Lincoln MKZ vs. Lincoln Continental

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

When we compare the Lincoln MKZ's and the Lincoln Continental'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, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Lincoln Continental has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Lincoln MKZ's and the Lincoln Continental's specifications and ratings, the Lincoln MKZ is a better car than the Lincoln Continental.

Pricing: A used 2020 Lincoln MKZ ranges from $20,943 to $32,439 while a used 2020 Lincoln Continental is priced between $25,897 to $45,987.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lincoln MKZ loses 51 percent of its value and the Lincoln Continental loses 54.3 percent of its value. This means the Lincoln MKZ retains 3.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Lincoln Continental.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Lincoln MKZ is 8.6 out of 10 while the Lincoln Continental's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Lincoln MKZ being ranked 3 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Lincoln Continental being ranked 3 out of 24 Best Luxury Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Lincoln MKZ is 8.5 out of 10. For the Lincoln Continental the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Lincoln MKZ a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Lincoln Continental.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Lincoln MKZ’s base engine makes 245 horsepower, and the Lincoln Continental base engine makes 305 horsepower. The MKZ is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. The Continental is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 468 miles. This gives the Lincoln MKZ the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lincoln Continental. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Lincoln Continental, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

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