The 2020 Lexus ES300h is easily one of the most comfortable and fuel-efficient luxury sedans on the market. So much so, that it’s really tough for any other brands to compete. However, one of its main rivals is the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which steps up to the plate touting excellent fuel economy numbers, luxurious amenities, and a similar sense of style could possibly lure away potential Lexus buyers. But is the Lexus ES300h efficient enough to hold its own again the MKZ?

The Lexus ES300h vs the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

The 2020 Lexus ES300h is powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine that is mated to a pair of electric motors that provide an extra bit of power upon acceleration and allow the car to be driven on the electric power only but only at really slow speeds. The main electric motor also recharges the 1.6-kWh battery pack that’s constructed of nickel-metal hydride as opposed to lithium-ion and the total output of this system is a 215 horsepower, which is 15 more than the last-generation ES300h system produced from 2013 to 2017.

On the other hand, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is motivated by a 2.0-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that’s mated to an electric motor for a total output of 188 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque. Its driving characteristics are largely the same, but it’s not exactly a rocket ship compared to the ES300h, nor is it more fuel-efficient either. In fact, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid achieves an EPA-rated 42 mpg in the city and 39 on the highway, while the ES300h is rated at 43 cities and 44 highway. So it’s safe to say that the Lexus ES300h is definitely more fuel-efficient than the MKZ Hybrid.

Does efficiency always pertain to fuel economy?

While the Lexus ES300h does beat out the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid in terms of fuel economy, it’s more efficient in other ways. For example, the ES300h bests the MKZ when it comes to rear-seat legroom by two whole inches and it also has an inch more in the headroom department as well. That might not mean much to you, but for anyone that is taller than six feet, every inch counts. As far as cargo volume, Lexus also wins, as the ES300h boasts 16.7 cubic-feet of trunk space as opposed to the MKZ Hybrid’s 11.1 cubic feet. Technically speaking, the Lexus is more efficient at carrying passengers and all their cargo as well.

How much does all this efficiency cost?

Since both cars can be similarly equipped with the same type of driver-assist features and other convenience add-ons, it all comes down to which car can bring you the best value. And unfortunately for Lincoln, the Lexus wins when it comes to pricing as well. The base price for the Lexus ES300h is $41,810, while the MKZ is priced at $42,500.

Load each one of them up, and you’ll likely have to pay more for the Lexus, depending on which feature boxes you end up checking off. However, the overall value that you get with the ES300h, and all of its luxurious amenities and superb ride quality, makes it a much more efficient choice over the Lincoln MKZ hybrid.