Sharing many components with its Ford Fusion stablemate, the Lincoln MKZ lineup continues to offer a dedicated hybrid model.
What's New for 2019
The 2019 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sees no significant changes for the new model year, though the trim levels have been renamed and the Black Label variant is no longer available.
Choosing Your Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid comes with a 2.0-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. Power is routed to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. This system produces 188 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy comes in at an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon city, 39 mpg highway, and 41 combined. The system features regenerative braking, and an LCD display highlights potential energy-saving driving techniques.
Safety and security features on the MKZ Hybrid include a rearview camera, a reverse sensing system, remote keyless entry, knee and curtain airbags, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, LED headlights and taillights, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and heated power side mirrors with turn signal indicators.
Base
The MKZ Hybrid Base model starts at $36,990 (all prices include the $995 destination charge). Standard features include 18-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, remote start, remote access with push-button start, a remote trunk lid release, dual-zone temperature control, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers. The MKZ Hybrid has an eight-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker premium audio system, a Sync 3 infotainment system, satellite radio, an SD card reader, two USB ports, and an audio input jack. Outside of color choice, the only standalone options are a $100 engine block heater, $120 all-weather floor liners, and a $25 cargo net.
Reserve I
Retailing at $39,990, the Hybrid Reserve I justifies its $3,000 price hike with a series of upgrades. These include four-way power lumbar for the front seats, Bridge of Weir leather across the seats, and fade-up ambient lighting. Rear passengers receive a pair of USB ports, while the dash gains voice-activated touchscreen navigation. Side mirrors automatically fold, and the trunk has power open and soft-close functionality. The $3,000 MKZ Reserve Plus Package adds 19-inch wheels, a painted upper grille, aluminum foot pedal covers, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a power moonroof, and a 14-speaker Revel audio system.
Reserve II
There’s a substantial $6,000 jump to the MKZ Hybrid Reserve II trim, though the spec sheet is as impressive as you’d expect from a $45,990 sedan. The Revel audio system from the Reserve I options list comes as standard, as does the moonroof and a rear-window power sunshade. Perforated leather inserts accentuate every seat, the rear outboard seats are heated, and cooling elements and massaging functionality are added to the front seats. An enhanced parking assist system is also standard. Another $4,000 adds the fittingly-titled MKZ Luxury Package, which includes a retractable panoramic roof, upgraded LED headlights, and a Revel audio system with 20 speakers.
While the specification of Reserve I and Reserve II models is undeniably impressive, the base 2019 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid should provide enough creature comforts for most buyers – at a significantly lower price point. The options packs on Reserve models are also on the expensive side, and are unlikely to recoup their value at resale time.