Contrast Stitching
Beige
Canberra Beige/Black / Canberra Beige/Black w/ Contrast Stitching
Gray
Oyster w/ Contrast Stitching