Pros: Well-designed Hybrid model; striking styling, availability of all-wheel drive
Cons: Swoopy styling intrudes a bit on rear visibility and compromises rear headroom
CG Says: Lincoln’s midsize sedan gets a significant refresh for 2017, highlighted by a new front-end design that mimics the look of the revived-for-2017 Lincoln Continental. The Lincoln MKZ is powered by a 245-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder or a Lincoln-exclusive twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that develops 400 horsepower in all-wheel drive cars or 350 horsepower with front-wheel drive. There is also Hybrid that pairs a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 188 horsepower. Newly available safety and technology features include Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection; Auto Hold, which can automatically keep the brakes applied after the vehicle is stopped; continuously-controlled suspension damping; and Dynamic Torque Vectoring, which enhances cornering ability. The Lincoln MKZ has been something of an also-ran among most premium midsize rivals, but the available 400-horsepower engine and new refinements should make it a more compelling proposition.
| Class | Premium Midsize Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Lincoln |
| Nation of Manufacture | Mexico |
| Base Prices | Premier: $35,010 AWD Premier: $36,900 Select: $36,760 AWD Select: $38,650 Reserve: $39,510 AWD Reserve: $41,400 Black Label: $47,670 AWD Black Label: $49,560 Hybrid Premier: $35,010 Hybrid Select: 36,760 Hybrid Reserve: $39,510 Hybrid Black Label: $47,670 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 245 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatc |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20-21 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28-31 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 350 (400 with all-wheel drive) |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17-18 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26-27 |
| Optional Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/electric |
| Horsepower 188 |
| Std. Transmission CVT |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 41 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 38 |
ROAD TESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
