Lincoln MKZ History
Lincoln's mid-size sedan (launched for 2006 as the Zephyr, renamed MKZ for 2007) — including an available hybrid, built to 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.
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
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
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
Collect the nameplate
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