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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Lincoln MKZ

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Overview

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2011 Lincoln MKZ Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.4

Lincoln claims the 2011 MKZ Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America, beating its likely closest competitor, the Lexus HS 250h, by six mpg during city driving. The company also says the MKZ Hybrid tops the Lexus with room for one more passenger, along with more standard luxury and segment-exclusive safety features. Indeed, the Lexus will be this car's main competition, considering they're priced within $800 of each other. But the new Lincoln could also conceivably do battle with cheaper competition from Toyota (Camry Hybrid), or possibly within its own brand ranks (Ford Fusion Hybrid). The MKZ Hybrid is offered in one trim level.

You'll Like This Car If...

You want to maximize fuel economy and efficiency without sacrificing a luxurious ride and the accoutrements that make it so. The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is several hundred dollars cheaper than the Lexus HS 250h, which will undoubtedly sway at least a few buyers.

You May Not Like This Car If...

You aren't averse to bold styling. Like its brand brethren, the MKZ has got the brand DNA right in your face with massive twin chrome grilles in front and long taillights astern. It's not quite as extreme as the fascia on the MKX crossover, but it'll still get attention.

What's Significant About This Car?

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the brand's first-ever hybrid offering. It employs Ford Motor Company's second-generation hybrid technology, the award-winning 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle in-line four-cylinder. There's also what's called "SmartGauge with EcoGuide" interactive technology in the instrument cluster that provides real-time information to help the driver maximize fuel efficiency, and even actively "coaches" drivers on how to optimize hybrid performance.

Driving the MKZ

Driving Impressions The constantly variable transmission (CVT) in the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is rather loud at speed and drones somewhat under acceleration, but admittedly plays a crucial role in helping the...

car get the unbelievable gas mileage that it does. Brake pedal feel could be better and the binders are a little difficult to modulate in traffic, but that's a problem with most hybrids. And last, it floats a bit in the corners, but holds its ground well, particularly considering the tires are hybrid-hard. Besides, who buys a hybrid for its handling prowess? We also wish that the interior – what you use to interface with the car – had an update and some better materials, because better tactile feel would go a long way in the MKZ. Small gripes aside, though, if it's this or the Lexus HS 250h, just tell us where to sign, Lincoln.

Favorite Features

Driver Interfaces
We must profess our love for the intuitive and responsive touch screen technology aboard today's Fords – err, Lincolns. That, along with the SmartGauge driver-interactive instrumentation and SYNC capability, gives the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid a distinctly high-tech feel. Almost like we are in fact driving the future.

SmartGauge with EcoGuide
All hybrids, regardless of make, should come with a system like this, especially considering that most typically buy a hybrid for absolute fuel efficiency domination. This system, by offering feedback on long-term fuel efficiency and driving performance, helps you eek the most mpgs out of your car.

2011 Lincoln MKZ Details

Interior

While the interior of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid does feel a little dated with an abundance of cheap, hard plastics, the technical features within more than make up for the lackluster cabin appointments. The SmartGauge instruments – which offer feedback on long-term fuel efficiency and driving performance – are impressive and give the car an almost sentient personality as it interacts with the driver. An interactive multimedia and touch screen interface sits in the center stack, allowing you to easily manipulate the navigation, climate and audio controls along with hands-free calling (if you'd rather not use SYNC for some of these, that is).

Exterior

If you like the glorious grilles up front, you're likely not to have any problem with the rest of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid's exterior, although we will point out that the rest of the car's styling is a little sedate in contrast with the front end. Unlike the more sharply creased Ford Fusion Hybrid, the MKZ has a more stately look to it. The standard wheels are painted multi-spoke 17-inchers, with 18-inch polished aluminum alloys available as an option. There's also a Sport Appearance Package that might help a bit with the ho-hum rear three quarters.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A robust standard equipment list is likely where Lincoln will sell most of its buyers. The 2011 MKZ Hybrid comes with a host of standard convenience and luxury features, including the SmartGauge cluster and the always-entertaining SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system, along with Bluetooth capability for your MP3 player, memory stick, or smartphone. The MyKey feature allows parents or fleet administrators to activate a restricted driving mode and works directly with consistently engaged stability control, blind spot monitoring, and Cross Traffic Alert. And finally, there's what's called the "Personal Safety System," a suite of seven protection technologies like dual-stage front airbags and an occupant classification system that work to protect vehicle inhabitants.

Optional Equipment

Options on the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid include a THX II certified audio system with 5.1 surround sound, navigation with integrated SIRIUS Travel Link, a power moonroof and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels. If you opt for the Sport Appearance Package you also get a sport-tuned suspension bundled into the mix.

Under the Hood

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is powered by Ford's second-generation hybrid technology – the 2.5-liter Atkinson-Cycle in-line four-cylinder engine that's also found in Ford's Fusion and Escape Hybrid models. The engine itself makes 156 peak horsepower at the top end of the tachometer, but electric motivation gives the car an additional 35 horsepower boost, via a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor and nickel-metal-hydride battery packs. The well-matched combo is enough to give the MKZ Hybrid a best-in-class total system power output of 191 horsepower. No, it isn't going to win many stoplight drag races, but that's respectable considering that it returns 39 combined mpg and a claimed 47 mpg when cruising under all-electric motivation. And while its gas-powered MKZ brothers are available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Hybrid puts its power down using only the front wheels.

2.5-liter in-line 4, permanent magnet AC synchronous motor
191 horsepower @ 6000 rpm (engine and motor combined)
136 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 41/36

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2011 Lincoln MKZ Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 163 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.4/10
Comfort

9.4/10

Styling

9.4/10

Best Car I've Owned

By FangStang (MO) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 62,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Quiet, comfortable, reliable, excellent in snow"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The MKZ has been excellent. With AWD I have been able to get through the snow without issue. The traction has been great. A daily driver city/highway combination has averaged 22+ MPG. Quiet ride and very comfortable on long trips. Would consider this car again when time to trade."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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I love this car. Looks like no other!

By R p (MA) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Price comfort mpg etc."

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Could have bought other cars but this one stood out. Love every thing about it. Got hybrid for same price! All the option in this one ."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Fair to Good

By Nelson (MI) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I want this car

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Priced competitively, still not a Mercedes or BMW"

Cons: "Interior Controls too aggresive"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Dealer not well versed with product. Did not know basic controls and misinformed customer about product details. Interior appears to be clean but appears to be very cumbersome to control basic functions. Judging from past experience the touch controls will be a nuisance rather than a convenience. Wish they had knobs for temp and radio tuning and volume controls. I liked the Mercedes C class much better. The map guidance is great with speed limits of the streets that you are driving on showing up. Glare on the screen makes it difficult to read. Odometer and speedometer graphics is very subdued. The Ford Escape has a more vibrant odometer/speedometer."

1 person out of 3 found this review helpful

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Not your father's Lincoln

By goose (CO) on Thursday, April 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "America is back! Better than foreign equivalents."

Cons: "Sync.....is slow! Not a great ice car."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Mileage-unbelievable. Stopping--excellent. Pickup--it's available, but once you watch the coach on braking, accelerating and cruising, you will find yourself trying to achieve the car's approval. Styling--a personal decision, but I like it more each day--maybe a little low to the ground. Comfort--luxury all the way. A large person might find it more cramped than I do, but it's made for 6' and 200 lb people. I thought the back seat room was adequate, certainly not huge. The trunk handles my golf clubs plus. Sound system is excellent. Negatives: I find the response to my voice commands is slow--but, a part of that is learning the system. The front end can easily touch a concrete barrier. It is NOT made for driving on ice--after leaving a 4-wheel SUV, I am re-learning driving on slick surfaces."

5 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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I am totally impressed with this car.

By Vsid (LA) on Sunday, March 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great features and technology"

Cons: "None that I have found yet"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've had the new MKZ about 1 week now and I have to say that I have never owned a car that impressed me as much as this one. I was skeptical at first when I ordered it and very apprehensive when it took nearly seven months to finally take delivery ,but I have to say it was definitely worth the wait. The ride comfort and technology available makes this a no brainier. Anyone looking at new getting a new luxury vehicle should definitely consider this one. Oh , by the way, it is a hybrid , which makes it even better."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Driving experience better than the best chocolate!

By Bear (CA) on Friday, March 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Totally SILENT - except for marvelous THX sound!"

Cons: "I'm oily... fingerprints on touch screen."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"A taut, eminently comfortable and absolutely quiet driving experience. Have driven Lincolns since 1958... and this is my second MKZ hybrid. I used to be skeptical about going from my big Town Cars to his mid-sized car. What I have found is: This 2013 vehicle simply thrills me!"

12 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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See all 163 reviews