2019 Lincoln MKZ Reviews, Pricing & Specs

By now, the Lincoln MKZ’s shape should look familiar on American roads. Lincoln redesigned the entry-level luxury sedan for 2013 and gave...

By now, the Lincoln MKZ’s shape should look familiar on American roads. Lincoln redesigned the entry-level luxury sedan for 2013 and gave it a comprehensive refresh for 2017. 2019 brings no major changes.

A 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine serves as the base powertrain. It makes 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. It comes with front- (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). There’s also a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 400 lb-ft, mated to the same 6-speed automatic. Horsepower is either 350 with FWD or 400 with AWD. The EPA rated the MKZ for 20 mpg city, 31 highway, and 24 combined for the 4-cylinder FWD model. The larger engine with FWD sees a dip in mileage, with 18, 27, and 21. Mileage also takes a hit with AWD. Drivers can expect returns of 23 mpg city, 29 highway, and 20 combined for the V6 engine. The larger engine will return 17, 26, and 20.

Lincoln discontinued the high-end Black Label trim, leaving the Base, Reserve I, and Reserve II for 2019. The Base trim replaces Premiere and includes many features: 18-inch alloy wheels, remote start, 10-way power front seats, driver seat memory, HID headlights with LED signatures, LED taillights, the SYNC 3 infotainment system with touchscreen and voice recognition, satellite radio, an 11-speaker audio system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 10.1-inch reconfigurable LCD instrument cluster, keyless access and start, dual-zone climate control, 10 cupholders, and leatherette upholstery.

The Reserve I trim throws in premium 18-inch wheels, ambient lighting, genuine wood veneers, leather upholstery, and navigation. Additionally, it unlocks access to AWD, 19-inch wheels, dynamic magnetic suspension, a heated steering wheel, a 14-speaker Revel Audio system, a power moonroof, and heated rear seats.

Finally, the Reserve II trim comes with the 14-speaker Revel Audio setup, multi-contour heated and cooled front seats, a rear-window power sunshade, heated rear seats, and adaptive headlights. It’s the only trim that allows the larger V6 engine. You can also add a 20-speaker Revel Ultima Audio system, LED headlights, and a retractable panoramic roof.

Safety is one of the MKZ’s high points. Every version comes standard with a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, forward-collision warning and assist with pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Stepping up to the Reserve I version gets you adaptive cruise control with a traffic-crawl function, while the Reserve II grade includes an enhanced parking assistant system with front sensors. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) last tested the MKZ in 2018, where it achieved top marks in every crash category along with a superior rating for front crash prevention with the optional safety equipment.

Since competitors like the Acura TLX, Audi A4, and Lexus ES were all recently designed, the Lincoln MKZ is now the oldest vehicle in its segment. But it still offers sharp, distinctive looks and plenty of bang for your premium buck.