Lexus IS300 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 IS300300 | Lincoln MKZBase |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 300 | Base |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2025 | 2020 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Lexus IS300300 | Lincoln MKZBase |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $40,535 | $36,750 (best) |
| 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 IS300300 | Lincoln MKZBase |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 21 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 31 MPG | 31 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 17.4 gal (best) | 16.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Lexus IS300300 | Lincoln MKZBase |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 245 hp (best) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 275 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Lexus IS300300 | Lincoln MKZBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 10.8 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | — | 1,000 lbs (best) |
| Payload | 975 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,715 lbs (best) | 3,749 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in | 112.2 in (best) |
| Length | 185.4 in | 193.9 in (best) |
| Width | 72.4 in | 73.4 in (best) |
| Height | 56.5 in | 58.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Lexus IS300300 | Lincoln MKZBase |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 3 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| 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 IS300 | Lincoln MKZ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 300 $40,535 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $36,750 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 300 $42,535 MSRP | Base $38,750 MSRP |
| 3 | 300 F SPORT Design $42,505 MSRP | Hybrid Reserve $42,500 MSRP |
| 4 | 300 F SPORT Design $44,545 MSRP | Reserve $42,500 MSRP |
| 5 | 300 F SPORT $44,580 MSRP | Reserve $44,500 MSRP |
| 6 | 300 F SPORT $46,620 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
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Lexus IS300 vs Lincoln MKZ FAQ
- Which is better: 2025 Lexus IS300 or 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Lexus IS300 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: 2025 Lexus IS300 or 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2020 Lincoln MKZ starts lower at $36,750. Live Lincoln MKZ listings start at $6,014.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Lexus IS300 or 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- The 2020 Lincoln MKZ leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (36,750).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Lexus IS300 or 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- The 2020 Lincoln MKZ leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (41).
- Which has better horsepower: 2025 Lexus IS300 or 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- The 2025 Lexus IS300 leads on horsepower in this comparison (260).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2025 Lexus IS300 or 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- The 2020 Lincoln MKZ leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Lexus IS300 vs 2020 Lincoln MKZ?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Lincoln MKZ (5/5 NHTSA overall).