Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ is a midsize luxury sedan with seating for five passengers. It represents Lincoln's effort to add genuine upscale styling to a model it shares a platform with (the Ford Fusion). Buyers can choose from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a V6. An MKZ Hybrid was also available during this time period. The MKZ was designed to offer a new look for Lincoln, with a tech-forward attitude and modern design. As a result, the MKZ offered state-of-the-art technology during its eight-year model run.
Explore the evolution of the Lincoln MKZ
Get our expert take on used Lincoln MKZ models, or view year-by-year changes.
Second generation Lincoln MKZ
For the second generation of the MKZ, Lincoln jazzed up the exterior design. The first generation had been somewhat ho-hum in appearance, and Lincoln broke that mold. The new MKZ offered striking dual grilles and a swept-back and sporty demeanor reminiscent of European sport sedans. Buyers had a choice between the base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a 3.7-liter V6. After a midcycle refresh in 2017, a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 replaced the previous V6 and offered even more power. In all cases, the MKZ featured an automatic transmission and the buyer's choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The main selling point of the MKZ was technology. In this era, in-car connectivity and infotainment technology were changing rapidly, so model years matter with the MKZ. The MyLincoln Touch® system was replaced by the much-improved SYNC® 3 in 2017. Also, the MyKey system allows for limited vehicle speeds and stereo volume for teen drivers.
Model highlights
Four-door midsize luxury sedan
Seating for five passengers
Turbocharged four-cylinder or V6 engine
Available hybrid model
Tech-forward design
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2013 - 2020
2020 Lincoln MKZ
2019 Lincoln MKZ
2018 Lincoln MKZ
2017 Lincoln MKZ
Highlights
Midcycle refresh updated exterior and interior styling
Updated SYNC® 3 infotainment interface
Available twin-turbo V6 at 400 horsepower
Learn more
2016 Lincoln MKZ
2015 Lincoln MKZ
Highlights
New Black Label top trim available
Rearview camera became standard
Automatic headlights became standard
Rear parking sensors became standard
Learn more
Looking for 2013 models or older?
CarMax only sells 2014 models and newer. But no matter the year, we'll happily buy your car.
Reliability
RepairPal gave the Lincoln MKZ an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Lincoln MKZ 13th out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Lincoln MKZ is $481, compared to an average of $617 for Luxury Midsize Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Lincoln MKZ owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.9 times per year, compared to an average of 1.4 times for Luxury Midsize Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 9% for the Lincoln MKZ, compared to an average of 13% for Luxury Midsize Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.
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