One major consideration for car buyers considering a hybrid is the cost increase from the gas-only equivalent. Lincoln avoids the potential consternation. The 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is priced the same as its gas-only sibling.
Lincoln for several years has been trying to regain its luster of yesteryear. The MKZ Hybrid was introduced in 2011 as part of the initiative. It’s the manufacturer’s first entry into alternative engines, and the price match is unique in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Priced the same as the gas MKZ: the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has a $36,095 MSRP.
- 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack, 188 horsepower.
- 41 mpg city and 38 highway, 40 mpg combined, with a 560-mile range on one tank.
- 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds, 1.6 seconds slower than the gas-only MKZ.
- Trunk: Like other manufacturers, Lincoln hasn’t devised a good way to utilize a hybrid engine without reducing trunk space.
- Verdict: Without reservation, the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is an unheralded worthy choice for far less money than its more well-known competitors.
Design and Powertrain
The entire MKZ lineup this year received a refresh. The interior changes included an updated radio and climate controls and a simplified console. The exterior tweaking resulted in a new front grille, new headlights and a sleeker body.
The MKZ Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. The range on one tank of fuel is an impressive 560 miles.
Hybrid Versus Gas
After reviewing the MKZ gas trim a few weeks ago, the hybrid comparison was easy. The two trims are nearly identical. And the differences, while not deal breakers, may dissuade traditionalists.
The MKZ Hybrid has significantly slower acceleration, negotiating the standard 0-60 miles per hour test in 8.9 seconds, 1.6 seconds slower than the gas only editions. Both trims offer a quiet ride, but the hybrid trim has a distinct drone while gaining speed.
Like other manufacturers, Lincoln hasn’t devised a good way to utilize a hybrid engine without reducing trunk space. The MKZ gas trim has cavernous trunk storage. The hybrid trim is limited because the hybrid battery pack is housed in the bottom half of the back half of the trunk. The space is useable, but only for small and thin items.
Competition and Controls
The luxury sedan segment is chock-full of superior choices, some sports-oriented, others dutiful. The Lincoln MKZ can’t compete with BMW-oriented buyers. Volvo rules the segment for mountain dwellers seeking ruggedness in their vehicles.
But the MKZ is a less expensive cruiser than the Lexus ES350, Cadillac ATS or Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It delivers a smooth, quiet ride as a suitable companion for comfortable long highway hauls.
As an homage to sedans from the 1950s, the Lincoln’s transmission is a vertical column of buttons positioned to the left of the dashboard infotainment center. There’s no shifter. Instead, the area between the front seats is clean and open. A recessed, nearly hidden and flat storage platform offers plenty of room for accessories and a pass-through area.
The push-button system has a learning curve, but it’s a refreshingly simple approach with the options “S” for sport mode and the logical choices for driving or stopping: “P, R, N and D.”
Equipment and Safety
Many manufacturers have increased and varied standard equipment lists. The MKZ’s offering is plentiful: An 11-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, USB ports, satellite radio, an 8-inch display, dual-zone automatic climate control, a proximity key, push-button and remote start.
A rearview camera, rear parking sensors and a built-in garage door opener are also standard. The upscale Reserve trim also features 19-inch wheels, a power trunk lid and ventilated front seats.
Additional safety features include: blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection.
And there are front and rear parking sensors, parallel and perpendicular parking assistance, lane keep assist and a driver alert monitor.
Additional equipment: A household power outlet, rear-seat USB charging ports, side view mirrors that automatically dim and fold, a panoramic glass roof and adaptive LED headlights.
What Others Say: “Other than dedicated high-performance sedans such as the BMW M3, this is the most power you’ll find in this class. If it’s fuel economy you’re after, though, there’s the MKZ Hybrid, which delivers 40 mpg combined for the same price as the regular MKZ.” Edmunds.com.
2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Verdict
There’s no exact definition of luxury, but the new Lincoln has classy touches. Door handles are backlit at night, and the Lincoln logo is projected below the driver and passenger front doors. And if you need service, a Lincoln dealership will pick up your vehicle, provide a loaner and return your vehicle repaired and washed.
Without reservation, the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is an unheralded worthy choice for far less money than its more well-known competitors.
Likes
Smooth, quiet, comfortable ride. Quiet on the open road. Efficient hybrid engine.
Dislikes
The hybrid engine is noisy on ignition at low speeds. Hybrid engine battery pack restricts trunk space.
Facts & Figures: 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $36,095 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with electric motor and lithium-ion battery |
| Horsepower | 188 hp |
| Transmission | Continuously variable |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 8.9 seconds |
| Fuel Economy | 41 city / 38 highway / 40 combined mpg |
| Range | 560 miles on one tank |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.