2010 Lincoln MKZ Review

PROS  Nice interior, Ample room for four adults, Nice ride and handling balance

CONS  Headroom can be tight for those more than six-foot tall, Slightly buzzy engine

At one time, nearly all premium midsize cars were front drive, V6-powered sedans. That's not the case today as a bunch of four-cylinder and wagon variants have popped up. Still, the majority of vehicles fit the traditional mold and the Lincoln MKZ is one of them. It competes directly with vehicles like the Audi A4, Lexus ES 350, Saab 9-3, and Volvo S60.

The MKZ was first introduced in 2006 as the Zephyr. A couple of years later, Lincoln decided to ditch the traditional name for more trendy alpha nomenclature, hence the MKZ was born. As it was originally and still is today, the MKZ is based on the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, though it offers unique styling and more luxury features.

MKZ comes only as a four door sedan and gets freshened styling and a new interior for 2010. It seats five on front buckets and a three-place rear bench seat. A single model is offered and it comes with a 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are offered.

Standard safety features include antilock four-wheel disc brakes, stability control, post-crash alert, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection, and dual-front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags. A rear-view camera, blind-spot alert, and cross-traffic alert are included with the optional navigation system. The later two features are new for 2010.

The front-drive MKZ lists for $24,115; all-wheel drive adding an additional $1890. Standards include air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt-telescope wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated/cooled ten-way power front bucket seats with lumbar adjustment, memory system, split-folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors with driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer and digital-media player and iPod connection, satellite radio, Bluetooth cell-phone link, voice recognition, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats, theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 225/50VR17 tires, and alloy wheels.

Options include rain-sensing wipers, ambient interior lighting, steering-linked adaptive HID headlights, sunroof, THX sound system, chrome alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum interior trim, unique exterior trim, sport suspension, and 18-inch polished alloy wheels. The MKZ has an $850 destination charge and is built in Mexico.

Get Up and Go  The 3.5-liter V6 provides more than adequate punch in the MKZ. Foot-to-the-floor, the MKZ will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. That's class competitive and more than quick enough for most drivers. The V6 feels lackluster in low-speed cut-and-thrust driving, but boasts impressive mid-range and high-speed passing power.

Sadly, the V6 isn't as smooth as it could be and doesn't sound or feel as refined as the V6 in the Acura or Lexus. That's not to say the V6 is gruff, it just doesn't sound as smooth as it could.

On the positive side, the six-speed automatic shifts smoothly and without hesitation. Downshifts are quick and there's a separate shift gate for manual operation. That's something that was missing on the '09 model and a welcome enhancement for those that regularly drive on hilly terrain.

Since MKZ comes only with the 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic the only powertrain choice for consumers is between front- or all-wheel drive. As I've said before, all-wheel drive isn't a safety feature, it's a security feature, offering drivers peace of mind. Yes, it allows better acceleration on rain- and snow-covered roads, but it won't help you turn or stop any better. What's more important is that your vehicle is equipped with a good set of all-season tires. So equipped, just about any front-driver will have no problem conquering a Chicago winter.

EPA numbers for the MKZ are 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The city number is on par with class competitors, but the highway number falls a few miles per gallon short. That said, the MKZ runs fine on regular-grade gas and most competitors require more-expensive premium-grade. In addition the MKZ is quite frugal in around-town driving, yielding more than 22 mpg in my daily commute. In straight city driving, I'd expect most people to average around 19-20 mpg. Keep in mind that these numbers are for a vehicle with all-wheel drive as well and the front-drive version should be slightly more frugal.

On the Road  The MKZ has a sporty, European-flavored ride. Undue body motions are kept in check and there's adequate compliance over large bumps. Overall, the ride closely mimics the controlled comfort offered by cars like the Acura TL and and Saab 9-3 rather than the soft float found on Lexus ES.

The firm ride translates into pleasant and predictable front-drive handling characteristics. There's little body lean in fast turns and decent grip from the tires when taking freeway on ramps. If pushed hard, the MKZ's front tires give up grip first and the car will understeer like most front-drive sedans. All-wheel drive models have the same handling tendencies.

The steering feels very natural, is nicely weighted at all speeds, and has subtle control in highway cruising. Brakes have ample stopping power and the pedal is easy to modulate for smooth and drama-free stops.

One drawback is an extremely wide turning circle. This is most frustrating when pulling in and out of parking spaces and navigating around tight-quarters parking garages. All in all, the MKZ offers sporty--albeit safe and predictable--handling, good ride comfort, and a solid feel on the road.

MKZ is surprisingly quiet, though not as quite as the class-leading Lexus ES. There's little wind noise, even at high speeds, and road and tire noise are kept well in check and on par with competitors.

Behind the Wheel  Inside, MKZ has the chops to play with the competition. Materials are more than up to snuff and the assembly quality is top notch. Gauges are large and easy to read and controls are clearly marked, logically placed, and within easy reach.

MKZ also includes the SNYC system. That's a huge plus in my book when compared to similar systems in competitors. SYNC is simple to program and use and really helps reduce driver distraction when talking on the phone or shuffling through songs on the iPod.

Surprisingly comfortable and supportive front bucket seats offer ample leg room for large adults. Head room is just average, perhaps a bit tight if you order the optional sunroof. Standard tilt and telescope steering wheel makes it easy to get comfortable behind the wheel, and large windows and a low beltline contribute to excellent outward visibility.

The blind-spot detection system works well to alert drivers when changing lanes. The cross-traffic warning system takes a little getting used to, but also alerts drivers to potential cross traffic when backing up.

Rear seats are adult sized and comfortable. Regardless of front seat position, two six-foot adults are able to sit in comfort in the back seat. Taller riders will want more head and leg room, but overall Milan offers more than class competitive rear-seat room.

The trunk is roomy and features a large opening and trunk hinges that do not intrude on cargo capacity. The fold-down seats drop in a snap to expand cargo space. Interior storage is ample, highlighted by a large glovebox and several additional bins on the dashboard and center console.

Bottom Line  MKZ is much improved in its 2010 redesign. While competitors rush to take their entry-level premium sedans to the next level, both in price and size, the '10 MKZ is no larger and slightly more fuel efficient than the model it replaces. Additional safety features and highly polished interior help make a good car that much better.

While the all-wheel drive is a nice plus, most Chicagoans don't need it and it's an easy way to save a quick $2000. On the flip side, the SYNC communication system is worth the price of admission for the technically challenged. It simplifies cell phone, iPod, and navigation operation to the point that you don't even have to open the owner's manual.

MKZ still falls short of competitors at Acura and Lexus for overall refinement, but it now matches them in horsepower and comfort and safety features. Prices are on par with the competition, but discounts should be deep as dealers try to boost sales of Lincoln in the hotly contested midsize luxury market.