• 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

• Used Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
• Repairs Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid U.S. News Best Cars 7.8
Critics' Rating:	7.4
Performance:	8.0
Interior:	7.6
Safety:	7.1
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Same price as gas-only model
• Excellent fuel economy
• Standard heated and cooled front seats
• Satisfying drive

• Cheap interior materials
• Small trunk
• Fusion Hybrid offers similar features for less

Research Other Years

• 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
• 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

The 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid combines decent performance with excellent fuel economy. However, many upscale midsize cars offer a more luxurious interior.

If you’re looking for a midsize hybrid car that performs well, gets excellent fuel economy and offers plenty of interior bells and whistles, test drivers report that the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid will serve you well. However, that doesn’t mean that the MKZ Hybrid is perfect. Although its bodywork is distinctively Lincoln, the MKZ Hybrid is based on the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which offers a similar interior, albeit without as many standard features, for thousands less.

As a result, not all reviewers believe the MKZ Hybrid is class-competitive. Consumer Guide comments, “This Lincoln still doesn't match most premium-midsize rivals for overall refinement and driving engagement.” Critics note the use of cheap materials inside the cabin, and comment that they expect more from a car that competes with luxury brands.

Still, the cloud has a silver lining, as Lincoln continues to offer the MKZ Hybrid for the same price as the gas-only MKZ. And with the exception of plug-in hybrids, the MKZ Hybrid gets better fuel economy than anything else in its class. So while the 2012 MKZ Hybrid has its quirks, it’s still a compelling choice for hybrid shoppers who want good fuel economy and a long list of standard features.

Other Cars to Consider

If you like the MKZ’s composed ride and excellent fuel averages, but would prefer a sportier package, consider the Lexus CT 200h. It’s a bit smaller than the MKZ Hybrid, but the CT 200h also costs less and gets even better fuel economy.

Many reviewers comment that the MKZ Hybrid’s interior is not noticeably nicer than that found in the Ford Fusion Hybrid. So if you like the MKZ’s performance and fuel economy, and would rather save thousands than pay for a luxury brand, the Fusion Hybrid may be your best bet. The MKZ Hybrid is based on the same architecture, and while reviewers say some software changes make the MKZ Hybrid more rewarding on the road, they also note that the Fusion Hybrid features the same hybrid powertrain.

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: The Details

The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, which provides better fuel economy than its gas-only sibling, the Lincoln MKZ. Only one trim is offered, and it sees few changes for the 2012 model year. For more details, see the full 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid specs.

• "To its credit, the Lincoln MKZ offers … class-leading efficiency with its Hybrid." -- Kelley Blue Book 
• "With nearly identical equipment and efficiency, the MKZ variant offers little more for its approximately $6,000 premium over the Fusion Hybrid." -- MSN
• "Lincoln clearly wants to differentiate itself from the rest of the pseudo-luxury pack by introducing a hybrid that's both affordable and a segment leader in terms of fuel economy. To that end, it has succeeded, but the sedan's cabin needs serious attention if the brand intends to contend with the titans of the market." -- Popular Mechanics
• “The reason you buy a Lincoln MKZ is because you're not a chump--you want luxury, but don't want to overpay for it. The reason you buy a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is because you're not careless--you want luxury, but you also don't want to thumb your nose at the environment to get it." -- CNET
• "Even with its less-than-inspired innards, the MKZ Hybrid has no problem besting its closest competitor, the Lexus HS250h, in every way. With more room and power, a quieter cabin, a comparable MSRP and significantly better fuel economy, it's simply a better vehicle." -- Autoblog