2010 Lincoln MKZ
- 2009 Lincoln MKZ
- Used Lincoln MKZ
Based on analysis of 48 MKZ reviews and test drives.
Lincoln MKZ - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Lincoln MKZ ranks 16 out of 17 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 48 published reviews and test drives of the Lincoln MKZ, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Refreshed for 2010, the Lincoln MKZ is a solid choice for those looking for a spacious, comfort-oriented entry-level luxury sedan. However, it can’t match the athletic driving dynamics of some competitors.
Over the last few years, two distinct types of upscale midsize sedan have emerged. One aims to offer sports car handling and acceleration in a four-door package. It rides a bit hard with its sport-tuned suspension, but offers driving enthusiasts who need four seats a nice compromise between a sport coupe and a family car. The other aims to coddle driver and passengers, isolating them from the road’s imperfections in luxurious surroundings. Though not typically underpowered, it’s tuned for a supple ride and can be whisper-quiet at highway speeds.
The 2010 Lincoln MKZ is decidedly in this second group. Its chief virtues are a quiet, comfortable cabin filled with soft-touch surfaces, a compliant ride and a particularly seamless application of Ford’s exceptional SYNC system (it allows drivers to control most of the car’s climate and entertainment features, as well as any Bluetooth-enabled phones and music players inside the cabin, with voice commands).
Buyers tempted by the handling prowess of the BMW 3-Series or Cadillac CTS shouldn’t bother to look at this car. Buyers interested in the relaxing drive of the Lexus ES or Buick LaCrosse, on the other hand, might find an unexpected answer to their needs in the MKZ. They might even find a way to save some money. Though the base prices of the three cars are similar, the MKZ has been selling for several thousands less in many parts of the country.
Shoppers, however, might also want to look at a pair of more affordable cars. The MKZ is a close cousin to both the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. It shares a V6 engine, transmission and chassis with those two cars, so driving any of the three is a similar experience. The MKZ isn’t identical to either the Ford or Mercury sedan -- its suspension is tuned for a more supple ride, it offers more sound-dampening material and its interior is more upscale. But those impressed with the MKZ might save themselves thousands of dollars by going with a well-equipped Fusion or Milan. There are even hybrid editions of the Ford and Mercury, but not of the MKZ.
The MKZ is offered in just one, very well-equipped trim level. The base MKZ has virtually all of the creature comforts a buyer might want, but a sport package is available to add a little sport to the drive (though it still won’t make the MKZ the equal of the sport sedans some competitors build for this price). A handful of stand-alone technology options, such as an upgraded stereo and Sirius Travel Link with real-time traffic and weather information, can be added.
- "The MKZ is a very nice car, but it has a hard time standing up to its competition, whether American (Cadillac CTS), Japanese (Lexus ES, Acura TL, Infiniti G37), or German (Mercedes-Benz C-class, BMW 3-series, Audi A4). The entry-level Lincoln stacks up best against the Lexus, which boasts similarly cushy ride and handling characteristics that do nothing to feign sportiness."." -- Automobile Magazine
- "If you knock a few grand off the MKZ's MSRP, it stacks up nicely against well-optioned family sedans. Pitted against the heavy hitters in the entry-level luxury segment, though, the MKZ falters." -- Edmunds
- "If you told me Lincoln was going to build a car that would nip at Lexus' heels, I'd tell you that I'll believe it when I see it. If you told me that car would be the MKZ, I don't know if I'd believe it even if I did see it. Well, now I've seen it. And I'm starting to believe it.” -- About.com
- "We wouldn't yet consider the 2010 MKZ a standout among the sea of entry-level luxury sedans, but it will undoubtedly cause potential customers to take a second look.” -- Autoblog
- "This Lincoln still doesn't match the pace-setting Lexus ES 350 for overall refinement, but it's still worthy of consideration for its overall performance, quietness, and available all-wheel drive. Careful option selection also makes MKZ a reasonable value." -- Consumer Guide
MKZ Performance - 7.4 (Good)
The Lincoln MKZ coddles driver and passengers, and isolates them from the road, making driving easy -- but it won’t race your pulse. Its standard V6 engine offers ample power for daily needs, but isn’t tuned for an enthusiastic drive, and its front-wheel-drive architecture makes it comfortable but not athletic. Edmunds speaks for most reviewers when it says, "There's nothing wrong with the way the MKZ drives, but there's nothing exceptional about it either." Read More
MKZ Exterior - 7.5 (Good)
The MKZ shares its lines with the more affordable Ford Fusion, but applies Lincoln family design cues like a split grille and large taillights that nearly meet in the center of the trunk. Reviewers say that the car’s sheetmetal has improved compared to the 2009 model, but it still has few fans when compared to poised sport sedans available for similar prices, like the Infiniti G37. “The design is similar enough to the old car that it won't win or lose any fans, but Lincoln did an admirable job of giving the new MKZ a more modern look,” writes Autoblog. Read More
MKZ Interior - 7.9 (Good)
The MKZ aims to coddle passengers more than to seduce driving enthusiasts. It does this with a luxurious cabin, heavy on soft leather and advanced electronics, which may be the car’s best feature. Buyers who are shopping for a midsize luxury car that helps them relax will want to consider the MKZ because of its well-designed interior. Read More
MKZ Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
The 2010 MKZ earns excellent crash-test scores -- it’s an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick” and receives four out of five stars in all but one aspect of federal government crash testing. Its primary safety feature, however, could be the available all-wheel-drive system -- something few Upscale Midsize Cars have to offer. Read More
MKZ Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Lincoln MKZ reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Lincoln covers the MKZ with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. Read More
