2019 Lincoln MKZ Review

Name: 2019 Lincoln MKZ Review
Brand: Lincoln

Price Range: $17,998 - $23,998

2019 Lincoln MKZ Reserve II Sedan Exterior Shown

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20 cars

$22,002 avg. price

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Lincoln MKZ model years

Lincoln MKZ for Sale

Lincoln MKZ types

Sedan
Hybrid

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Calvin Kim^{Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

Comes well-equipped with many standard features
Hybrid model available at no extra charge
Impressively quick acceleration with turbocharged V6 engine option

Cons

Underwhelming interior quality
Short on interior space given its exterior size
Slower-than-average acceleration with the base engine

What's new

Expanded standard feature availability
Turbocharged V6 engine now only available on the top Reserve II trim
Part of the second MKZ generation introduced for 2013

European and Asian brands have historically dominated the entry-level luxury sedan market, but Lincoln has been making more of an effort recently to make its MKZ more appealing. It gave the car a significant makeover in 2017 and continues to make small changes and updates. The 2019 MKZ packs plenty of standard features, so there's a certain amount of value to be had here considering rival cars are typically more expensive. The MKZ's fuel-sipping hybrid and strong turbocharged V6 engines are also appealing, as is its easy-to-use infotainment system.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2019 Lincoln MKZ
Reserve II Sedan
$26,695
- 43,438 miles
- 2 accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 6cyl automatic
- North Park Lincoln (499 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in San Antonio, TX
TWIN TURBO 3.0L V6 ENGINE!, 14 Speakers, Adaptive suspension, AppLink/Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Auto tilt-away steering wheel, Auto-dimming Rear...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (21 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3LN6L5EC3KR632443
Stock: UR632443
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-14-2025
Price Drop
2019 Lincoln MKZ
Reserve II Sedan
$21,998
good price
$3,202 below market
- 26,369 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- Driveway (1,887 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Middletown, NY
CarFax No Accidents Reported,CarFax 1-Owner,Low Mileage,Rare Find,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Heated Seats,...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3LN6L5F92KR603874
Stock: KR603874T
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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There are some downsides, though. The interior is a little too cozy for a vehicle of its exterior size, and some of the materials used are lackluster in quality. The base four-cylinder engine's performance is also underwhelming. Overall, though, we think the MKZ is worth taking a look at if want value for your dollar from a car that's not the typical European or Japanese luxury sedan.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.4 / 10

The 2019 Lincoln MKZ includes a lot of features for the price and offers engines ranging from a fuel-efficient hybrid to a powerful turbocharged V6. But these qualities aren't quite enough to fully set the MKZ apart from the competition.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Lincoln MKZ Reserve (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.4 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	7.5
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	8.0

Driving

7.0

Though it isn't the most entertaining car in the luxury sedan segment, the Lincoln MKZ is certainly very drivable with the standard 2.0-liter engine. This engine does make it slower than most rivals, so those who desire a bit of speed might want to look into the more powerful turbocharged V6.

Acceleration

6.5

Around town between lights and at relatively low speed, the 2.0-liter MKZ feels peppy. On the highway, it has only enough power for carefully executed passing maneuvers. Our AWD tester went from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, which is about a second slower than average for the segment.

Braking

8.0

The brake pedal has plenty of feel and engages with the quick touch of your foot. It's easy to modulate the brake pressure, which makes for smooth stops in city traffic. In simulated-panic braking, the MKZ came to a stop from 60 mph in 113 feet, a few feet shorter than average for this segment.

Steering

6.0

The steering effort is fairly light across the board. Selecting Sport mode gives the MKZ's steering more heft, but not much more. And the overall feel is detached and numb, giving no clue to the quality of the road surface or the direction the wheels are pointing.

Handling

7.0

The MKZ comes standard with an adaptive suspension that helps it travel through corners in a relatively flat and composed manner. This isn't exactly a canyon-carver, but it handles curves well, especially when you take into account its considerable size.

Drivability

7.0

A six-speed automatic transmission is paired with the MKZ's standard 2.0-liter engine. Shifts around town are smooth and quick, and there isn't a bunch of roaming between the gears when you're going up a steep grade.

Comfort

7.5

The standard MKZ is smooth on the highway with relatively comfortable seats and a refined 2.0-liter engine. It's quiet and reserved almost all of the time, with lots of available extras to keep you cozy.

Seat comfort

7.0

The optional multicontour seats are a bit firm, and it's initially difficult find a comfortable seating position despite their adjustability. But once you find an agreeable setting, you'll never need to change it again. Numerous lumbar bladders inflate and deflate to provide a massaging function.

Ride comfort

8.0

The MKZ rides stiffer than you might expect from a compact luxury sedan, but it still makes for a good road-trip car. Broken pavement sends some small thunks and thuds into the cabin, but nothing major. Optional 19-inch wheels are not recommended if comfort is a priority because they add sharpness.

Noise & vibration

8.0

At idle, the 2.0-liter engine is relatively calm. It doesn't rumble, just sort of hums, and not much engine noise makes its way into the cabin. When you floor it to get on the freeway, there's only a hint of a whine. At highway speeds the MKZ is quiet enough for whisper-level conversations.

Climate control

6.5

The standard dual-zone automatic climate control has a hard time coping with lots of sunlight, so things get sweaty quick if you don't lower the temp. Heated/ventilated front seats are standard on the Reserve. The reasonably priced Climate package adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

Interior

7.5

The MKZ's interior has several appealing virtues, but it's outclassed by top luxury rivals. Although there is more than enough space up front, the sleek, sloping roof limits rear headroom. Avoid the panoramic sunroof if you plan on transporting tall adults in the back seat regularly.

Ease of use

8.0

Knobs and buttons are back on the MKZ's center console and we couldn't be happier. Dual-zone automatic climate controls are within reach of the driver and passenger, although the buttons on the right side of the screen require a stretch. Overall, the redesigned cabin is much more user-friendly.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

The front door openings are wide and seats mounted high so that sliding in is a breeze. Getting in the rear seat requires ducking because of the sloping roof. The easy-entry memory feature moves the front seat very far back, so you might want to disable it if you frequently transport rear passengers.

Driving position

8.0

Our test vehicle was equipped with a power-adjustable tilt-and telescoping steering wheel (manual adjustment is standard) and a 10-way adjustable driver's seat. A significant range of motion on both means it isn't hard to find an ideal driving position.

Roominess

7.0

Although exterior dimensions are typical for this class of sedan, the MKZ can feel tight inside, possibly because it seems narrow. Front passengers have plenty of head- and legroom, rear legroom is above class average, but rear headroom is below par, especially with the optional panoramic sunroof.

Visibility

6.5

Forward visibility is good despite thick front pillars, but similarly large rear pillars mean big rear blind spots. A high trunklid inhibits rear visibility, and the panoramic sunroof blocks the top of the rear window when open. Rearview camera is standard but a surround-view camera isn't available.

Quality

7.5

The MKZ's cabin materials aren't as competitive as they once were. BMW and Mercedes interiors feel much more upscale. Our test MKZ had several build issues including a flickering LED light, creaky armrest, burned-out ambient lighting strip and door/dash trim that didn't quite line up.

Utility

7.5

The MKZ has a big trunk, fold-down rear seats, a bunch of places for water bottles and other small items. In general, it's pretty utilitarian for a luxury sedan. Installing kid seats isn't exactly a breeze, but it's doable.

Small-item storage

7.5

Numerous storage areas include two cupholders in both front and rear consoles and cupholder cutouts in each door pocket, though none hold large cups. There are two trays beneath the center stack, a bin under the front armrest (that's a bit tough to reach) and a small space under the rear armrest.

Cargo space

8.5

The standard MKZ's trunk has 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which is right at the top of the class. The rear seats can be folded down for transporting longer and bulkier items.

Child safety seat accommodation

6.5

There are four LATCH positions, two on each outboard rear seat, with three shelf anchors. But the LATCH hooks are set deep into the seat, and the surrounding cushion is stiff, making it difficult to push past and insert a car seat hook.

Technology

8.0

Technology is one of the MKZ's strong points. The revised Sync 3 is easy to use and much faster than before. Voice controls are easy to learn, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Avoid splurging for the optional 20-speaker stereo, though — it isn't as impressive as we hoped.

Audio & navigation

7.0

Sync 3 is dramatically better than last year's MyLincoln Touch infotainment system. It's smooth, quick and easy to use with legible graphics. Unfortunately, the optional 20-speaker system is less dynamically impressive than rival upgraded systems. The satellite radio frequently loses the signal.

Smartphone integration

9.0

There's a USB port located at the bottom of the center stack and another under the armrest; the Select model adds two charge-only ports in the back. Phone pairing via Bluetooth is simple, and Sync 3 sorts through music catalogs quickly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with Sync 3.

Driver aids

7.0

Adaptive cruise control modulates speed well without heavy braking when a car cuts you off. But during our test of the MKZ, we did get a few false positives from the parking sensors and lane departure warning/mitigation system. ACC, lane keeping assist and other safety tech are mostly optional.

Voice control

8.5

Sync has been good at voice controls for a long time now, and this newest Sync 3 is no different. It recognizes commands, changes radio stations, makes phone calls, and selects songs all with simple structure commands that don't take long to learn at all. Siri Eyes Free is also present.

Compare 2019 Lincoln MKZ trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Lincoln MKZ models

The 2019 Lincoln MKZ is available with three powertrains — a four-cylinder, a six-cylinder and hybrid — and three trims. The base MKZ comes well-equipped, but go with Reserve I to get additional interior and technology options. Reserve II increases luxury amenities and technology even further.

For the gas-powered trims, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (245 hp, 275 lb-ft) is standard. It's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option. The MKZ Hybrid uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor to produce a combined 188 hp. All-wheel drive isn't available for the Hybrid, however.

The base MKZ model comes well-equipped with features such as 18-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, adaptive xenon headlights, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with heating, driver-seat memory settings, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat with pass-through.

Standard technology features include Lincoln's Sync 3 infotainment interface, an 8-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an 11-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and two USB ports. You also get windshield wiper de-icer and automatic wipers, and Lincoln's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assist functions that include front collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams.

Stepping up to the Reserve I model gets you power-folding mirrors, leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, a power-adjustable steering wheel, enhanced interior ambient lighting, a power trunklid, a navigation system, adaptive cruise control, a 110-volt household-style power outlet and two rear-seat USB charging ports.

The Reserve II trim level has those features as standard, plus 19-inch wheels, ventilated and massaging front seats, an active park assist system, a power sunroof and a power rear window sunshade, and a 14-speaker Revel audio system with HD radio capability. Optional for the Reserve II trim is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (also with a six-speed automatic). With front-wheel drive, it produces 350 hp and 400 lb-ft, while the all-wheel-drive version makes 50 hp more.

The Reserve I model can be had with a Reserve Plus package that contains 19-inch wheels, the Revel Ultima audio system with 14 speakers and HD radio, heated rear seats and steering wheel, and a power sunroof. The Reserve II trim can also be equipped with the MKZ Luxury package, which includes a retractable panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, and a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.49 per gallon for premium unleaded in Texas.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas

$171/mo

$140/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#13 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Lincoln MKZ from 2008-2022.}

$481/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.86x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

9.3%

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Lincoln MKZ Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.7

40 reviews

5(87%)

4(5%)

3(0%)

2(5%)

1(3%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Exceeded expectations

Donald Peters, 03/27/2019

2019 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Reserve II 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Very good value,Reserve II Hybrid. performance better than expected for a hybrid,all amenities are there for a luxury smaller car.Had 3 Lincoln Mks,s before. Ride quality good,trade off of trunk space for battery is only negative. Have had car for 3 months,so far well pleased even though we always had full sized vehicles before. Have had very good experience with Lincoln brand …

Hadn't conidered a MKZ until I drove one

Richard Russ, 04/26/2019

2018 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I have owned many cars in my life from normal everyday drivers to the top of the line luxury models from GM, Lincoln and Jaguar. I always thought that Jaguar had the best ride and comfort. My last car was a new Buick LaCrosse Premium which I bought last year based on what I had heard about how it drove and how quiet it was. It was nice but not what I would say luxurious regarding the …

Best value and reliability

Russell, 01/03/2019

2018 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I’ve owned my MKZ for two years now still running great. Thus far no issues and very comfortable on the road. Good value and sharp car Purchased a 2018 MKZ Reserve 2.0 AWD in Oct 2018 as I needed a new car and wanted a stylish vehicle this go around. At first very hesitant on the 2.0 liter engine but after purchasing the car the engine does not disappoint. Great ride nice interior and …

Serene Cruiser with sporting ambitions

Tommy, 09/23/2018

2018 Lincoln MKZ Premiere 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I owned a 2017 Mazda 6 touring . With it's 19 inch wheels and dialed in suspension , it handled great . It was however , a little harsh in ride quality and higher in noise than I wanted as well as being a little underpowered. I went to my local lincoln / Mazda dealer to drive the 2018 Mazda 6 with the turbo and the signature package trim . The sales guy suggested that if I was going to … spend that much that I might want to check out the MKZ. I did ..and well, it was all over. I loved the way the MKZ drove and before I knew it , I was deciding between a white select package with cappuccino interior and the one I decided upon, the black velvet on ebony premiere with the magnetic package including a darker grill and 19" inch wheels . My car is the base MKZ with just this package as it's only option . With the incentive from dealer as well as all ncoln , I paid a little over 33k . For this price I don't believe the car can be beat in terms of value . When you walk up to the car the welcome lighting comes on in sequance and projects the Lincoln logo onto the ground by both the drivers and the front passenger door. Sit inside on the comfortable power seats with power lumbar and hit the start button. The start up is refined. I'm used to the Mazda and this thing is just quiet and elegant on start up . The LCD dash comes to life , your seating goes to its pre programmed place . Press the drive button on the dash and start your trip. The MKZ accelerates quickly and smoothly through the gears . Unless you are looking to drag race then this car has all the power you need with the 2.0 liter turbo in my opinion. The base lincoln premium sound stereo is not quite as good as the Bose in my Mazda but it's close. It's way better than some of the reviews here would have you believe. The black interior with the aluminum trim is very high tech looking to me. True , there are other cars in its class that have a more luxurious appearance but there are many little things here that denote luxury. From the auto hold braking, to the lighted door sills with Lincoln spelled out , the auto up and down feature on all 4 windows, remote start, back up sensors , soft touch materials on just about all surfaces, laminated glass, adaptive suspension and headlights that turn with your steering inputs, the trunk that sinches shut wh n you gently lower the lid and most of a all a truly , serene and quit ride . The Lincoln MKZ Is a bargain . Select sport mode and thrown it into an on ramp. It's holds the curve nearly as well as the Mazda while keeping much more composed. The climate control is good . The Lincoln app is just cool. Want to have you car start up on it's pre programmed time and read the ambient temp in order to determine to turn in the heated seats or the AC .I think it's possible to take it up over 50k and once you really get much past 45k there are alternative luxuaty cars with even more refinement and luxury but for the deal you can get on these thngs I don't think there is anything that can touch it for value.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ, so we've included reviews for other years of the MKZ since its last redesign.

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2019 MKZ Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Hybrid

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$35,995
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	40 MPG
Cost to Drive	$85/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the MKZ models:

Blind-Spot and Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns drivers of objects within the vehicle's blind spot and of cars approaching from behind.
Driver Alert System: Alerts the driver to the possibility that he or she may be too tired to continue based on driving behavior.
Enhanced Active Park Assist: Helps drivers into and out of parking positions by taking over the steering.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger3 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover10.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good