2017 Lincoln MKZ

Overview

The Lincoln MKZ is a quiet and composed luxury sedan that goes from mild to wild depending on the chosen powertrain. These range from an adequate turbocharged four-cylinder, to a fuel-sipping hybrid, to a peppy twin-turbo V-6. This latter option serves up 350 or 400 horsepower, depending on whether the MKZ buyer opts for front- or available all-wheel drive. While it won’t worry German rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-class and BMW 3 series for hot-lap honors, the MKZ does a commendable job at delivering a smooth ride and hushed cabin.

What's New for 2017?

The first thing you’ll spot on the 2017 MKZ is the front-end design borrowed from Lincoln’s largest sedan, the Continental. Secondly, if you pop open the hood, you might spot a new addition to the MKZ range: a powerful new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. The cabin of the refreshed MKZ is also much improved, thanks to the addition of the SYNC 3 infotainment system.

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Pricing

Original MSRP:

• Premiere: $36,095
• Select: $37,845
• Reserve: $40,595
• Black Label: $48,755

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The attitude of the Lincoln MKZ changes dramatically with the choice of engine. The base powertrain is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that provides 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, though all-wheel drive is optional. This engine is fine for commutes and around-town errands, but its acceleration is nothing to write home about. The new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 makes a grand entrance with a range of 350 to 400 horsepower, depending on whether it’s in front- or all-wheel drive format. We think upgrading to the V-6 and all-wheel drive is worth it for better accelerations and a more rewarding driving experience. Either way, the output is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission. The MKZ is also available with a 188-hp hybrid powertrain that delivers an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in city driving and 38 on the highway. The tradeoff is that the pace and overall performance of the hybrid isn’t up to what many expect in a luxury sedan. In all cases, the suspension is designed more for comfort than handling, so for corner-carving road manners, the MKZ’s German rivals are a better bet.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The updated dashboard design in the 2017 MKZ is a major improvement over the outgoing model. While the base trim still appears too mainstream in terms of material quality, the MKZ’s cabin gets notably better as you climb up the range. Higher trims add features like heated and ventilated front seats, leather seating surfaces, heated rear seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The Black Label models, while pricey, help nudge the MKZ cabin into proper luxury sedan territory thanks to their unique exterior and interior trim and color combinations. While the front seats have plenty of space, rear legroom is a little tight for taller adults. In terms of trunk space, the MKZ has around 15.4 cubic feet of room, which is good for a sedan of this size.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

We are happy to say goodbye to the My Lincoln Touch infotainment system and a hearty hello to the Ford Sync 3 operating system that replaces it in the new MKZ. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard equipment, and the responses of the 8.0-inch infotainment unit are finally worthy of a car with a luxury badge on the front grille. Higher trims are offered with navigation, additional USB ports, voice-activated navigation commands, and a booming 20-speaker Revel audio system.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

For more information about the Lincoln MKZ’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.