The LINCOLN MKZ comes in a single, very well-equipped trim level that includes a standard 263-horsepower, 3.5L Duratec V6 engine, and a choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Overall, the LINCOLN MKZ offers the best of two worlds; it drives like a rather youthful, sporty sedan, but it comes supremely appointed with real wood trim, Bridge of Weir leather and its interior is luxury-car quiet. The LINCOLN MKZ Hybrid is sold as a separate model-- it uses a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine, which is part of a hybrid system that utilizes electric battery-driven motors to recapture energy lost in coasting and braking, using it to aid gas mileage when accelerating. The LINCOLN MKZ Hybrid's system makes up to 191 net hp, but it's capable of accelerating using only electricity at low speeds and very light loads, or it can cruise using electric power only at speeds of up to 47 mph. The Hybrid also gets a SmartGauge instrument cluster which includes an EcoGuide that helps coach the driver toward better mileage.All LINCOLN MKZ sedans include Sync connectivity, which allows voice-driven commands for smartphones and media players connected through Bluetooth or a USB cable. With it, you can get other services through Sync apps--for traffic reports, turn-by-turn directions, news, or weather, for instance. Heated-and-cooled front seats, a keypad-based keyless entry system, and driver's side power-seat memory settings are also included throughout the model line. The Ultimate Package, gets an exclusive 600-watt THX II-Certified surround-sound audio system that includes a 12-channel amplifier and 14 speakers. It includes DVD Audio capability as well as DVD-viewing capability when the vehicle is parked. There's also a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), packaged with the navigation system, that uses radar sensors to detect either when a vehicle is in the driver's blind spot or when it's in approaching as potential cross-traffic, warning the driver with a light in the side mirror. Other available high-tech features (all included with the Ultimate Package) include rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive headlamps that help aim the beam into corners depending speed and steering input. HD Radio technology is included with the navigation system.
For 2012, LINCOLN has added Sync AppLink, which allows hands-free control of specific smartphone applications, such as Pandora music-streaming. Otherwise, the LINCOLN MKZ lineup carries over mostly unchanged.
- Quiet interior
- the hybrid's class-leading gas mileage
- excellent ride quality
- world-class safety features
- good value
- expanded Sync AppLink features
2.5L 16-valve I4 Atkinson hybrid engineAisin powersplit e-CVT automatic transmissionPermanent magnet electric motorFront wheel drive275V sealed nickel-metal hydride battery150-amp alternator4-wheel independent suspensionFront/rear stabilizer barsPwr rack & pinion steeringPwr 4-wheel ventilated disc brakesRegenerative braking systemDual exhaust system w/chrome tipsENTERTAINMENTAM/FM stereo w/6-disc CD/MP3 changer -inc: (9) speakers, aux input jack, SIRIUS satellite radio w/6-month pre-paid subscription *Satellite radio N/A in Alaska or Hawaii*SYNC voice-activated communications & entertainment system -inc: Bluetooth capability, USB port, audio input jack, 911 assist, vehicle health report, turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic, AppLink
Bridge of Weir leather trimmed seats10-way pwr heated/cooled front bucket seats -inc: 2-way pwr lumbar, driver seat memoryRear fixed bench seat -inc: integrated head restraints, center armrestCenter console -inc: armrest, storage, (2) pwr points, (2) cup holdersFront/rear floor matsLeather wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel -inc: wood accents, speed control, redundant audio controlsInstrument cluster -inc: message center, tachometer, turn signal outage, low oil pressure, door/decklid/hood ajar, SmartGauge w/EcoGuideInstrument panel storage binDelayed accessory pwr shut-offPwr windows -inc: driver/front passenger one-touch up/down, global open with keyPwr door locksRemote keyless entry -inc: integrated key fob, illuminated entry, trunk release, Securicode keypadUniversal garage door openerSecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)Perimeter anti-theft alarmDual zone electronic automatic temp control (DEATC) w/air filterRear window defrosterWood interior door appliques(8) cup holdersGlove boxFront door storage pocketsElectrochromic rearview mirrorOverhead console -inc: sunglass holder, maplight(2) front & (2) rear assist handlesIlluminated visor vanity mirrorsFront/rear dome lampLeather wrapped shift knobSeat back map pocketsGrocery bag hooks in trunk17" x 7.5" 9-spoke machined aluminum w/painted pocketsP225/50VR17 all-season tiresCompact spare tireHigh-gloss black roof ditchChrome beltline moldingSplit-wing grilleQuad headlamps w/autolamp on/off delay controlFront fog lamps w/bright bezelsLED tail lampsPwr heated mirrors -inc: chrome accent caps, security approach lamps, integrated spotter mirrors, memory, driver-side electrochromicSolar tinted glassAcoustic laminated windshieldVariable speed wipersChrome door handlesEasyFuel capless refueling4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS)Brake actuated traction controlAdvance Trac w/electronic stability controlMyKey system -inc: top speed limiter, audio volume limiter, early low fuel warning, programmable sound chimes, Beltminder w/audio muteDual stage driver & front passenger airbags w/occupant classification systemDriver knee airbagFront side impact airbags1st & 2nd row side curtain airbagsReverse sensing systemSOS post crash alertPersonal safety system -inc: crash sensing system, restraint control moduleLower anchors & tethers for children (LATCH)Rear door child safety locksEmergency trunk releaseTire pressure monitor system (TPMS)US NHTSA CRASH TEST RESULTS:
Overall Rating:

Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating:

  Driver (Male):

  Passenger (Female):

Frontal Crash Test Note: Not Applicable
Note: Not Applicable
Overall Side Crash Rating:

Side Barrier Rating:

  Driver (Male):

  Rear Passenger (Female):

Side Barrier Rating Note: Not Applicable
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat (Female):

Combined Side Barrier and Pole Ratings:
  Front Seat Rating:

  Rear Seat Rating:

US NHTSA ROLLOVER RESISTANCE RATING:

  Dynamic Test Result: No Tip
  Risk of Rollover: 10.5%
Note Regarding Driver Rating:
Male: Average sized adult male dummy in 35-MPH crash into fixed barrier. Rating is evaluation of injury to head, neck, chest, legs. Female: Small-sized adult female dummy in 35-mph crash into fixed barrier. Rating is evaluation of injury to head, neck, chest, legs.
Rollover Note: Dynamic (moving) test results (Tip or No Tip) and measured rollover-related properties determine vehicle's risk of rollover in single vehicle crash and its rollover rating. The Rollover Resistance Rating utilizes a "fishhook" maneuver which is a series of abrupt turns at varying speeds to see how "top-heavy" a vehicle is.