2010 Lincoln MKZ
by Jim Prueter -08/2009

Restyled MKZ is better but still not a standout

This is the first redesign of the entry-level Lincoln MKZ since it was launched as an all-new product (then called Zephyr) in the autumn of 2005 for the 2006 model year, along with siblings Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. So when Ford also revamped Fusion and Milan for 2010, it was a natural extension to also update the MKZ.

The MKZ is the luxury offering of the trio and style-wise, looks the part. For starters, designers at Lincoln decided the massive split “angel wing” grille would be the focal point of the vehicle. Not surprising since that clear DNA evidence is also found in Lincoln’s full-size MKS sedan and soon to be released MKT full-sized crossover.

Unfortunately for Lincoln, the rest of the vehicle is rather generic and undifferentiated from Fusion and Milan until you get to the back, where larger taillights distinguish it from its siblings. But given the price difference of the three, there doesn’t seem to be enough product difference as you move up the Ford food chain.

One could argue that the MKZ/Fusion comparison is analogous to the Lexus ES 350/Toyota Camry relationship, ditto the Honda Accord/Acura TL and Nissan Maxima/Infiniti G37. But those vehicles seemed to have worked harder at the details of product differentiation — especially in drive experience, cabin quietness and attention to detail — to justify the price increase.

The entry-level luxury-car class is indeed highly competitive and loaded with excellent choices like Mercedes-Benz C Class and Cadillac CTS in addition to those already mentioned above.

Inside, leather-upholstery is standard, along with heated and cooled front seats, in the decidedly improved styling of the interior. Seating material is genuine Bridge of Weir leather from Scotland, wood accents are genuine swirl walnut, and there’s real aluminum trim around the center stack and instrument panel rather than silvery plastic. Unfortunately the grained vinyl on the armrests and seatbacks aren’t convincing and are noticeably out of place. We also think the manual parking-brake lever between the driver’s seat and center console looks cheap in this class of vehicle.

The interior isn’t the largest and taller drivers would appreciate more room up front. The MKZ’s low-profile roofline reduces headroom in the backseat, especially when equipped with the optional moonroof.

For 2010, MKZ is available in just one well-equipped trim level with a choice of all-wheel drive for an additional $1900. A 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission is the only powertrain available. Fuel economy is rated at 18/27 miles per gallon city/highway and the all-wheel drive version reduces those ratings to 17/24 mpg.

Acceleration feels sub par when compared to other vehicles in this class. Lincoln claims a zero-to-60 time of 7.1 seconds. The 302-horsepower V-6 equipped Cadillac CTS reaches 60 mph in a quick 5.8 seconds, the Lexus ES 350 in 6.5 seconds with better fuel economy.

To Lincoln’s credit, however, handling is night-and-day different from the Zephyr. The car clings to corners that would unsettle other vehicles in this class, most noticeably the Lexus, without sacrificing ride quality. Parking, brakes, steering feel and response are excellent and among MKZ’s better qualities.

Lincoln offers an optional Sport Appearance Package ($795) that includes 18-inch wheels, a firmer suspension, a unique grille treatment, piping added to the leather seats, body-color door handles and unique floor mats. To be fair, I haven’t driven a new MKZ without the firmer suspension so handling could vary with the standard suspension.

Safety gear includes six airbags, electronic stability and traction control and crash-sensing system. In government crash tests, MKZ earned the highest possible five stars for driver and passenger protection in front crashes and for front seat occupant protection in side crashes. It received a second-best four-star rating for rear-seat-passenger protection in side crashes and for rollovers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also awarded the 2010 MKZ its highest “Good” rating in frontal offset and side impact tests.

Despite the numerous improvements of the MKZ over the previous generation, competition in the entry-level luxury market segment is fierce. Added to that is Lincoln’s stigma as a senior-citizen brand, with the average owner close to 70 years old. Lexus, Cadillac, and especially Infiniti and Acura are seen as more hip, youthful, techno-savvy and cool. It will be difficult for Lincoln to reach younger consumers shopping in this class.

Add a few seemingly necessary options like navigation, power moonroof and an upgraded audio system to the $34,995 base price and you’re quickly above $40,000. We think that while added improvements for 2010 make for a better vehicle, MKZ still isn’t on par with competition in this class.