2019 Lincoln MKZ Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Packed in among a whole slew of luxury sport-style sedans is the 2019 Lincoln MKZ. Having undergone a serious overhaul in 2017, the past few years have been all about finding the right mix of features for each trim level. The great thing about this line-up is that each of its gasoline-powered trims also has a hybrid variant for consumers who are looking to save some money on fuel.

This model year's Lincoln MKZ has three gasoline-powered trims: the base Standard, the mid-level Reserve, and the line-topping Reserve II. Each one is pretty thoroughly equipped with a range of standard features, even the Standard trim. The Reserve packs in more technological and interior details while the Reserve II goes all-out on the luxury features. If it is creature comforts you want, it is creature comforts you shall receive on the MKZ.

Of course, the MKZ has a few downsides. The base 2.0-L turbo-charged 4-cylinder feels a bit under-powered with its 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission rounds out the powertrain, and front-wheel drive is the standard drivetrain. However, you can get all-wheel drive optionally equipped, but that is only reserved for the gas-powered trims. For the hybrids, all-wheel drive is not available.

Since you have quite a few different configurations to choose from, it is important to take your time and know what you are investing in. The Lincoln MKZ has some diversity to its line-up, which can be a good thing. Still, you probably want to know which trim level is the best fit for you and your needs. Read on through to the end of this comparison review, and you might just find your vehicular match. Now, let us begin by comparing each gasoline-powered trim with its hybrid variant.

Compare the 2019 Lincoln MKZ Standard vs Standard Hybrid. What is the difference?

The 2019 Lincoln MKZ's base trim is known as the Standard. In its gas-powered form, this trim level has a starting MSRP of $35,995, as does the Standard Hybrid trim. On the mechanical end of things, the Standard and Standard Hybrid both have electric power-assisted steering, auto hold, and an adaptive suspension. The Standard also has electronic stability control and the option of adding all-wheel drive, which the Standard Hybrid does not. The Standard gets its power from a 2.0-L turbo-charged 4-cylinder while the Standard Hybrid has a 2.0-L Atkinson hybrid powertrain. The Standard pairs its engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission, but the Standard Hybrid utilizes an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and eco select. Both trims come with standard 18-inch aluminum wheels that have painted pockets.

On the outside, it is hard to tell the Standard and the Standard Hybrid apart. Both of these trim levels come equipped with adaptive HID headlights, LED taillights, two integrated chrome exhaust tips, Lincoln Embrace (which welcomes you to your vehicle with a display of lights), a satin aluminum grille, and door colors painted the same color as the body that include chrome inserts. Solar-tinted glass windows and a windshield made of acoustic laminated glass also come on both trims.

The interiors of the Standard and Standard Hybrid are also remarkably similar, save for a few important differences. Both trims have dual-zone automatic climate control, a steering wheel wrapped in leather with multiple controls mounted onto it, and a reverse sensing system. They also come with a rear window defroster, an automatically-dimming rearview mirror, four 12-volt power outlets, a manual tilt-and telescoping steering column, power door locks, and 10 cup holders that can be found throughout the cabin. The glovebox has a valet lock for extra security, and a push-button shift, rain-sensing wipers, and de-icer for the windshield wipers all come as standard issue as well.

Whereas the Standard gets a 10-inch LCD gauge cluster with a built-in message center, the Standard Hybrid gets a dual LCD SmartGauge system with EcoGuide added on. As far as convenience features go, this is the only major difference between these two trim levels.

The Standard and Standard Hybrid are both given the SYNC 3 infotainment system. They also receive an impressive 11-speaker Lincoln premium sound system. SiriusXM Satellite Radio gets included. Up front, you will find one audio input jack, two USB ports, and a media bin with an SD card reader slot.

Seating itself is also the same on both trim levels. Comfortable Luxury Soft Touch seats are equipped, and the front seats both have 10-way power adjustment with 2-way power lumbar support. The driver's seat has memory functions, and the rear seat is a split-folding seat with pass-through ability.

The Lincoln Connect telematics system, lane keep assist, a blind-spot monitoring system with cross-traffic alert, and a pre-collision assist system with automatic emergency braking are driver aids that get slapped onto both trims. Other safety features include a four-wheel disc anti-lock braking system, a Belt-Minder alert for the front seat belts, an emergency trunk release, an SOS post-crash alert system, a personal safety system, and a tire pressure monitoring system that assesses each tire individually. A rearview camera and emergency brake assist also come standard. A keyless entry pad, remote keyless entry, an anti-theft system, and a perimeter alarm help to deter thieves and allow you quicker access to your vehicle.

Both trims can be equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 value package. There are also a number of optional features you can select from, including a whopping nine extra-cost body paint colors, a front license plate bracket, and floor mats for the first and second rows of seats.

Compare the 2019 MKZ Reserve vs Reserve Hybrid. What is the difference?

Sure, the Standard trim is well-equipped, but the Reserve and its hybrid version both have even more of the interior features you might be looking for in a luxury vehicle. Their mechanical features are both the same as those found on the Standard and Standard Hybrid, and their exterior features are extremely similar as well. The cabin is where you will find the real upgrades.

Also different from the cruise-control only Standard, the Reserve and Reserve Hybrid are both given adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function. This feature is pretty par for the course with hybrids and helps adjust the vehicle's speed to keep it at a safe distance from the vehicles in front of it. This is thought to be beneficial during heavy traffic flow.

The inclusion of genuine wood on the steering wheel, instrument panel, and doors marks another upgrade. The Reserve trims also get ambient lighting and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column. Aluminum pedal covers are optional, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system is given built-in navigation with voice recognition. There is also a 14-speaker Revel sound system that you can choose to upgrade to if you so wish. The front seats gain 4-way power lumbar support, and they are trimmed in leather. Heating is optional for the rear seats. There are also optional inflatable safety belts for the rear outboard seats.

There is an optional MKZ Reserve Plus package that equips a few more features. You can also choose to get a power moonroof and a power sun shade for the rear window if you'd like.

Compare the MKZ Reserve II vs Reserve II Hybrid. What is the difference?

At last, we have come to the line-topping Reserve II and Reserve II Hybrid. There are some mechanical differences on the Reserve II and its hybrid. Options for the Reserve II include a sport-tuned suspension and dynamic torque vectoring. The Reserve II gets upgraded to 19-inch satin-finished 7-spoke machined aluminum wheels.

On the inside, the Reserve II and Reserve II Hybrid get the full luxury treatment. The heated steering wheel that is optional on the Reserve trims comes standard on the Reserve II trim levels. A forward sensing system and enhanced active park assist with sensors up front also come equipped. The 14-speaker Revel sound system that is optional on the Reserve trims is standardized, and there is an option of upgrading to a massively powerful 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system. The seats are treated to perforated leather upholstery, and the front seats are multi-contoured and given Active Motion. Also, the rear seats receive standard heating.

Add-on features include an extra body paint color (the stunning Rhapsody Blue) and a retractable panoramic glass roof. The MKZ LUxury Package can be equipped as well, and there are a standard power moonroof and premium floor mats for both rows of seats.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, all six trim levels available in the 2019 Lincoln MKZ's line-up are packed to the brim with luxury and comfort. While the base engine suffers from a lack of power, the hybrid powertrains actually produce a fairly solid driving performance.

While all of the trim levels offer a lot of attractive features, the Reserve and Reserve Hybrid represent a great balance between affluence and affordability. They both have just enough standard features to make their owners feel a bit spoiled, and the Reserve Hybrid gives eco-minded drivers the added benefit of a good fuel economy.