Best Car Reviews - 2015 Lincoln MKZ FWD

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Introduction

The 2015 Lincoln MKZ FWD is a five-seat midsize luxury sedan aimed at drivers who want a quiet, well-equipped American alternative to established premium rivals. This version pairs front-wheel drive with Lincoln’s 3.7-litre naturally aspirated V6, delivering confident power, a six-speed automatic transmission and a distinctive design. It stands out for its dramatic split-wing grille, available retractable panoramic roof, standard adaptive damping and a comfort-focused driving character.

Design and Exterior Features

The second-generation MKZ, introduced for 2013, retained its sleek fastback-like sedan profile for 2015 rather than receiving a major redesign. At 194.1 inches long with a 112.2-inch wheelbase, it has substantial midsize proportions while its flowing roofline, short deck and sculpted sides give it a more expressive appearance than many conservative luxury sedans. The 2015 model also introduced the highly individualized Black Label version, while the signature grille, LED lighting details and available panoramic roof remained defining visual elements.

Distinctive Lincoln split-wing grille and sculpted bodywork.
Adaptive LED headlamps with automatic operation.
LED accent lighting and available configurable daytime running lamps.
Heated power mirrors with memory, integrated turn signals and security approach lamps.
Available power-operated trunk lid and panoramic glass roof.

Interior and Comfort

The MKZ cabin focuses on a relaxed, modern atmosphere, with soft-touch surfaces, leather-trimmed seating on higher trims and a clean dashboard design. Its push-button gear selector frees space in the center console, while the front seats are supportive for long journeys. Passenger space is generous in front, although the stylish roofline slightly reduces rear-seat headroom and outward visibility. The gasoline MKZ provides 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space, making it practical for daily errands and weekend travel.

Dual-zone automatic climate control and remote start.
Intelligent Access with push-button start.
Configurable 10.1-inch digital instrument display.
Available heated and ventilated front seats and premium leather upholstery.
Available THX II-certified 14-speaker, 700-watt audio system.

Performance and Handling

The 2015 Lincoln MKZ FWD V6 uses a 3.7-litre Ti-VCT aluminum V6 producing 300 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with manual paddle activation. It delivers strong, smooth passing performance, although hard acceleration can introduce some torque steer through the front wheels. Lincoln Drive Control combines continuously controlled damping, electric power steering and active noise control, giving the MKZ a composed ride and respectable cornering ability. The official EPA rating for the V6 FWD is 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined, equivalent to approximately 13.1, 8.7 and 10.7 L/100 km. A supplied consumption figure of 14.17 L/100 km is more representative of demanding urban or heavy-use conditions than the official combined estimate.

3.7-litre V6 with 300 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Front-wheel drive and six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
EPA combined economy of 22 mpg, approximately 10.7 L/100 km.
Standard Lincoln Drive Control with adaptive damping.
Quiet cruising character with responsive steering for a comfort-oriented sedan.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2015 MKZ was well equipped for its era, centered on the SYNC with MyLincoln Touch system. It includes voice control, Bluetooth connectivity, an 8-inch center touchscreen and multiple media inputs. The interface offers useful features but can feel less intuitive and slower to respond than newer infotainment systems. Available navigation, premium audio and driver-assistance equipment allowed buyers to configure the sedan as a notably advanced luxury commuter.

SYNC with MyLincoln Touch voice-controlled infotainment system.
Bluetooth, two USB ports, SD-card reader and audio/video inputs.
Available voice-activated navigation with traffic and travel information.
Available embedded modem and MyLincoln Mobile app functionality.
Available blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and active park assist.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front knee airbags, front side airbags, side-curtain airbags, a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. Available systems included blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning with brake support and inflatable rear seatbelts. The MKZ received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. IIHS awarded Good ratings in moderate-overlap frontal, side, roof-strength and head-restraint tests, plus an Acceptable driver-side small-overlap result; it was named a 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating.
Rearview camera and reverse sensing system.
Standard stability control, traction control and antilock disc brakes.
Available Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.
Available lane-keeping, collision-warning and adaptive-cruise technologies.

Pricing and Variants

The 2015 Lincoln MKZ FWD started at $35,190 in the United States before destination charges and options. The lineup included Premiere, Select and Reserve equipment group levels, with Black Label versions adding more exclusive design themes and ownership features. Buyers could also choose a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, the 3.7-litre V6 reviewed here, or the fuel-efficient MKZ Hybrid. Its competitors included the Acura TLX, Lexus ES, Infiniti Q50, Audi A4 and Volvo S60. The MKZ offered generous equipment and comfort for its price, but German rivals generally delivered sharper handling and newer interface design.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Strong, smooth 300-horsepower V6 performance.
Quiet, comfortable ride with adaptive damping.
Distinctive exterior design that does not blend into traffic.
Strong crash-test record and available advanced safety equipment.
Well-equipped cabin with available premium audio and luxury features.

Cons

V6 fuel economy is modest for a front-wheel-drive luxury sedan.
MyLincoln Touch controls can be slower and less intuitive than modern systems.
Rearward visibility is limited by the sweeping roofline.
Hard acceleration can produce noticeable torque steer.
Some rivals feel more athletic and more upscale inside.

Maintenance and Common Issues

Repair-cost estimates place average annual maintenance and repair spending for a 2015 Lincoln MKZ at about $984, though actual cost depends heavily on mileage, service history, location and repair facility. A pre-purchase inspection and a VIN-specific recall check are important. Common reported concerns worth checking include harsh or delayed automatic-transmission shifts, a trunk lid that may not latch properly, electrical or battery-drain complaints, rearview-camera image faults covered by recall activity, and brake-related recall or service concerns such as deteriorated brake hoses. These reports do not mean every MKZ will develop these faults, but they are sensible inspection points on an older example.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.7/10. Design: 8.5/10 for its distinctive, elegant profile. Comfort: 8.2/10 for its quiet ride and accommodating front seats. Performance: 7.8/10 for the V6’s useful power, tempered by torque steer and fuel use. Technology: 7.0/10 because the feature list is strong but the infotainment interface has aged. Safety: 8.5/10 for its five-star NHTSA result, IIHS Top Safety Pick status and broad available driver-assistance suite.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly presents the 2015 Lincoln MKZ as a comfortable and distinctive used luxury sedan with an appealing balance of power and features. Satisfaction is strongest among drivers who value quiet highway travel, style and equipment rather than maximum sporting precision. Feedback is more mixed on infotainment usability, visibility and age-related electrical reliability.

Owners often praise the quiet cabin and comfortable long-distance ride.
The V6 is generally appreciated for smooth, confident passing power.
Many value the MKZ’s distinctive styling over more conservative competitors.
Touchscreen and touch-slider controls are frequent ergonomic complaints.
Used buyers commonly recommend checking maintenance records, recalls and electronic functions carefully.

Best Cars in This Category

2015 Acura TLX
2015 Lexus ES 350
2015 Infiniti Q50
2015 Volvo S60
2015 Audi A4

Summary

The 2015 Lincoln MKZ FWD V6 is best suited to buyers seeking a distinctive, comfortable midsize luxury sedan with strong naturally aspirated power and generous equipment. It is not the most economical or sportiest choice in its class, and its older infotainment system deserves a careful test drive. However, a well-maintained example with completed recalls can offer an appealing blend of style, refinement, safety and V6 performance at used-car prices.