2017 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID TEST DRIVE

[daboss54]

I want to know if anyone has test driven a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid vs a 2013 thru 2016 MKZ Hybrid....To report any driving differences with the new software improvements that Ford/Lincoln were supposed to install on the new models?

[JHGMIA]

Just picked up my third MKZ Hybrid (a 2017 Black Label) after a two month wait.  My first  MKZ hybrid (2011?) had the old styling, but got considerably better MPG then my 2014 (38 MPG vs, 35 MPG) over the course of my 3 yr leases.  Overall the 2014 was a disappointment. The engine was loud on accelerating, had some annoying vibration noises and a few annoying mechanical issues.  Although I only picked up the 2017 a few days ago, here are my impressions. The engine and car overall is much quieter; the drive seems more solid on the road; the info system is much improved, including the screen.  It is to early to assess MPG, because my experience is that it takes a few weeks before the Hybrids start working efficiently.  I test drove a non-Black label before ordering my car and I had the same impression of improved driving and in particular reduced engine noise (the 2014 motor always sounded as if it was struggling).  As for the Black Label, the radio is far superior to the supposed high-end THX setup I had in the 2014 and the interior materials are much more refined and solid.

[Jeffrey Steven Hastings]

I test drove a 2017 2 months ago and was most impressed but I don't have the experience of owning a prior model. My only caveat is that I know that in Consumer Reports tests, the MKZ Hybrid got 5 mpg less than than the Ford Fusion Hybrid. I think the difference has to be mostly the tires. Lincoln won't use the low-rolling resistance rubber on the Fusion; I guess since it must ride harder. Wondering if I could do a tire swap for the Fusion's LRR tires at a nominal cost. Thanks!

[hermans]

Maybe there has been a change but both my 2013 FFH and MKZh came with LLR tires. At the very most there was a 2.5-3 MPG difference between the two. Same kind of driving or both. On long trips 1200 miles+ (same routes) I often got better mileage with the MKZh.

Edited September 19, 2016 by hermans

[daboss54]

Thanks a Lot.....the MKZ will get slightly worse fuel economy due to the additional weight and wider tires for sure. I was mainly concerned about the so called tweak for this..."The new software, Layden suggests, has the "engine speed harmonized with the [pedal] tip-in," producing a car that "feels connected, feels engaging, more like a driver's car." The engine response, he said, now feels "intuitive" to the driver"....this was posted on Greencarreports.com.