“Great car, all the bells and whistles, just a little small for a bigger guy (6'2") and his growing kids”
2017 Lincoln MKZ: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Lincoln MKZ is a major mid-cycle refresh, led by its Continental-inspired front end; the cabin, technology, and gas-engine lineup were updated too.
About the 2017 Lincoln MKZ
2nd generation (2013-2020), mid-cycle refresh year
Lincoln positioned the MKZ as a quiet, style-forward midsize luxury sedan built around comfort, easy-to-use technology, and a calm driving experience rather than hard-edged sport-sedan behavior. Its core appeal was choice: a strong value-packed luxury setup, an efficient hybrid, or a much quicker twin-turbo V6 on upper trims. Against rivals, Lincoln leaned on a hushed cabin, distinctive design, and a long standard-equipment list rather than European-style handling bragging rights.
The 2017 lineup runs from the core Premiere through the more upscale Select and comfort-focused Reserve to Black Label, which features Chalet, Vineyard, or Thoroughbred designer interiors. Gas versions use a 245-hp turbo four-cylinder or the new twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, while hybrid versions retain a 188-hp system; Reserve brings blind-spot monitoring and cooled front seats, and Black Label adds a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.
What changed, by category
Styling
A new one-piece Lincoln grille and Continental-inspired front end give the MKZ a substantially different look. Inside, the controls and center-console layout are reworked. Black Label adds Chalet and Vineyard themes alongside Thoroughbred.
Tech
SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen replaces the older infotainment interface across the lineup. Auto Hold is added to keep the car stopped without holding the brake pedal, and a power moonroof moves from optional to standard. Select and Reserve also add rear-seat USB ports, while Select gains a household-style power outlet.
Powertrain
A new optional twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 joins the gas lineup and produces up to 400 hp. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder rises to 245 hp, while the 188-hp hybrid system carries over.
2017 Lincoln MKZ specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0L / V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0L / V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0L / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0L / V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift / Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift / Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift / Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift / Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 18–41 mpg | 18–41 mpg | 21–41 mpg | 18–41 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27–38 mpg | 27–38 mpg | 31–38 mpg | 27–38 mpg |
| Horsepower | 188–350 hp | 188–350 hp | 188–245 hp | 188–400 hp |
| Torque | 129–400 lb-ft | 129–400 lb-ft | 129–275 lb-ft | 129–400 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 11.1–15.4 cu-ft | 11.1–15.4 cu-ft | 11.1–15.4 cu-ft | 11.1–15.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37 in | 37 in | 37 in | 37 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Inflatable Seat Belts | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Interior Trim | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2017 Lincoln MKZ redesigned?
No. The 2017 Lincoln MKZ received a substantial mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. It kept the same basic platform but gained a Continental-inspired front end, reworked cabin controls, and updated technology.
What engine was new in the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
A twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 was new for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ gas lineup. It produced up to 400 hp, while the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder was rated at 245 hp and the hybrid retained its 188-hp system.
Does every 2017 Lincoln MKZ have SYNC 3?
Yes. SYNC 3 became the standard touchscreen system across the 2017 Lincoln MKZ lineup. It uses an 8-inch screen and replaced the older infotainment interface.
Did the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid disappear for 2017?
No. The standalone Hybrid trim name was dropped, but the hybrid powertrain remained in the 2017 lineup under Premiere, Select, Reserve, and Black Label versions. Each uses a 188-hp hybrid system.
Is the 2017 Lincoln MKZ worth considering over the 2016 model?
Yes, especially if the newer touchscreen, refreshed styling, revised cabin controls, or stronger gas engines matter to you. The 2017 model is a meaningful update over the 2016, although the hybrid powertrain largely carries over.
2017 Lincoln MKZ Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Lincoln MKZ.
4.3
2017 Lincoln MKZ
(820 reviews)
“Love the appearance and comfort. Love the great gas mileage. Love the interior space and all the controls. Love the ease of seat controls and visibility. Only drawback is roominess if trunk due to size of battery pack.”
“The Lincoln MKZ is a solid performing car with the bonus of luxury styling and comfortable ride for a great price in the used market.”