2018 model shown
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $30,258–$37,905 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2018 Lincoln MKZ is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.0/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.0/10, while Performance at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.9/10 for reliability, this sedan trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 8.0/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.4/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.0/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $30,258–$37,905, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Lincoln MKZ sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2018 Lincoln MKZ sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability and value and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Lincoln MKZ ranks #1048 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 20% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $30,258 starting price is about 9% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Lincoln MKZ scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.0 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $32,472 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $31,365 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $30,258 | |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $29,151 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.9/10 | $28,044 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $26,937 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 6.9/10 | $26,600 | Read review → |
| 2013 | 6.7/10 | $25,460 | Read review → |
| 2012 | 6.8/10 | $24,320 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Steering / steering wheel/handle bar 12/03/2018 · 18V167000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving. |
|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 10/03/2023 · 23V162000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2018 Lincoln MKZ's reliability 6.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #1048 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 20% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2018 Lincoln MKZ starts at $30,258 and ranges up to $37,905 across trims (MSRP when new). At 21 MPG, expect roughly $2,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
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Explore the full lineup of Lincoln models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.