“If you're looking for a Car that's both good on gas and has luxurious features you need to look no further than a Lincoln MKZ HYBRID.”
2016 Lincoln MKZ: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2016 Lincoln MKZ is that the 8-inch touchscreen became standard on the base and Hybrid trims. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with the same design, engines, hybrid system, and Black Label models.
About the 2016 Lincoln MKZ
2nd generation (2013-2020), final pre-refresh year before the 2017 facelift.
Lincoln positions the MKZ as a style-first midsize luxury sedan focused on quiet comfort, distinctive design, and generous standard equipment rather than sporty, German-style sharpness. The push-button shifter, flowing center console, available huge retractable panoramic roof, adaptive ride control, and hybrid option all support that pitch. For most shoppers, the MKZ is an American luxury commuter and road-trip sedan that aims to feel calm, upscale, and a little different from more common rivals.
The standard MKZ is a comfort-focused luxury sedan with heated front seats, adaptive LED headlights, and an adaptive suspension. The Hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter gas engine with an electric motor for 188 combined horsepower, while Black Label models emphasize richer leather, Alcantara trim, designer wood, and curated interior themes.
What changed, by category
Tech
The 8-inch touchscreen changed from optional to standard equipment on the base and Hybrid trims.
2016 Lincoln MKZ specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0L / V6, 3.7 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0L / V6, 3.7 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift / Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 18–22 mpg | 41 mpg | 18–41 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27–33 mpg | 39 mpg | 27–39 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240–300 hp | 188 hp | 188–300 hp |
| Torque | 270–277 lb-ft | 129 lb-ft | 129–277 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.4 cu-ft | 11.1 cu-ft | 11.1–15.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37 in | 37 in | 37 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Inflatable Seat Belts | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Cooled Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Interior Trim | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 Lincoln MKZ compared with the 2015 model?
The 8-inch touchscreen became standard on the base and Hybrid trims for 2016. Beyond that equipment change, the design, powertrains, chassis, safety equipment, and Black Label lineup carried over without a major update.
Was the 2016 Lincoln MKZ redesigned?
No, the 2016 MKZ was not redesigned. It remained part of the second generation introduced for 2013 and was the final model year before the 2017 styling and powertrain update.
Did the 2016 Lincoln MKZ offer a hybrid model?
Yes, the 2016 MKZ included Hybrid and Black Label Hybrid models. Their 2.0-liter gas-electric system produced 188 combined horsepower and did not require plugging in.
Was Black Label new for the 2016 Lincoln MKZ?
No, Black Label was not new for 2016. It had already joined the MKZ range for 2015 and carried into 2016 with special interior themes, upgraded leather, Alcantara trim, and distinctive wood finishes.
Is the 2016 Lincoln MKZ meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
No, the two model years are very similar. The clearest 2016 difference is the standard touchscreen on the base and Hybrid trims; shoppers should not expect a new design or revised engines.
2016 Lincoln MKZ Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Lincoln MKZ.
4.4
2016 Lincoln MKZ
(360 reviews)
“As a previous Lincoln owner, I am drawn to the brand. The MKZ hybrid was exactly what I was looking for in design and economy. I do not like the trunk space as it is smaller but I understand why as the battery has to fit somewhere- so it is a trade-off for a hybrid vehicle. I also think that the Lincoln app for the vehicle is completely worthless. Lincoln needs to be more innovative in what an app can do.”
“Ride across the country was extremely comfortable. Good gas mileage for a larger car. Great acceleration when needed. Interior very quiet. Front very roomy. Seats and steering column very adjustable. Gauges easy to see in all types of light. Touch screen fun to play with, although it always looks messy with fingerprints.”