A midsize hybrid sedan that carries the same suggested price as its non-hybrid counterpart is enticing for the fuel economy-minded buyer. But beyond the mpg appeal, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid presents a fine ride that’s complimented by a comfortable cabin environment. The car’s internal orchestra (aka the Lincoln Drive Control) lets occupants experience different ride and handling characteristics via the drive control system’s Normal, Comfort, and Sport modes. Those settings affect various vehicle systems, including suspension and steering.

The front wheel drive MKZ Hybrid features a lithium-ion battery pack as well as a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor to achieve a combined 188 horsepower. The powertrain mates to an e-CVT (continuously variable transmission) that is engaged by selecting start/stop, park, drive, and reverse via upper dashboard buttons. Although the 2014 MKZ Hybrid adds new color choices, the sedan is essentially unchanged from its 2013 introduction. The 112.2-inch wheelbase MKZ Hybrid’s trunk provides 11.1 cubic feet of cargo space. MKZ Hybrid collects estimated mpg of 45 city/highway. The sedan’s MSRP is $36,190.