Pros: Well-designed Hybrid model; one of the quieter cars in the class; striking styling, availability of all-wheel drive
Cons: Touchscreen interface isn’t very user-friendly; interior trim doesn’t quite measure up to class competitors; swoopy styling intrudes a bit on rear visibility and compromises rear headroom
CG Says: For 2015, the Lincoln MKZ sees a minor shuffling of standard equipment and available connectivity (via a built-in 3G modem) to the MyLincoln Mobile smart phone app. MKZ is the gateway into the Lincoln brand. This premium-midsize car borrows some elements of its basic design with the mainstream Fusion produced by parent-company Ford. The Lincoln, though, boasts unique styling, powertrains, and features. Lincoln’s entry-level sedan is a credible competitor in this class whose image is helped by the availability of a gas/electric hybrid model. This Lincoln still doesn’t match most premium-midsize rivals for overall refinement and driving engagement, and the MyLincoln Touch multimedia interface is often glitchy. As a luxury touring car, though, MKZ makes sense for shoppers who put a premium on traditional American nameplates. With judicious option selection, it can also be a good value for the money.
| 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 | Base: $35,190 AWD Base: $37,080 Black Label: $45,555 AWD Black Label: $47,445 Hybrid: $35,190 Hybrid Black Label: $45,555 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 240 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatc |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 31-33 |
| Optional Engine 3.7-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 300 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 18-19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26-28 |
| 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) 39 |
