NOTE: Pricing based on data collected March 2011. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Ford introduced the MKZ Hybrid for model year 2011, replacing the Mercury Milan Hybrid as Ford’s luxury hybrid sedan entry. The conventional Lincoln MKZ features a six-cylinder engine standard. Ford took this opportunity to use the Ford Fusion Hybrid’s four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain to boost the MKZ Hybrid to a combined 39 miles per gallon (mpg). The MKZ Hybrid is offered with no premium over the conventional version (again taking advantage of the gasoline engine downsizing) and no Forced Features. It features a full hybrid drivetrain, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Improvement Score
For those looking for a luxury sedan, it is hard to ignore the MKZ Hybrid’s 46 percent reduction in global warming emissions over the conventional MKZ. Indeed, many consumers have already noticed this as sales of the MKZ Hybrid have to date exceeded Ford’s own projections. The Lexus HS 250h and Infiniti M Hybrid are next best in the luxury hybrid field, with 31 and 28 percent reductions, respectively. Neither vehicle can match the 39 mpg combined fuel economy that the MKZ Hybrid achieves. Note, however, that that MKZ’s non-luxury twin, the Fusion, comes in a four-cylinder variety. Measured against the four-cylinder Fusion, the MKZ Hybrid would merit a 33 percent reduction—even then, still a top mark in the luxury hybrid field. The MKZ Hybrid also scores an EPA air pollution score of 9 out of 10. In all, the MKZ Hybrid merits the Environmental Improvement Score of 9.5, topping the luxury hybrid class.
Scorecard Environmental Improvement Score methodology
Hybrid Value
The MKZ Hybrid has no price premium compared with the six-cylinder conventional MKZ. Only the Mercedes S400 and Lexus CT 200h outperform the MKZ Hybrid in hybrid value, as each of those models are actually less expensive than their conventional equivalent. All three of these models share the fact that they derive savings from downsizing their gasoline engine. The lack of a hybrid premium earns the MKZ Hybrid the highest Hybrid Value rating, “Superior.”
Scorecard Hybrid Value Methodology
Forced Features
Ford also decided not to layer on any additional features to the MKZ Hybrid that weren’t already available on the MKZ. This gives luxury consumers a “straight-up” decision between choosing an efficiency-focused hybrid or a more power-focused six-cylinder version of the car. Of course, the MKZ Hybrid rates a Forced Features rating of “None.” The MKZ Hybrid is part of a growing number of luxury hybrids that have eschewed forced features—a very positive trend for the market that can and should be rapidly expanded by Ford an all other automakers. Note that in some cases, Ford has offered incentives on the conventional MKZ it has not offered on the MKZ Hybrid, effectively creating a hybrid premium at the dealership that is not captured in the MSRP comparison.
Scorecard Forced Features Methodology
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Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
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