Lincoln MKZ History

Mid-size luxury car · 2006–2020

Lincoln MKZ — Sample hero image — replace with real model photography.

History

Lincoln's entry-level luxury sedan launched for model year 2006 under the revived 'Zephyr' name, then was renamed MKZ for 2007. Built on Ford's front-wheel-drive (later available all-wheel-drive) midsize platform alongside the Ford Fusion, it gave Lincoln a modern, accessible four-door.

The second generation (2013–2020) brought Lincoln's split-wing grille, a panoramic retractable glass roof, and a notable hybrid version at no price premium over the gas model. The MKZ was discontinued after the 2020 model year as Lincoln exited the US sedan market to focus on SUVs.

Generations

First generation · Zephyr / MKZ (2006–2012)

Launched as the Zephyr for 2006, renamed MKZ for 2007; a Fusion-based front/all-wheel-drive sedan, with a hybrid added late.
- 2007
  Photo: “2007 Lincoln MKZ (26529073861).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 2012
  Photo: “2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid front 1.23.19.jpg” by Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
Second generation · Split-wing MKZ (2013–2020)

Photo: “2017 Lincoln MKZ 'Select' 2.0T front 5.19.19.jpg” by Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.

Split-wing-grille redesign with an optional retractable glass roof and a no-cost hybrid; Lincoln's last US sedan.
- 2013
  Photo: “2013 Lincoln MKZ (27233185342).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 2014
  Photo: “2014 Lincoln MKZ AWD in Ruby Red Metallic, front left.jpg” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 2016
  Photo: “2016 Lincoln MKZ 2.0L AWD front 4.22.19.jpg” by Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 2017
  Photo: “2017 Lincoln MKZ 'Select' 2.0T front 5.19.19.jpg” by Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 2019
  Photo: “2019 Lincoln MKZ Reserve I Plus in Blue Diamond Metallic, front right.jpg” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 2020
  Photo: “2020 Lincoln MKZ AWD Reserve in Silver, rear left.jpg” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 . Cropped to 16:9.

Body styles

Sedan

Related models

← All Lincoln models