“I chose this MKZ due to low mileage, price, luxury, comfort and style. I have had it over a year now and it has not disappointed in any area. Beautiful, reliable vehicle for the money paid. No regrets. Trouble-free. Well made. Quality.”
2018 Lincoln MKZ: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ is that Reserve and Reserve Hybrid models gain a standard Revel 14-speaker audio system. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with no major changes to the engines, styling, safety equipment, or structure.
About the 2018 Lincoln MKZ
2nd generation (2013-2020), second model year after the 2017 refresh.
Lincoln positions the MKZ as a midsize luxury sedan built around quiet comfort, an elegant cabin, and easy everyday drivability rather than sharp-edged sport-sedan behavior. Its pitch mixes a calm, upscale interior with genuine powertrain choice: a standard turbo four, an available twin-turbo V6 on upper gas trims, and a hybrid that keeps the same luxury-sedan mission while chasing efficiency. The MKZ’s core appeal is a relaxed, feature-rich driving experience with a softer, more tranquil personality than many rivals.
The 2018 MKZ ranges from the comfort-focused Premiere to the richer Reserve and design-focused Black Label. Gas models use a 245-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, with a 3.0-liter V6 offered on upper trims, while every hybrid has a 188-hp system. Notable features include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Premiere, navigation and cooled front seats on Reserve, and themed interiors with Venetian leather on Black Label.
What changed, by category
Tech
The Revel 14-speaker premium audio system becomes standard on Reserve and Reserve Hybrid models.
2018 Lincoln MKZ specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 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 | 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 | 21–41 mpg | 18–41 mpg | 21–41 mpg | 18–41 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31–38 mpg | 27–38 mpg | 31–38 mpg | 27–38 mpg |
| Horsepower | 188–245 hp | 188–350 hp | 188–245 hp | 188–400 hp |
| Torque | 129–275 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
Is the 2018 Lincoln MKZ a major redesign?
No. The 2018 MKZ carries over the body, engines, core cabin technology, and safety equipment introduced before this model year. Its main update is added standard audio equipment on Reserve models.
What changed on the 2018 Lincoln MKZ Reserve?
The 2018 MKZ Reserve and Reserve Hybrid gain a Revel 14-speaker premium audio system as standard equipment. Navigation, heated and cooled front seats, blind-spot monitoring, and a power trunk lid are also key Reserve features.
Did the 2018 Lincoln MKZ get new engines?
No. The 2018 engine lineup carries over, including the 245-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the 3.0-liter V6 on upper gas trims, and the 188-hp 2.0-liter hybrid system.
What distinguishes the 2018 Lincoln MKZ Black Label?
The 2018 MKZ Black Label is the design-focused flagship trim. It has themed interiors, Venetian leather, a simulated-suede headliner, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, and dark exterior badging.
2018 Lincoln MKZ Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Lincoln MKZ.
4.3
2018 Lincoln MKZ
(249 reviews)
“My Lincoln MKZ is fantastic. The ride is so smooth and comfortable. I have taken a couple of road trips and was very pleased. I would recommend this car over and over to anyone who asks how I like it”
“The MKZ is a totally awesome car that is sleek, has great handling with a luxury interior. The sound system is terrific! It's a total package of performance and luxury.”