Lincoln MKZ vs. Lexus GS 350

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Lincoln MKZ and Lexus GS 350 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 Lexus GS 350.

When comparing the Lincoln MKZ's and the Lexus GS 350'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 fuel efficiency and overall quality score. The Lexus GS 350 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Lincoln MKZ's and the Lexus GS 350's specifications and ratings, the Lexus GS 350 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 Lexus GS 350 is priced between $32,221 to $43,823.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lincoln MKZ loses 51 percent of its value and the Lexus GS 350 loses 44.3 percent of its value. This means the Lexus GS 350 retains 6.7 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 Lexus GS 350's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Lincoln MKZ being ranked 7 out of 24 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Lexus GS 350 being ranked 3 out of 24.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Lincoln MKZ is 8.5 out of 10. For the Lexus GS 350 the reliability rating is 9.0 out of 10. This gives the Lexus GS 350 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Lincoln MKZ.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Lincoln MKZ’s base engine makes 245 horsepower, and the Lexus GS 350 base engine makes 311 horsepower. The MKZ is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. The GS 350 is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 452 miles. This gives the Lincoln MKZ the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus GS 350. The MKZ uses regular unleaded, and the GS 350 uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Lexus GS 350 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 has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: The Lincoln MKZ has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.