Overview & Reviews

Associated more with cars driven by your grandmother or a New York chauffeur, Lincoln has struggled in recent years to earn a more prestigious image. One of the most important cars to establishing a new course is the Lincoln MKZ, the brand's representative in the ultra-competitive entry-level luxury sedan category.

The first-generation MKZ wasn't especially successful in its mission, as there was little differentiation between the MKZ and the Ford Fusion upon which it was based. However, the second-generation MKZ represents another chance. Though still mechanically based on the Fusion, there are substantially more visual and mechanical delineations between the two. Unlike before, you'd be hard-pressed to tell they're related. More importantly, though, the new Lincoln MKZ is a far more appealing luxury sedan that can legitimately be considered alongside established players.

Current Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ is completely redesigned for 2013. It's a car that's going to be hard to miss on the road, as the exterior features a boldly styled rear end and a new look for the Lincoln corporate grille. The cabin is also now suitably upscale for this class of car and adapts Lincoln/Ford's latest electronics controls. Under the skin reside new engines and mechanical underpinnings similar to those in the equally new Ford Fusion.

As is the case with an increasing number of other vehicles in its class, the MKZ's standard engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder. It produces a very healthy 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Optional is a 3.7-liter V6 good for 300 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines feature competitive power and fuel economy for the class. They also both come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is optional. The MKZ Hybrid gets Ford's latest gasoline-electric powertrain with 188 combined hp and fuel economy in the mid-40 range.

There is no shortage of equipment, with items like adaptive suspension, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, an 11-speaker sound system and the MyLincoln Touch suite of electronics interfaces gracing the standard features list. High-tech options include a lane-keeping system, a collision warning system, rear seatbelt airbags, adaptive cruise control, an automatic parallel parking system and an enormous panoramic roof that essentially retracts its glass panel atop the rear window.

There's no question that Lincoln has packed on a lot of kit for its newest MKZ. But the end result is a little disappointing. You can still get most of those high-end features on the Fusion, for instance, and for a price that's thousands of dollars cheaper. Placed in comparison with other entry-level luxury sedans, the MKZ also suffers from its finicky MyLincoln Touch electronics interface, underwhelming interior quality and more confining seating.

Overall, the MKZ has some nice qualities, and we like the effort put forth to make it more distinctive than in years past. But shoppers in search of a top entry-level luxury sedan should also take a look at other choices such as the Acura TL, Lexus ES 350 and Volvo S60 before going with this newest Lincoln.

Used Lincoln MKZ Models
The previous Lincoln MKZ was sold from 2007-'12. (Technically, the car debuted for 2006 but was called the Zephyr for that first year.) Like the current MKZ, the first-generation MKZ was mechanically similar to the Ford Fusion of its time period, but there was substantially less differentiation between the two cars. Although the Lincoln had unique front and rear ends, in profile they appeared to be carbon copies of each other. Passenger space was no different, and both felt very similar behind the wheel.

It's important to note that the MKZ received a significant refresh for 2010. Cars produced before then can be identified by their more restrained, squared-off grille. The cabin featured a retro-inspired design consisting of an upright dash, sharp angles and a large horizontal strip of wood. Unfortunately, the quality of materials was barely better than that of the Fusion, and the various buttons and knobs were no different from those found in a Ford.

Under the hood, these MKZ models came with the same 3.0-liter V6 found in the Fusion that produced 221 hp and 205 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission were standard, while all-wheel drive was an option for all but '07. That first-year MKZ was also not available with rear parking sensors or the Sync electronics interface. Stability control was also unavailable until '09, which was a glaring omission in the luxury segment.

In general we would not recommend the MKZ in these early years. We don't think the changes made for 2010 were enough to make it a compelling alternate to Audis or BMWs, even though the MKZ was indeed greatly improved.

For that 2010 update, Lincoln ditched the retro feel for a more contemporary approach. The materials were improved, the myriad buttons and knobs were now unique to Lincoln and the number of standard features increased. The exterior transformation was less significant, but it did adopt the more dramatic waterfall grille and bolder headlights inspired by other Lincoln models at the time.

Under the hood, the MKZ received a new 3.5-liter V6 that produced 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Once again, a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive were standard, with all-wheel drive an option. This powertrain was shared with the special Fusion Sport model, but now it at least produced sufficient power for the class.

Also new was a Sport Appearance package, which despite the name actually provided a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels that made the MKZ surprisingly fun to drive. The ride was a bit firm, though, so most consumers will likely prefer the more comfortable standard setup that still provides fairly nimble handling.

For 2011, the MKZ Hybrid debuted. This, not surprisingly, applied the MKZ's styling and cabin to the Ford Fusion Hybrid powertrain. A combination of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, electric motor and battery pack produced a total of 191 hp and returned 39 mpg combined. That made it the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan of the time.

In total, a used Lincoln MKZ produced between 2010 and 2012 will get you a lot of equipment for the money and a car that's surprisingly fun to drive despite the reputation of its brand. However, most other luxury sedans are still more desirable overall, and a loaded Ford Fusion will bring with it much of the same attributes for even less money.

User Reviews:

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  Nice Car, Worth Checking Out - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By Ken_W - May 10 - 12:40 pm

  I traded an 06 Zephyr for an 09 MKZ. I obviously liked the Zephyr well enough to come back for more! While the 06 was a bit underpowered, the engine change back in 07 took care of that. They finally added vehicle stability control in the 09. The MKZ is a good balance of price, comfort, and features.Gas mileage on my Zephyr averaged 24 mpg combined, the MKZ is already matching that with less than 2000 miles on it. Im no hot rodder, but I dont waste any time on the road. MKZ isnt for everyone, but its worth a look!

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  Trying too hard - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By Donald Geeze - March 25 - 11:57 pm

  Beautiful and unique exterior. Luxurious interior. Quality of interior materials still not up to the Lexus ES standard. Very quiet when cruising, but unpleasant engine noise on acceleration, and does not accelerate nearly as well as the Lexus ES hybrid. Electronics do all the things youd like, if you can figure out how to use them. Excessively non-intuituve inputs for simple commands. The drivetrain and the design of the electronics interface need work. Whats wrong with simple buttons and knobs? Back seat is hard. Still a tempting car with its comfort and appearance.

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  MKZ Hybrid 2013, review, Edmunds is off the mark - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By dreamless - March 25 - 2:19 am

  When reading reviews, make sure the person has actually driven the car, and the competition. I test drove this car as well as the Lexus ES 300h, Mercedes C class 300 4 matic, Mercedes E class 350, Audi a6, and the BMW 3 series. Most of the professional reviews seem to be written by [non-permissible content removed]. After test driving them all by far the best overall was the Lincoln MKZ (hybrid). It was as comfortable as the Lexus ES350, It has more tech then any in its class or above it (deserves a 5 in that category), The Merc C class looks like a childs toy and feels like one comparitively. And it has the highest gov safety rating, stops sooner then EVERY CAR in its class, also should be 5.

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  2013 MKz - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By ssgmike - March 22 - 8:08 pm

  My wife and I had 2 cars sitting in the driveway with one being a 2012 Ford Fusion with a lease expiring in March and also a 2011 Infiniti G37x which expires 9/2014. Last week we were out driving and passed by a Lincoln dealer, stopped in saw the one in the showroom, handed them the keys to our Fusion and drove out 2 hours later in our brand new 2013 MKz. Love the car, the style and quality seemed built into. The ride, the power for a 2.4 is outstanding. I have 2 Veteran friends who also have the MKz and love it. Have been riving Infinitis since 2003 and was seriously considering going for the new Q50, well seems I will be turning in our G early summer and staying with the Lincoln.

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  Bought Used - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Don - March 11 - 8:20 am

  Purchased the MKZ used with 120,000 miles. vehicle is solid runs feels and looks great. Comfort is excellent. The only thing I noticed is that at lower speeds right around 20 miles per hour there is a vibration. It seems to warm up and stop doing this after it drives a while. As you speed up it stops. I’ve read that a new rear 2 piece drive shaft will fix this issue. The 2 piece drive shaft is 433 dollars for the part. In almost all cases this has fixed the problem. Wish Lincoln would make a recall but they have not done so yet. In any event I plan on replacing the driveshaft part from this website. https://www.wholesaleimportparts.com/Lincoln_MKZ_Driveshaft.php?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnuDTBRDUARIsAL41eDrjw9QT5f1Y4eykQY6ROt8YgggtZyArrxXtCoVYsACxGu_-zne2XlcaAgwVEALw_wcB Hope this review helps. The car is really fantastic. I’m very happy with it. At 120,000 miles it still looks and rides great. I will post again when my part is replaced.

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  Lincoln???? - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By Thomas R. Barnes - March 8 - 5:00 pm

  Made me love a Lincoln. I definitely plan on replacing this car only with another Lincoln MKZ in the future.

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  2016 Bronze Fire Hybrid - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By Rick - March 7 - 4:37 am

  I cannot understand the critics.. interior is NOT the cheap looking space they claim.. I am very happy with my new baby!.. driving in pouring rain, the headlights do cut thru and give you good sight.. the headlights turn as you are turning and follow the path.. the outside mirrors are coated and seem to cut the glare of the headlights following.. Take a little time and the 4 quads of My Lincoln Touch... is NOT the bad thing that the critics complain about.. Overall this car is fun to drive and a nice looking vehicle.. Its about as much a comparison to a Fusion as the Lexus are to the Camry..

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  LOVE my MKZ Hybrid! - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By stacih - March 1 - 3:52 am

  The MKZ Hybrid is an amazing and beautiful vehicle. For me, I average in the city, 56 to 62 miles per gallon and 45 to 50 on the highway. The technology is, at times, unbelievable. Lincoln did a fantastic job with this car. I have had my new car now for about three months, and have absolutely no complaints. My hybrid is fully loaded...the only thing it does not do is tell me hello when I get in...which would be pretty cool :) I have read the review here on Edmunds and was shocked that the complaint was interior space. I do not find this to be true. Also, I like the simplicity mixed with the luxury on and in this vehicle. The exterior is sexy and beautiful...buy one you will love it!

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  Great Deal - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Rip Reed - February 17 - 2:23 am

  I have had this car for almost one year and I cannot express how happy I am with it. The ride is quiet and smooth.

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  Great Dark Horse Luxury Car - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By Matt - February 15 - 3:02 am

  This car is truly the dark horse of luxury cars. Ive owned everything from recent Mercedes, Lexus, BMW, model cars. Overall, the 2016 Lincoln MKZ is the best value. Heres why: Unlike Mercedes, Lincolns dont cost an arm and a leg to fix. I also want to be DIFFERENT and not drive the stereotypical "Mercedes". Compared to the BLAND styling of current Lexus models, this car is a killer! Beautiful lines, design, and interior. Sure, the 2.0 Hybrid model doesnt perform like a BMW, but the MKZ will get 40MPG, take 87 octane, and rides more luxuriously IMO. I am very proud that our country makes a luxury car that goes toe-to-toe with imports! Great job Lincoln. The 2016 MKZ is a winner.