2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve: A Detailed Look

Hey everyone, let's dive deep into the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve, a sedan that aimed to blend luxury, performance, and technology for discerning drivers. If you're eyeing a mid-size luxury sedan from that era, the MKZ Reserve is definitely worth a closer look. Lincoln really went for it with this model, packing it with features and a distinct style that set it apart. We're going to break down what makes this car tick, from its sophisticated interior to its driving dynamics and the tech that keeps you connected and safe. So, buckle up, guys, because we're about to explore the ins and outs of the 2017 MKZ Reserve.

Performance and Powertrain Options

When we talk about the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve, one of the first things to consider is what's under the hood. Lincoln offered a couple of compelling powertrain options to cater to different driving preferences. The standard engine for the Reserve trim was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which was no slouch. It produced a healthy 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. For those who craved a bit more oomph, and let's be honest, who doesn't sometimes, Lincoln also offered an optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6. This beast pumped out an impressive 350 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, giving the MKZ Reserve some serious get-up-and-go. It was a significant step up in performance, making highway passing a breeze and providing a more exhilarating driving experience. Both engines were available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system was particularly noteworthy as it could actively distribute power between the front and rear axles, and even between the left and right rear wheels, to enhance traction and handling in various conditions. This intelligent system made the MKZ Reserve feel more planted and confident on the road, especially when navigating tighter corners or dealing with inclement weather. Lincoln also equipped the MKZ Reserve with its Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) suspension. This isn't just your average suspension system; it's an adaptive system that constantly monitors the road surface and adjusts the damping force for each wheel independently. You could even select different drive modes – Comfort, Normal, and Sport – which would alter the suspension's feel, the steering effort, and the throttle response. In Comfort mode, the ride was plush and isolating, gliding over bumps and imperfections, living up to the luxury sedan promise. Switch to Sport mode, and the suspension firmed up, the steering became more responsive, and the throttle sharpened, offering a more engaging and dynamic drive. This versatility meant the MKZ Reserve could be both a serene cruiser for long road trips and a more spirited performer when the mood struck. The braking system was also robust, providing confident stopping power, which is crucial for a car in this class. Overall, the powertrain and suspension tuning in the 2017 MKZ Reserve aimed to deliver a refined yet capable driving experience, balancing luxury comfort with a good dose of performance when you needed it.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve, you're immediately greeted by an atmosphere of premium comfort and sophisticated technology. Lincoln really focused on creating a cabin that felt luxurious and inviting. The Reserve trim, being the top tier, came standard with a host of upscale features. We're talking about premium leather-trimmed seats that were not only beautifully stitched but also incredibly comfortable for long journeys. These seats often came with heating and ventilation functions, adding another layer of comfort depending on the weather. The driver's seat, in particular, usually featured 20-way adjustability, allowing you to find that perfect driving position no matter your height or build. It’s those little details, guys, that make a huge difference in the overall driving experience. The dashboard and door panels were adorned with high-quality materials, including soft-touch plastics, real wood trim accents, and brushed metal finishes, all contributing to a sense of opulence. The design was clean and modern, with a focus on the driver. Central to the cabin's tech interface was the SYNC 3 infotainment system, displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen. This system was a significant upgrade from previous versions, offering a more intuitive user interface, faster processing speeds, and improved voice recognition. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which was a big deal in 2017, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity for navigation, music, and calls. Think about streaming your favorite playlists or using your preferred navigation app directly through the car's screen – it really elevated the convenience factor. Beyond the infotainment, the MKZ Reserve was packed with other tech features. You'd often find a digital instrument cluster, which could be customized to display various information, from traditional gauges to navigation prompts and media details. The audio system was usually a Revel premium sound system, renowned for its clarity and immersive sound quality, making every drive feel like you were at a concert. For convenience, features like a push-button start, keyless entry, and a hands-free trunk opening were standard. The cabin was also designed with acoustics in mind, featuring active noise cancellation technology to ensure a remarkably quiet and serene ride, even at highway speeds. This attention to detail in reducing road and engine noise allowed occupants to fully enjoy conversations or the premium audio system. The ambient lighting options also added to the mood, allowing drivers to choose from a spectrum of colors to personalize the cabin's ambiance. In essence, the interior of the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve was a testament to Lincoln's commitment to luxury and technology, offering a refined, comfortable, and connected environment for both the driver and passengers.

Exterior Styling and Design

Let's talk about how the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve looks. When Lincoln redesigned the MKZ for this model year, they really aimed for a more distinctive and elegant exterior. The front fascia was a standout feature, with a bold, signature Lincoln grille that gave the car a strong presence on the road. The headlights were sleek and modern, often featuring LED daytime running lights that gave it a recognizable and sophisticated look, even from a distance. The overall silhouette of the MKZ Reserve was that of a classic luxury sedan – smooth, flowing lines that suggested motion even when stationary. It wasn't overly aggressive, but rather exuded a sense of understated elegance. The profile was characterized by a long hood and a gracefully sloping roofline that flowed seamlessly into the rear. This design language contributed to a slightly coupe-like appearance, adding a touch of sportiness to its luxury demeanor. The rear of the car featured distinctive LED taillights that spanned the width of the trunk lid, a design element that was becoming increasingly popular in the luxury segment and really made the car look wider and more planted. The trunk lid itself was cleanly integrated, and the Lincoln script was proudly displayed, reinforcing the brand's identity. The Reserve trim often came with larger, stylish alloy wheels, typically in the 18 or 19-inch range, which filled the wheel wells nicely and contributed significantly to the car's premium stance. Chrome accents were tastefully applied around the windows, on the grille, and on the door handles, adding a touch of sparkle without being gaudy. The overall design aimed to strike a balance between classic luxury and contemporary style. It was a car that looked good parked in front of a fine dining restaurant just as much as it did cruising down the highway. Lincoln also offered a range of attractive exterior paint colors, allowing buyers to further personalize their vehicle. The build quality was also impressive, with tight panel gaps and a solid feel, which is a hallmark of a well-engineered luxury vehicle. The doors felt substantial when opening and closing, and the overall fit and finish were top-notch. Even the side mirrors were designed to be aerodynamically efficient and visually appealing, often incorporating turn signals. The car's dimensions placed it squarely in the mid-size luxury sedan segment, offering a good balance of interior space and manageable exterior size. In summary, the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve presented a refined and elegant exterior design that successfully blended Lincoln's brand identity with contemporary automotive styling trends, making it a visually appealing choice in its class.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Safety is paramount, especially in a luxury sedan like the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve, and Lincoln didn't skimp on the advanced safety technologies for this model. When you're behind the wheel, you want to feel secure, and the MKZ Reserve offered a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect you and your passengers, as well as help prevent accidents in the first place. Standard safety equipment included anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), stability and traction control systems, and a full array of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. But where the MKZ Reserve really shone, especially in the Reserve trim, was in its availability of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Many of these were optional, but they significantly enhanced the car's safety profile. Features like adaptive cruise control were available, allowing the car to maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically braking and accelerating as needed. This was a real game-changer for long commutes and highway driving, reducing driver fatigue and enhancing safety. Another crucial system was the pre-collision warning with brake support. This technology used sensors to detect potential frontal collisions and would alert the driver, and if necessary, automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid the impact. Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) was also a popular option, using sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots and alerting you with a visual or audible warning, making lane changes much safer. Similarly, rear cross-traffic alert was invaluable when backing out of parking spaces, warning you of approaching vehicles from either side. For enhanced visibility, adaptive LED headlights were available, which could swivel with the steering wheel to illuminate corners and curves as you turned, and also automatically adjusted their high-beam intensity based on oncoming traffic. The lane-keeping system was another advanced feature, designed to help prevent unintended lane departure by providing steering assistance or alerts if the car started to drift out of its lane. Parking was made easier with available front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. Higher trims or optional packages might even include a 360-degree camera system, providing a bird's-eye view of the car's surroundings, which was incredibly helpful for maneuvering in tight spaces. Lincoln also offered technologies like MyKey, which allowed owners to set certain parameters for secondary drivers, such as limiting top speed or radio volume, promoting safer driving habits. The overall approach was to provide layers of protection, both passive (like airbags) and active (like driver-assistance systems), ensuring that the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve offered a secure and confident driving experience for everyone on board. It was a solid effort in bringing modern safety tech to the luxury sedan segment.

Conclusion: Is the 2017 MKZ Reserve Still a Good Buy?

So, after breaking down the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve, what's the verdict, guys? For a used luxury sedan from that year, it presents a compelling package. You're getting a vehicle that offers a comfortable and quiet ride, a well-appointed interior with premium materials, and a decent amount of advanced technology for its time. The availability of potent engine options, particularly the 3.0L V6, means you can find a model that offers genuine performance alongside luxury. The exterior styling, while subjective, is arguably more distinctive than some of its more mainstream luxury competitors from the same period. If you prioritize a smooth and serene driving experience, a cabin that feels genuinely upscale, and a car that doesn't shout its luxury but rather whispers it, the 2017 MKZ Reserve is definitely worth considering on the used market. Of course, as with any used vehicle, maintenance history and overall condition are key. But if you find a well-maintained example, you could be looking at a fantastic value proposition. It delivers a genuine luxury experience without always carrying the premium price tag of some German rivals. It’s a car that offers a strong blend of comfort, tech, and style, making it a solid contender for anyone looking for a premium sedan that stands out from the crowd.