Acceleration

AWD w/navigation	Class Average
6	7

AWD version is the only MKZ made available for us to test so far. It has sufficient power for most any situation and is confidently strong in highway merging and passing. The transmission is generally smooth and prompt. Unlike virtually all rivals, however, MKZ does not offer a manual shift gate.

Fuel Economy

AWD w/navigation	Class Average
5	4.6

In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 19.4 mpg in city/highway driving, 23.2 mpg with more highway use. MKZ uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

AWD w/navigation	Class Average
6	6.3

A good blend of firm control and bump absorption, though it's not as composed overall as the class leaders. MKZ takes highway-speed dips and humps with only a trace of wallow and float.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD w/navigation	Class Average
6	7.1

Steering feel is accurate but somewhat artificial and, for better or worse, isolated from the road. There's some noseplow and body lean in fast turns. AWD quells most torque steer and furnishes secure all-weather traction. The lack of an antiskid system is a curious omission, especially at this price level. A wide turning circle makes tight maneuvers a chore.

Quietness

AWD w/navigation	Class Average
7	7

MKZ's tires are heard only on the coarsest surfaces. The engine has a pleasant hum while cruising but has a slightly ragged growl in rapid acceleration.

Controls

AWD w/navigation	Class Average
7	6.1

The main gauges are clear and unobstructed--though some testers found reflection off instrument glass reduced legibility in certain lighting conditions. The navigation system holds no mystery, but its controls are small and poorly marked.

Details

AWD w/navigation	Class Average
6	7.4

Squared-off Lincoln-retro dashboard shape and minor rearrangement of controls help distinguish MKZ's interior from that of the Fusion and Milan. Unfortunately, the interior is let down by unconvincing plastics designed to look like metal. Other cabin materials disappoint as well, trailing premium competitors in richness.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD w/navigation	Class Average
7	7.3

Six-footers get ample headroom and legroom. The seats are a rewarding blend of soft padding and comfortable backrest contours. During aggressive cornering, the seat cushion is too flat to provide best support, however.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD w/navigation	Class Average
5	5.2

There's no excess knee space with the front seats set far back, but room and comfort are class-competitive otherwise. Relatively long doors benefit entry and exit but are a hassle in close quarters.

Cargo Room

AWD w/navigation	Class Average
4	4.2

The trunklid's strut hinges don't intrude, and the cargo area is useful in shape and volume, if ill suited to tall boxes and lined with cheap-feeling material. Small bins and pockets shortchange cabin storage space.

Value within Class

AWD w/navigation	Class Average
6	6.2

MKZ is a premium midsize sedan that tilts toward comfort rather than sportiness. As such, it's a good match against the Lexus ES 350. This Lincoln is not as refined, but MKZ is competitive for roominess, quietness, and overall performance. It trumps the Lexus in price and is available with all-wheel drive, too.

Total Score

AWD w/navigation	Class Average
65	68.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		56
Average Score		68
High Score		78