A Closer Look at the 2017 Lincoln MKZ

Agile handling, a plush interior, and an eye-catching exterior make the 2017 Lincoln MKZ an exciting entry in the category of midsize and luxury sedans. This is the second generation in the Lincoln line of sedans, [1] and it comes with a facelift through three trim models: The Reserve, Select, and the Premier. They start at $39.760, $36.920, and $35,170, respectively, and a hybrid, fuel-saving version is available with every trim option.

Checking out the Basics

The MKZ has a more luxurious interior that’s smaller in comparison to the competition, and it shares the same wheelbase and chassis as the Ford Fusion. Seating accompanies five with 10-way power front seats, besides heating in the Reserve Trim model. The exterior finish is available in 10 color options, and customers can pick between leather or soft cloth upholstery. Furthermore, the car has 15.4 cubic feet of space in the trunk, which is above average for this category, and there are multiple 18 and 19-inch wheel options.

Gas Mileage and Performance

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has a base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that puts out 245 horsepower as well as 275 pound-feed of torque. If more power is your main concern, there’s V6 engine option with 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. In each case, you get an automatic six-speed transmission. Lastly, the hybrid version with a 2.0-liter Atkinson engine comes with a continuous electronic transmission, 188 horsepower, and increased fuel economy.

According to Fuelly.com, the hybrid engine configuration gives you an average fuel efficiency of 35 mpg, the V6 offers 25 mpg, and the base 2.0-liter engine delivers 25 mpg. [2]

Features

A touch screen is a standard option on the MKZ and part of an upgraded voice-control compatible Sync 3 infotainment system that much easier to use. In addition to that, there’s an 11-speaker system with premium drivers or the choice of a Revel Ultima system with 20 speakers for a Reserve Trim model.

Other options include the choice between a powered moon roof or a retractable panoramic glass roof, voice navigation, heated steering, all-weather mats, windshield wiper de-icer, and auto high-beams.

There are also many standard safety features such as anti-lock disc brakes, a rearview camera, and front knee, side curtain, and front side airbags, besides an automatic 911 feature when airbags are deployed.

The Lincoln MKZ is also available with a special technology upgrade featuring adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and parking assistance.

Pros and Cons

Overall, the 2017 Lincoln MKZ has only a few real cons and an overwhelming number of pros. It’s modern exterior styling, and color options will attract many buyers, not to mention a comfortable interior with an improved infotainment system. Under the hood is a powerful engine, but you can also opt for excellent fuel economy.

The cons of the 2017 MKZ is that it only offers automatic shifting and the smallest engine may feel underpowered. Moreover, seating might be somewhat uncomfortable in the back for larger adults on longer rides. Finally, although the base price is fairly low, add-ons, and premium features can quickly make the car quite expensive.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_MKZ
[2] http://www.fuelly.com/car/lincoln/mkz/2017?engineconfig_id=341&bodytype_id=1&submodel_id=