Lincoln MKZ: a used buyer's guide to every year, engine and the MKZ Hybrid

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Lincoln MKZ is a midsize luxury sedan sold for the 2007–2020 model years, after launching as the 2006 Zephyr. It shared a platform with the Ford Fusion and was built in Hermosillo, Mexico. Engines included V6s, a 2.0L turbo four and a 3.0L twin-turbo V6, and the MKZ Hybrid is rated up to 41 mpg combined.

Type
Midsize luxury sedan, FWD or AWD
Powertrains
MKZ Hybrid (2019–2020), MKZ 2.0L turbo (2019–2020), MKZ 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (2017–2020), MKZ 3.5L V6 (2007–2012)
Current generation
Second generation, 2013–2020

Lincoln MKZ engines, horsepower and mpg

These are EPA figures for FWD versions. The 3.0L AWD is rated 17/26/20. The 2013–2016 3.7L V6 FWD ran from 19/27/22 (2013) to 18/27/21 (2015–2016). The hybrid improved from 41/35/38 (2011–2012, 2.5L) to 42/39/41 (2019–2020, 2.0L). We could not open a Lincoln source for horsepower ratings, so output is left blank.

Lincoln MKZ powertrains with Lincoln-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
MKZ Hybrid (2019–2020)2.0L four-cylinder hybrid[1]——Continuously variable automaticFront-wheel drive42/39/412020 MY[1]
MKZ 2.0L turbo (2019–2020)2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (2.0L EcoBoost)[2]——6-speed automaticFWD or AWD20/31/242020 MY[2]
MKZ 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (2017–2020)3.0L twin-turbo V6[3][4]——6-speed automaticFWD or AWD18/27/212017 MY[3]
MKZ 3.5L V6 (2007–2012)3.5L V6[5][6]——6-speed automaticFWD or AWD18/27/212010 MY[6]

Output is as rated by Lincoln; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

MKZ engines by EPA rating (FWD)

Combined EPA mpg for each MKZ powertrain in a representative year.[12][6][11][7][2][8][9][1][3]

MKZ engines by EPA rating (FWD)
YearsEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
3.0L V6 (Zephyr)200617/26/20
3.5L V62007–201218/27/21 (2010)
2.5L hybrid2011–201241/35/38
2.0L turbo2013–202022/32/26 (2013); 20/31/24 (2020)
3.7L V62013–201619/27/22 (2013)
2.0L hybrid2013–202038/37/38 (2013); 42/39/41 (2020)
3.0L twin-turbo V62017–202018/27/21
  • The hybrid was rated close to 40 mpg combined in every year it was offered.
  • Among gas versions, the 2.0L turbo is the most efficient.
  • The 3.0L twin-turbo V6 was offered from 2017 to 2020.

MKZ Hybrid: the efficient choice

The MKZ Hybrid was offered from 2011 through 2020, always with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. The 2011–2012 version used a 2.5L engine and was rated 41/35/38 mpg. From 2013 it used a 2.0L engine, and the final 2019–2020 cars are rated 42/39/41.

That makes the 2019–2020 hybrid the most efficient MKZ by a wide margin: it is rated 17 mpg higher combined than the 2.0L turbo of the same years.[11][9][1][2]

Gas engines by year

2007–2012 models use a 3.5L V6 with a six-speed automatic. From 2013 the choices were a 2.0L turbo four and a 3.7L V6 (through 2016), and the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 replaced the 3.7L from 2017. All-wheel drive was offered across the gas lineup.

If mpg matters but you do not want the hybrid, the 2013–2016 2.0L turbo FWD is the efficient gas choice, rated 22/32/26 for 2013 and 22/33/26 for 2015–2016.[5][7][8][3][10]

Checks before buying a used MKZ

The MKZ shares many parts with the Ford Fusion, so it is often included in Fusion recalls. Run the VIN through NHTSA to confirm open campaigns are done. Examples include 18V167 (steering-wheel bolt, 2014–2018), 23V162 (front brake hoses, 2013–2018) and 21V158 (driver air-bag inflator, covering earlier Zephyr and MKZ models).[13][14][15][16]

Lincoln MKZ generations by year

Every US Lincoln MKZ generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Second generation2013–20202.0L turbo four, 3.7L V6 (2013–2016), 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (2017–2020), 2.0L hybrid; 6-speed automatic or CVT (hybrid)Shared with the 2013 Ford Fusion. A 2017 facelift brought the rectangular Lincoln grille and the 3.0L twin-turbo V6. EPA rated the 2013 2.0L FWD at 22/32/26 mpg and the 2013 hybrid at 38/37/38. Production at Hermosillo ended in 2020.[7][8][9][3][10]
First generation (MKZ)2007–20123.5L V6, 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD; 2.5L hybrid (2011–2012)The Zephyr was renamed MKZ for 2007 and moved to a 3.5L V6. A 2010 facelift followed, and the MKZ Hybrid, Lincoln's first hybrid, arrived for 2011 rated at 41/35/38 mpg.[5][6][11][10]
Lincoln Zephyr20063.0L V6, 6-speed automatic, FWDA one-year model that replaced the rear-wheel-drive LS and shared its platform with the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. EPA rated it at 17/26/20 mpg.[12][10]

Lincoln MKZ problems and recalls

The biggest second-generation MKZ recalls are 18V-167, a steering wheel bolt that can loosen on 2014–2018 cars, and 23V-162, front brake hoses that can rupture on 2013–2018 cars. 2013–2015 models also have door latch, seat belt cable and power steering recalls, and 2007–2012 cars have air bag inflator recalls.

Documented Lincoln MKZ issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Steering wheel bolt can loosen (recall 18V-167)[17][18]Second generation (2013–2020) – 2014–20182014–2018Recall 18V167
Front brake hoses can rupture (recall 23V-162)[19][18]Second generation (2013–2020) – 2013–20182013–2018Recall 23V162
Door latches can fail to latch (recalls 15V-246, 17V-210, 20V-331)[20][21][22][18]Second generation (2013–2020) – 2013–20142013–2014Recall 15V246
Front seat belt anchor cable can fail in a crash (recall 16V-875)[23][24][18]Second generation (2013–2020) – 2013–20152013–2015Recall 16V875
Salt corrosion can cut power steering assist (recall 15V-250)[25][26][18]Second generation (2013–2020) – 2013–20152013–2015Recall 15V250
Air bag control module can short in humid conditions (recall 14V-597)[27][18]Second generation (2013–2020) – 2013–20142013–2014Recall 14V597
Driver air bag inflator can explode (recall 21V-158)[28][29][18]First generation (2007–2012) – Zephyr and MKZ2006–2012Recall 21V158
ABS valves can stick open (recall 19V-904)[30][18]First generation (2007–2012) – 2006–20102006–2010Recall 19V904

All 8 documented MKZ issues and 8 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

More MKZ research

See how an MKZ was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Lincoln build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Lincoln build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Lincoln MKZ made?

The MKZ was sold for the 2007–2020 model years, after a single 2006 model year as the Lincoln Zephyr. Every one was built at Hermosillo, Mexico.

What mpg does the MKZ Hybrid get?

EPA rates the 2019–2020 MKZ Hybrid at 42 city / 39 highway / 41 combined mpg, and the 2011–2012 version at 41/35/38.

What engines did the MKZ have?

A 3.5L V6 (2007–2012), a 2.0L turbo four and a 3.7L V6 (2013–2016), a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (2017–2020), and hybrid versions from 2011.

Is the Lincoln MKZ a Ford Fusion?

They share a platform, and the MKZ was co-developed with the Fusion and Mercury Milan, but it has its own styling, interior and equipment. Many MKZ recalls are joint campaigns with the Fusion.

What replaced the Lincoln MKZ?

No direct replacement. After 2020 Lincoln's US lineup became all SUVs: the Navigator, Aviator, Nautilus and Corsair.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Lincoln for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  2. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Lincoln MKZ FWD 2.0L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2017 Lincoln MKZ FWD 3.0L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2017 Lincoln MKZ AWD 3.0L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  5. EPA fuel economy: 2007 Lincoln MKZ FWD — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. EPA fuel economy: 2010 Lincoln MKZ FWD — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  7. EPA fuel economy: 2013 Lincoln MKZ FWD 2.0L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  8. EPA fuel economy: 2013 Lincoln MKZ FWD 3.7L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  9. EPA fuel economy: 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. Lincoln MKZ (history corroboration) — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
  11. EPA fuel economy: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  12. EPA fuel economy: 2006 Lincoln Zephyr — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  13. NHTSA recall 18V167000: Steering wheel may detach, 2014–2018 MKZ and Fusion (Mar 2018) — NHTSA recall (DOT recall dataset 6axg-epim)
  14. NHTSA recall 23V162000: Front brake hoses may rupture, 2013–2018 MKZ and Fusion (Mar 2023) — NHTSA recall (DOT recall dataset 6axg-epim)
  15. NHTSA recall 21V158000: Driver's air bag inflator may explode, incl. Zephyr and MKZ (Mar 2021) — NHTSA recall (DOT recall dataset 6axg-epim)
  16. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset query: "Lincoln MKZ" — U.S. DOT open data (data.transportation.gov)
  17. NHTSA recall 18V-167: Steering Wheel may Detach — NHTSA
  18. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: MKZ — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA
  19. NHTSA recall 23V-162: Front Brake Hoses May Rupture — NHTSA
  20. NHTSA recall 15V-246: Doors may Unexpectedly Open — NHTSA
  21. NHTSA recall 17V-210: Doors may Unexpectedly Open — NHTSA
  22. NHTSA recall 20V-331: Doors May Open While Driving — NHTSA
  23. NHTSA recall 16V-875: Front Seat Belts May Not Restrain Occupants — NHTSA
  24. NHTSA recall 19V-590: Front Seat Belts May Not Restrain Occupants — NHTSA
  25. NHTSA recall 15V-250: Loss of Power Steering Assist From Salt Corrosion — NHTSA
  26. NHTSA recall 19V-632: Steering Gear Motor May Detach — NHTSA
  27. NHTSA recall 14V-597: Air Bags may not Deploy as Intended — NHTSA
  28. NHTSA recall 21V-158: Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  29. NHTSA recall 17V-024: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA
  30. NHTSA recall 19V-904: ABS Valve May Remain Open after ABS Event — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Lincoln or Ford Motor Company. Lincoln, Black Label and the model names are trademarks of their owners.