Likes - Good performance
- A bargain (considering the equipment)
- Comfortable leather seats
- Upgraded interior and exterior
Dislikes - Road and tire noise
- Some cheap interior plastics
- Somewhat tight rear seat
- Fully loaded models are not as well sorted as many entry level luxury equivalents
Tech Specs - 263 hp & 249 lb feet of torque 3.5 liter V6
- EPA city/hwy mpg: 18/27 FWD and 17/24 AWD
What's New/Changed - New grill
- Headlights and taillights
- Luxurious Interior
The Vehix View - For its affordable price, the Lincoln MKZ is a compelling entry level choice. It is one EcoBoost away from greatness.
First Impressions
Once upon a time, Lincoln was the very definition of cool. They were unique and conjured images of the slick and trendy – back in the “Jet” and “Rocket” age. Performance was quite good (for the day) and Lincolns were legendary for comfort.
Automakers like Cadillac were the main competition.
Today, the folks at Lincoln have sweated the details on their new lineup. Grills, taillights and body panels were carefully crafted to evoke great Lincolns of the past. Unlike Lincolns from yonder-year, this lineup is leaner and meaner with its sights set on competition from Lexus, Infiniti, Acura and Cadillac.
The Lincoln MKZ is the entry level first step in the brand’s arsenal.
2010 models are not all-new; however, new grill and taillights along with a host of upgrades and an excellent interior package round out a very fresh MKZ. The headlights and grill look very similar to the stunning MKS’s and change the entire character of the machine. Taillights are long and narrow, reminiscent of cars like the ’63 Lincoln Continental.
Overall, the design is sleek and provides a link to other Lincoln models.
This is NOT a cushy, mushy Lincoln of the past. This is a vehicle (based on the Mazda 6) that has a completely different character. The style is tasteful, the interior is great and the overall driving feel is not too bad. All the same, the MKZ is not a Lincoln in the classic sense, which is good news for those who want tight and capable. It’s bad news for “sofa on the highway” heavy roller fans, however.
Pricing, Trims and Options
Prices run from $34,115 for the base model front wheel drive (FWD) up to $43,000 for a fully loaded all-wheel drive (AWD) MKZ. There are option packages and various goodies to fit many tastes.
I loved the fact that heated and cooled, sweet-looking, leather-trimmed seats are standard.
SYNC (the multimedia Microsoft, voice activated system) and I have had an on and off relationship. The voice recognition never works right for me, but the integration of electronics is nifty and a worthy option in the MKZ.
System-in-dash screen and single-DVD/CD/MP3 player, DVD-audio and DVD video capability, internal hard disk drive for map, POI storage, nearly 10 GB music jukebox and integrated SIRIUS Travel Link™ are all available options. The Lincoln MKZ can also be equipped with the available THX II Certified Car Audio system with 5.1 Surround Sound System, featuring AM/FM radio, 14 speakers, including two subwoofers, 600 watts, and a single disc CD changer.
Interior Features
Touting Bridge of Weir leather (from a small town in Scotland) seating and a brand new, yet classic looking dash, the Lincoln MKZ is a delightful place to sit. During my testing, I found the seats to be more (yes, more) comfortable than the MKS and MKT’s seats. Honestly.
The Mazda RX8 not only has two rear seats and offers two reverse swinging rear doors (like on extra-cab pickups) for access to those two seats. What matters most is that those seats can hold an average-sized adult fairly comfortably.
Road noise was noticeable at high speeds. The smaller diameter 17 inch wheels were less noisy – and less sporty. Compared to the super quiet MKS and MKT, the MKZ is rather loud.