Lincoln MKZ FWD
22.5 MPG The 2020 Lincoln MKZ FWD is EPA-rated at 22.5 MPG combined (19 city / 29 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 667 gallons, $2133 a year in fuel, or $0.142 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2007–2020 run it averages 22.2 MPG, improving by 2.5 MPG over 14 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.111 | $1111 | $1667 | $2222 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.133 | $1333 | $2000 | $2667 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.142 | $1422 | $2133 | $2844 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.156 | $1556 | $2333 | $3111 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.178 | $1778 | $2667 | $3556 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.222 | $2222 | $3333 | $4444 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 22.5 MPG | 19 | 29 | $2775 | 399 | 2 |
| 2019 | 22.5 MPG | 19 | 29 | $2775 | 399 | 2 |
| 2018 | 22.5 MPG | 19.5 | 29 | $2775 | 398 | 2 |
| 2017 | 22.5 MPG | 19.5 | 29 | $2775 | 398 | 2 |
| 2016 | 23.5 MPG | 20 | 30 | $2675 | 378 | 2 |
| 2015 | 23.5 MPG | 20 | 30 | $2675 | 378 | 2 |
| 2014 | 24 MPG | 20.5 | 29.5 | $2625 | 377 | 2 |
| 2013 | 24 MPG | 20.5 | 29.5 | $2625 | 377 | 2 |
| 2012 | 21 MPG | 18 | 27 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 2011 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 2010 | 21 MPG | 18 | 27 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 2009 | 21 MPG | 18 | 28 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 2008 | 22 MPG | 18 | 28 | $2850 | 404 | 1 |
| 2007 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Lincoln MKZ FWD ranks 136 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Acura RLX (23), Acura TL 2WD (23), Audi S5 Sportback (23), BMW 535i (23), BMW 535i xDrive (23).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 399 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Lincoln MKZ FWD get?
The 2020 Lincoln MKZ FWD is rated at 22.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 19 city and 29 highway. Across all 14 model years in the database it averages 22.2 MPG, ranging from 20 to 26 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Lincoln MKZ FWD cost in fuel per year?
At 22.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 667 gallons — roughly $2133 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.142 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2020 model is $2775.
Has the Lincoln MKZ FWD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20 MPG in 2007 to 22.5 in 2020 — an improvement of 2.5 MPG, or 13% across 14 model years.
Is the Lincoln MKZ FWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 136 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 4.7 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.