2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid officially most efficient luxury car in America

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid received an official fuel economy rating of 45 miles per gallon whether driving on the highway or around town with a combined figure of 45mpg as well. This makes the 2013 MKZ Hybrid not just the most efficient model in the midsized luxury sedan class but it also makes the MKZ the most fuel efficient luxury available in the US today. Not only does the 2013 MKZ Hybrid beat the other vehicles in the midsized luxury sedan segment – it does so handily.

"The all-new MKZ Hybrid proves that thoughtful customers who prioritize fuel economy and reducing emissions do not need to compromise on luxury, driving quality or advanced technology," said Jim Farley, group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. "MKZ is our strongest proof yet on what the reinvented Lincoln stands for – beautiful vehicles with compelling and warm experiences that create a clear alternative in today's increasingly competitive luxury marketplace."

With EPA figures of 45mpg all around (combined, highway and city), the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid offers a significant advantage of 5mpg around town, 6mpg on the highway and 5mpg combined over the 2013 Lexus ES300h (40 city and combined, 39 highway) which is the closest vehicle in the class in terms of both price and fuel economy figures. The next closest is the 2013 Infiniti M35h with figures of 27 around town, 32 on the highway and 29 combined while the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 falls well short of the MKZ with figures of 25 around town and 33 on the highway with a combined figure of 28 miles per gallon. The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is also more efficient than the smaller Lexus CT200h that offers 43 around town, 40 on the highway and 42 combined.

In addition to being more efficient than the other vehicles in the midsized luxury sedan class, the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is also far more affordable, sharing a price with the non-hybrid 2013 MKZ starting at just $36,800 (including the $875 destination fee). The 2013 Lexus ES300h starts at $39,725, the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 starts at $50,195 and the Infiniti M35h starts at $55,095 – making the MKZ Hybrid considerably less expensive than the other models in the class while still being vastly more efficient. The Lexus CT200h starts at $32,475 so it is slightly less expensive than the 2013 MKZ Hybrid but it is still less efficient and smaller – especially in terms of rear passenger seating space.

What is not addressed in Ford’s statement proclaiming that the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the most efficient luxury car in America is what happened to the other 2 miles per gallon from the 2013 Ford Fusion. While these two vehicles share a chassis and a 2.0L hybrid drivetrain, the luxurious MKZ comes with standard features that are offered but not standard in the new Fusion hybrid. Things like the standard leather, heated power front seats (and leather rear seats), the 8” touch screen infotainment system, the Lincoln premium 11 speaker sound system and the 18” alloy wheels add luxury and comfort but they also add weight. On the outside, the MKZ Hybrid offers a slightly different design than the Fusion Hybrid while items like the larger wheels and tires take more effort for the engine to turn. Those factors – the added weight, the differing aerodynamics and the heavier wheels – likely all play a part in the slight decline in fuel economy between the two closely related vehicles.

However, for a new car buyer who wants a luxury hybrid with the best fuel economy and lowest price in the luxury class – the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the current kind of the hill.