The Lincoln MKZ may be built on the same platform as the Ford Fusion, but the sedan’s striking sheet metal, serene cabin, and upscale features make Lincoln’s sedan more in-line with offerings from German rivals. The American sedan’s healthy amount of driver-assistance features is also impressive, as are the MKZ’s powertrains, which range from fuel-efficient to muscular. Consumers looking for a luxurious, comfortable sedan will find a lot to like with the 2018 Lincoln MKZ.
What's New for 2018
Besides the addition of four new paint schemes, the MKZ enters the new model year without any significant changes.
Choosing Your Lincoln MKZ
The MKZ is available with two gasoline-powered engine options (the MKZ Hybrid is covered separately). The base engine option is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that’s paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Drivetrain options for the 2.0-liter engine include front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as a $1,900 option.
The next step up is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 motor that generates 350 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque for front-wheel-drive models and 400 hp for all-wheel-drive variants. The engine is matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Understandably, the MKZ with the turbocharged four-cylinder and front-wheel drive is the most fuel-efficient of the bunch, capable of getting 21 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Opting for the twin-turbo V6 brings fuel-economy figures down to 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models.
The MKZ is available in three models, as well as with a Black Label equipment group.
Opting for the more powerful twin-turbo V6 engine locks consumers into either the Reserve or the Black Label trim, which is a bummer, but the V6 engine, especially with all-wheel drive, fits the character of the luxury sedan more. The MKZ Technology Package is pricey, but adds a suite of tech features that should make the journey more enjoyable. For drivers that enjoy an abundance of natural sunlight coming into the vehicle, the $2,995 retractable panoramic glass roof is a standalone option that should be explored.