With the MKZ, Lincoln tried to create a sedan that had enough pizzazz and power that it was not boring to drive, yet enough luxury that it attracted the upper-class buyer and compete with the likes of the Lexus ES 350. In that respect it has succeeded, but the payoff has been that apart from a few luxury features, it is difficult to distinguish the MKZ from its budget platform, the Ford Fusion.
There is just one powertrain for the MKZ and that is the Duratec 3.5-liter V6 that remains unchanged at 263hp and 249lb-ft of torque. It features a six-speed automatic transmission and an optional AWD system. Fuel economy is a fairly average 17/24mpg city/highway for the front wheel drive, and 16/23 mpg city/highway for the AWD.
Acceleration is smooth and powerful, providing plenty of oomph for uphill overtaking, and the MKZ engine delivers equivalent power as the Nissan Maxima, well-regarded as a superior family-performance vehicle. However low-speed acceleration is not so smooth with excessively low rpm gear changes for second and third, and there is often a delay before the power kicks in. We have been waiting a couple of years now for the manual gear-shift to be introduced to counter these kind of problems, but so far there is no sign of it.
Steering is not particularly responsive (much like the Focus in fact), but the biggest issue we found with the handling is the wide turning circle that makes tight city manoeuvring hard work to say the least. On the good side however, suspension is nicely in-between firm and soft, protecting the occupants from excessive bumps but giving enough firmness to prevent wallowing and provide a satisfying ride.The AWD provides sure-footing in all-weather conditions and for rough roads (although we wouldn’t venture too far off the beaten path in the MKZ), converting from front-wheel drive when the front wheels begin to slip.
Despite the MKZ’s upgraded engine, it still feels remarkably similar to its simple cousin the Ford Fusion, and most definitely a step-down from the refined driving experience of the Acura TL, Nissan Maxima and Lexus ES 350.
2009 Lincoln MKZ Interior and Features
There is just one trim level for the Lincoln MKZ and in the pursuit of the luxury-loving customer, there is plenty included. Premium heated and cooled leather seating is standard, as is the rear sensing system for safe reversing, complete power features, remote entry with number code pad mounted on the door, Ford’s SYNC voice-activated multi-media system that integrates phone and audio players, and dual-zone airconditioning. Maybe the wood trim will not suit all tastes, but the interior is comfortable and you can always choose the Ultimate package that adds bi-xenon headlights, sunroof, chrome wheels and voice-activated navigation system. The charcoal and tan interior upgrade is really sophisticated and matches the interior of the MKZ more closely with its slightly more upmarket competitors.
What lets the MKZ’s interior down however is the surprising use of cheap materials alongside the premium leather and wood. The overuse of hard plastics is more reminiscent of the Fusion, and the plastic artificial aluminium trim is tacky at best. Cabin leg and headroom is adequate and on par with the competition and cargo space is plentiful both in the trunk and in assorted storage pockets around the cabin.
2009 Lincoln MKZ Safety
The Lincoln MKZ has gained stability control as standard this year (it must be said, several years behind most other current vehicles). This, alongside the traction control and anti-locking brakes with brake-force distribution provides superior handling in emergency situations to avoid loss of control. Full airbags are included for front, front side and side curtain and the rear sensing system prevents reversing accidents. The MKZ scored a full five stars in government crash testing for front and side impact situations.
Safety features:
- Electronic stability control, traction control, ABS and brake-force distribution
- Front, front-side and side curtain airbags
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Rear sensing system
Overall the 2009 Lincoln MKZ is a steady family sedan capable of strong performance and sporting a comfortably and up-scale interior. In this class of such stiff competition however, the MKZ scores better only the area of cost, where it remains cheaper than most of the other premium sedans. In power, performance and interior styling however, it trails the high-class competitors like the Acura TL and Nissan Maxima.