2016 vs. 2017 Lincoln Models: What’s Changed?

Each year, car manufacturers produce new vehicles that seem uncannily like the previous models, so it can be tough to decide whether it’s worth shelling out for a new one. These are the biggest changes among Lincoln’s newest models, which may help you determine which year is perfect for your garage.

MKZ

The 2016 MKZ didn’t see many improvements, but the 2017 model got a major overhaul. This year, the sedan has a new Continental-inspired front end and gained a new 400-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. The previous model’s 2.0-liter engine with 240 horsepower is still available if you prefer a 4-cylinder option.

Even though the engine remains mostly unchanged, the fuel economy for the 2.0-liter saw a slight drop in the new model from 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway to 21/31. The 3.0-liter engine gets 18 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway.

Another huge change was the removal of MyLincoln Touch controls. Lincoln still favors a touch screen over knobs and switches, but the new MKZ has Sync 3, instead.

All of these improvements may make you think the price of the 2017 MKZ increased, but it actually saw a minuscule decrease. The MSRP of the 2016 MKZ starts at $35,190, but the 2017 MKZ starting MSRP is $35,170. There are also more styles or configurations for you to choose for the 2017 including Premiere, Select, Reserve, and the classic Black Label.

MKT

The 2017 MKT isn’t out yet, but Lincoln has released information on what you can expect from this classy SUV. The engine of the MKT will remain with the two options being a 3.5-liter and a 3.7-liter. The gas mileage also remains the same with 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

One of the biggest changes is the fact that the 2017 MKT can tow more. According to Release Dates New Cars, the new model can tow up to 4,500 lbs. whereas the previous MKT had a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.

Nothing hugely revolutionary is happening with the new MKT model, so it isn’t absolutely necessary to purchase the 2017 model unless you want the newest vehicle on the market. The price point is even the same with both years starting with an MSRP of $43,370.

MKC

The 2016 MKC saw quite a few upgrades including new colors, the addition of Sync 3, and a 3,000 lb. tow rating, so it’s a little surprising that there’s so much new with 2017’s model. This year, there are quite a few additions that make this year’s model a better option for customers. In addition to the standard equipment, the new SUV now has a power liftgate, Auto Stop/Start on front-wheel-drive models, and Auto Hold braking.

One of the best upgrades are the technology upgrades that include the latest Sync 3 audio, but also introduced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even with all of these improvements, the MSRP for the 2017 dropped to $32,880, which is a relatively sizable difference when compared to the 2016 version, which had a starting MSRP of $33,260.