See “What the Numbers Mean” in The Ultimate Green Car Buyer’s Guide, 2012 for a full description of the metrics we collected for each model.

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Hybrid, Sedan

Price Range: $35,600 – $41,300
City/Hwy/Combined MPG: 41/36/39
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,450
Air Pollution Score: 7
Greenhouse Gas Score: 9
ACEEE Green Score and Class Ranking: 47/Above Average
Safety Ratings: N/A
Space: 99 cu. ft. p.v./seats 5
Drive Score: 4
Similar Used: 2011

Good to Know:

• The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid was the first vehicle to eliminate the hybrid price premium that usually separates conventional and gasoline-electric models. It sells for the same starting price as a more powerful 6-cylinder gasoline MKZ variant.
• Under the hood, the MKZ Hybrid is a luxury clone of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which posts identical power and fuel economy numbers.
• In its first full year of sales, the hybrid variant accounted for more than 20 percent of all MKZ sales.
• For 2013, Lincoln promises to release a redesigned MKZ with fuel economy boosted to somewhere in the mid-40s.
• For hybrid shoppers, the point of comparison for the MKZ Hybrid probably isn’t the gas-powered MKZ but the Fusion Hybrid, which costs $6,000 less but compares with the MKZ in overall quality.
• To maximize the MKZ’s green credentials, Lincoln uses eco-friendly materials for its interior — such as sustainably harvested wood, chemical-free leather seats and even materials made from recycled soda bottles.

What the Press Says:

• “Lincoln accomplishes a lot with this premium mid-size hybrid sedan. The marque offers luxury buyers a traditional experience with the accouterments expected, yet builds in environmental performance with a notable hybrid system.” — Green Car Journal
• “The 2012 Lincoln MKZ is a competent mid-size premium sedan, but it does not represent enough of an improvement over the similar Ford Fusion to justify its Mercedes-like price.” — Edmunds.com

More 2012 green cars: Find details about many more green cars from other automakers in The Ultimate Green Car Buyer’s Guide, 2012.

Photo from Lincoln