2020 Lincoln Continental: Used Luxury Car Bargain or Ford Fusion Imposter?
The 2020 Lincoln Continental was the last model year before Ford and Lincoln discontinued their flagship four-door sedans. The move left General Motors (GM) and Stellantis alone in the gas-powered, production domestic sedan space. Still, it also meant the discontinuation of the storied Continental nameplate, barring some electrified or hybridized reboot. Is the swan-song Continental worth it? Or is it just a 2020 Ford Fusion in a handsome three-piece suit?
Is the Lincoln Continental based on the Ford Fusion?
The Continental, MKZ, and Ford Fusion all ride on the Ford CD4 platform. However, between 2016 and 2020, the Lincoln Continental ran a stretched version of the CD4. As a result, the Continental is longer and heavier than its Blue Oval sibling.
| Length | Width | Height | Curb weight | |
| 2020 Lincoln Continental | 201 inches | 75 inches | 59 inches | 4,224 lbs (FWD) |
| 2020 Ford Fusion | 192 inches | 75 inches | 58 inches | 3,470 lbs (SE FWD) |
Of course, the extra length isn’t just for appearances; the Continental boasts an additional 0.7 cubic feet of trunk volume over the Ford Fusion and generous interior cabin space. While the final Continental sedan might seem needlessly long, it’s a compact compared to its predecessor. For instance, the 1963 Lincoln Continental is as long as 213.3 inches, per Automobile Catalog.
What engine options does the 2020 Lincoln Continental offer?
The 2020 Lincoln Continental boasts three six-cylinder engine options, including a 400-horsepower twin-turbo mill.
| 3.7L N/A V6 | 305 horsepower | 280 lb-ft of torque |
| Twin-turbocharged 2.7L V6 | 335 horsepower | 380 lb-ft of torque |
| Twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 | 400 horsepower | 400 lb-ft of torque |
According to Car and Driver, the 400-horsepower 3.0L Continental comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). As a result, the range-topping, Lincoln-only powertrain option is the most potent domestic AWD sedan for the 2020 model year.
How much is a 2020 Lincoln Continental?
Today, the 2020 Continental has a Kelley Blue Book (KBB) of $30,313 with average mileage. Depreciation like that represents a decrease of over 43% of the Reserve trim’s original value. As a result, the Continental model could be a luxury car bargain.
Still, even with a shared platform with the Ford Fusion, the Continental is a much more posh affair. Specifically, the long-body Lincoln integrates desirable materials, like genuine wood trim, leather, and handsome aluminum. However, Car and Driver points out that the Lincoln sedan keeps some “down-market” plastics from the Fusion and MKZ.
Is the Lincoln Continental worth it?
The 2020 Lincoln Continental is large, luxurious, and the last of its kind. As a result, the model could gain value. However, the Continental’s thirsty V6 engines and high price tag make it a tricky proposition in the face of competitors like a comparably old Chrysler 300 or BMW 5 Series.
