Lexus IS250 vs Lincoln MKZ
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2020 Lincoln MKZ
Overview
| Spec | Lexus IS250250 | Lincoln MKZBase |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 250 | Base |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2015 | 2020 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Lexus IS250250 | Lincoln MKZBase |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $36,550 (best) | $36,750 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $6,014 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $18,802 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $20,555 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 4 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Lexus IS250250 | Lincoln MKZBase |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 21 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 30 MPG | 31 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 17.4 gal (best) | 16.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Lexus IS250250 | Lincoln MKZBase |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 204 hp | 245 hp (best) |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft | 275 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Lexus IS250250 | Lincoln MKZBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.8 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | — | 1,000 lbs (best) |
| Payload | 1,169 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,461 lbs (best) | 3,749 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in | 112.2 in (best) |
| Length | 183.7 in | 193.9 in (best) |
| Width | 71.3 in | 73.4 in (best) |
| Height | 56.3 in | 58.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Lexus IS250250 | Lincoln MKZBase |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | 3 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 1 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Lexus IS250 | Lincoln MKZ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 250 $36,550 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $36,750 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 250 $39,085 MSRP | Base $38,750 MSRP |
| 3 | 250 Crafted Line $41,440 MSRP | Hybrid Reserve $42,500 MSRP |
| 4 | 250 Crafted Line $43,690 MSRP | Reserve $42,500 MSRP |
| 5 | 250 C $43,360 MSRP | Reserve $44,500 MSRP |
Live inventory
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Lexus IS250 vs Lincoln MKZ FAQ
- Which is better: 2015 Lexus IS250 or 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2015 Lexus IS250 vs 2020 Lincoln MKZ on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2015 Lexus IS250 or 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2015 Lexus IS250 starts lower at $36,550. Live Lincoln MKZ listings start at $6,014.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2015 Lexus IS250 or 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- The 2015 Lexus IS250 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (36,550).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2015 Lexus IS250 or 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- The 2020 Lincoln MKZ leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (41).
- Which has better horsepower: 2015 Lexus IS250 or 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- The 2020 Lincoln MKZ leads on horsepower in this comparison (245).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2015 Lexus IS250 or 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- The 2020 Lincoln MKZ leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2015 Lexus IS250 vs 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Lexus IS250 (5/5 NHTSA overall); Lincoln MKZ (5/5 NHTSA overall).