Lincoln is the foremost luxury automaker on the market that the majority of consumers can actually afford to buy. From the Navigator to the Aviator, Lincoln proves time and time again that it knows how to build a vehicle that critics love. The Lincoln MKZ is just yet another example of this.

Some critics even think that the 2020 Lincoln MKZ may be better than the legendary BMW 5 Series, and Consumer Reports seems to agree. The review site gave the MKZ some really great scores. Here’s why Consumer Reports loves the 2020 Lincoln MKZ, and some of its drawbacks.

Why does Consumer Reports love the Lincoln MKZ?

Even though the Ford Fusion will soon be a thing of the past, it has found new life in the Lincoln MKZ. Consumer Reports stated,

“Lincoln’s midsized MKZ luxury sedan is based on the Ford Fusion. That sounds like humble beginnings, but the MKZ leverages this platform’s built-in goodness, striking a welcoming balance of ride comfort, cabin quietness and interior luxury.”

The Lincoln MKZ received an overall score of 89 out of 100. The transmission, braking, ride, noise, front-seat comfort, and interior fit and finish all received a perfect score of 5 out of 5.

The acceleration, emergency handling, and the trunk/cargo area scored 4 out to 5. Two categories earned a lower score of 3 out of 5, and this was the fuel economy and passenger seat comfort. 

Overall, Consumer Reports loved the Lincoln MKZ’s comfortable, quiet ride. The review site also likes the optional AWD, Sync 3 infotainment system, and the standard forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

How does the Lincoln MKZ’s score compare to the competition?

Consumer Reports ranked the Lincoln MKZ as the second-best luxury midsize sedan of 2020. It lost the title for the number one luxury sedan to the 2020 Genesis G80. It was a close race, and the MKZ lost by only one point.

Some might think that this means the MKZ is lacking somehow, but that’s not quite the case. There are 79 luxury sedans out on the market now, so coming in second place is a big deal. That means it had to beat out 77 competitors to earn its rank.

The one area that the 2020 Genesis G80 outshone the Lincoln MKZ was the predicted owner satisfaction. The MKZ scored 4 out of 5. Only 71 percent of owners think that they got their money’s worth, which brought it’s score down.

What are the drawbacks?

The Lincoln MKZ’s good looks may also be its greatest hindrance. Consumer Reports states,

“The sleek styling compromises visibility and access, the rear seat isn’t particularly roomy for the class, and fuel economy from the base EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine is unimpressive.”

Riding in the back can feel a bit cramped, and isn’t exactly a pleasant experience for adults. In fact, this was enough to make U.S. News rank the Lincoln MKZ as #9 in the midsize luxury sedan division. The review site also dislikes the subpar cabin materials. 

The other major area that brings the MKZ down is the fuel economy. It only gets a combined 23 mpg. That’s more on par with large SUVs. Since most drivers who buy a sedan do so for the superior fuel economy, this might be a deal-breaker.

Car and Driver hated the way the Lincoln MKZ drives. The transmission shifts slowly, and it doesn’t take well to being driven hard. That being said, for owners who are more sedate while driving, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Overall, the Lincoln MKZ is one of the best luxury sedans on the market, but Consumer Reports recommends consumers buy the hybrid version. It gets better gas mileage and costs the same.