Every year, consumers are treated to a fresh new lineup of sedans all trying to outdo each other. There are two models in particular that are getting a lot of attention this year. In one corner, the 2018 Lincoln MKZ, a midsize sedan that has come into its own after inheriting a new look from the Continental. In the other corner, the Acura TLX, a car that Honda’s luxury division has been honing since it was first introduced a few years ago.
Let’s compare these two sedans for anyone looking to make a new-car purchase this year.
Sedan Showdown: 2018 Lincoln MKZ vs. 2018 Acura TLX
There are three basic things that every sedan driver loves: gas mileage, interior space and performance. So how do these two cars compare in these critical areas?
Gas Mileage
For owners conscious of fuel-efficiency, the hybrid powertrain of the Lincoln MKZ will more than satisfy. The combination of gas and electric power gets an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The gas model also delivers a modest 21 city and 31 highway mpg rating, so it’s by no means an inferior option for owners who prefer a lighter car.
Acura doesn’t offer a hybrid option on the TLX, and its base trim turns in its best fuel economy at 23 city and 33 highway mpg.
Where Lincoln clinches the upper hand is overall value. The MKZ Hybrid doesn’t cost any extra over the gas-powered model. Efficiency is your choice.
Interior Space
Comparing base models, the MKZ edges out the TLX in terms of front head room, front and rear leg room, and front shoulder room. The line between real and imagined comfort is measured in inches, and it’s one Lincoln always intends to win, which is why the MKZ has greater overall passenger volume than the Acura.
Winning by inches doesn’t suit Lincoln, though, which is why MKZ passengers also have the option to enjoy genuine Bridge of Weir™ leather seating, ambient cabin lighting, and a retractable panoramic glass roof. With Lincoln, you should expect luxury unlike any you’ve seen before, and the MKZ was designed to exceed that expectation.
Performance
The standard MKZ engine is a turbocharged 2.0L I-4 that makes 245 horsepower. This engine has a clear advantage over the TLX’s standard 206 horsepower.
Acura lets you upgrade to a V6 for an improved performance, but only up to 290 horsepower. By contrast, the MKZ can be upgraded with a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 that puts out 400 horsepower.
The TLX is available with Acura’s impressive all-wheel drive (AWD) system, but the MKZ is also available with AWD on either powertrain. Send torque to the front and rear wheels for enhanced traction and handling. This option is a great benefit for those who don’t want to hold back on the road.
See the 2018 MKZ in Delray Beach
We looked at gas mileage, interior space, and performance, but you probably have your own measure of what matters in a luxury midsize sedan. The 2018 Lincoln MKZ is for sale in Delray Beach, FL, and our doors are open. Let Schumacher Lincoln of Delray help you make your decision with a test drive.