2018 Lincoln MKZ Reserve

The MKZ is Lincoln's mid-size sedan, a more distinctive take on the Ford Fusion underneath, and it's the model that helped the brand feel modern again. It's tuned for smooth, quiet cruising rather than sporty responses, so the steering feels a bit relaxed, but the ride is genuinely comfortable for long trips. The cabin looks sharp with its push-button gear selector and sweeping dash, though some plastics feel a bit cheap for the price, and rear headroom is tight for taller passengers. You get a big touchscreen with Lincoln's Sync 3 system, which is far easier to use than the older MyLincoln Touch, plus standard driver aids like blind-spot monitoring. Stepping up to the Reserve from the Select adds nicer interior touches and more standard equipment, while the Black Label above it brings even more luxury. The 2.0L I4 sends 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic to the front-wheel drive, which is plenty for relaxed highway cruising. The Reserve's available adaptive suspension smooths out rough pavement, making it the pick if you want the most comfortable ride in the MKZ range.