2010 Lincoln MKZ: Road Test
2010 Lincoln MKZ ▼
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- MSRP: $34,115 - $36,005
- Invoice: $31,418 - $33,119
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Our road test for the 2010 Lincoln MKZ includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Lincoln MKZ from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Lincoln MKZ, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Lincoln MKZ help you decide if a 2010 Lincoln MKZ is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 7.4 |
An AWD model is the only 2010 Lincoln MKZ made available for testing so far. It has ample power for most any situation. Kudos to Lincoln for finally making a manual shift gate standard. It does help prevent the transmission from occasionally hunting for the right gear when driving on hilly roads.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, AWD models averaged 21.0-21.4 mpg. MKZ uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.4 |
Not as composed overall as the class-leading Lexus ES, though it's close. MKZ does not absorb small pavement imperfections quite as well as a comfort-oriented premium car should. That being said, this Lincoln exhibits little float or wallow, while demonstrating good body control over larger ruts.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 7.2 |
Competent overall, with fairly accurate steering and moderate body lean. AWD quells most torque steer and furnishes secure all-weather traction. The brakes get the job done but are nothing special.
QUIETNESS
| AWD Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7.2 |
MKZ's tires are heard only on extremely coarse surfaces. The engine is quiet at cruise, but it sounds less refined in full-throttle acceleration than other premium-class rivals.
CONTROLS
| AWD Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.3 |
The main gauges are clearly lit and easy to read. The controls are self-evident, with most audio and climate functions separate from the navigation system. Redundant steering-wheel and touch-screen controls are helpful as well.
DETAILS
| AWD Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7.7 |
An improvement over the previous MKZ. Many interior surfaces are nicely textured and padded. A few plastic trim bits designed to look like metal are unconvincing, but overall, MKZ now falls in line with most rivals for interior ambiance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7.4 |
MKZ's seats are designed for soft comfort rather than sporty bolstering. In that light, this car succeeds as a comfortable highway cruiser, though some testers find the seats too flat for optimal long-drive support.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.2 |
There's no surplus of knee or foot space, and legroom for even the slightly tall can get tight if the front seats are not well forward. Headroom is OK, as the angle of the seatback should prevent most heads from brushing the ceiling, even when equipped with the optional sunroof.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4 |
The trunk is usefully large with strut-type lid hinges that don't intrude into the cargo hold. A decently sized glovebox and center console offer good small-item storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.6 |
A freshening for model-year 2010 makes Lincoln's entry-level sedan a more-credible competitor in this class. MKZ's biggest improvement comes from its interior, which boasts higher-quality materials and a more user-friendly control interface. 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.
Total Score
| AWD Base w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 67 | 70.1 |
Total Score: 67
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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