2018 Lincoln MKZ Select

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 Select from the Premiere adds niceties like heated front seats and a power-adjustable steering wheel, while skipping the Reserve's fancier leather and upgraded audio. This Select pairs a 2.0L I4 hybrid with a automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, and it's the fuel-sipper of the lineup at 40 mpg combined. The Select's hybrid setup is tuned for smooth, quiet starts, so you'll glide away from stoplights without the engine kicking in until you ask for more.