Lincoln MKZ vs. Nissan Maxima

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

Lincoln MKZ vs. Nissan Maxima Pricing

A used 2020 Lincoln MKZ ranges from $23,664 to $37,498 while a used 2020 Nissan Maxima is priced between $20,947 to $33,991.

Lincoln MKZ vs. Nissan Maxima Resale/Retained Value

Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lincoln MKZ loses 53.6 percent of its value and the Nissan Maxima loses 52.1 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Maxima retains 1.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Lincoln MKZ.

Lincoln MKZ vs. Nissan Maxima Quality Rating

The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Lincoln MKZ is 8.7 out of 10 while the Nissan Maxima's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Lincoln MKZ being ranked 5 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Nissan Maxima being ranked 4 out of 8 Best Large Cars.

Lincoln MKZ vs. Nissan Maxima Reliability Rating

iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Lincoln MKZ is 8.5 out of 10. For the Nissan Maxima the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The MKZ is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles. This gives the Nissan Maxima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lincoln MKZ. The MKZ uses regular unleaded, and the Maxima uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison

The Nissan Maxima, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Lincoln MKZ, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear leg room and cargo space.

Safety Ratings Comparison

When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Lincoln MKZ and the Nissan Maxima have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.