Lincoln MKZ

The 2013 redesign brought a whole new car with a far more luxurious interior, along with turbocharged four-cylinder, V6 and hybrid powertrains. We considered it to be the most appealing and well-executed Lincoln in memory, though the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system is cumbersome to use. We'd opt for the fuel-sipping hybrid, which, unlike many other hybrids, does not carry a price premium. The Reserve Equipment Group includes blind spot monitoring to help with visibility. A rearview camera was added for 2015. A 2017 freshening brought an array of revisions.

The front-drive Zephyr sedan arrived for 2006, with secure, though not sporty handling. Ride quality is firm, supple, and controlled; but the turning circle is wide. The mid-sized Lincoln’s interior is trimmed in leather and wood, with styling reminiscent of that of past Lincolns. For 2007, an all-wheel-drive version was introduced and the car was renamed MKZ. Stability control was added for 2009. A 2010 freshening saw improvements to the turning circle, better interior materials, and a quieter cabin.