cars news 10: 2017 Lincoln MKZ Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Last year’s model failed to make the Top Safety Pick list, but a face-lift that added front-end structural enhancements helped it earn the distinction this year.

To be eligible for IIHS’ top award, a car must earn “good” ratings in all five of the agency’s tests and offer a frontal collision mitigation system that scores an “advanced” or better rating. The 2017 Lincoln MKZ’s optional front crash prevention system was awarded a “superior” rating. The system was able to avoid collisions at both 12 mph and 25 mph. Many systems currently available are only intended to reduce the speed at which a crash happens.

2017 Lincoln MKZ IIHS small front overlap test aftermath

2017 Lincoln MKZ IIHS small front overlap test passenger compartment

2017 lincoln mkz front three quarters 03

The 2017 Ford Fusion, which shares a platform with the Lincoln MKZ, was named a Top Safety Pick+ earlier this year. Both cars received improved front crash structures and bumpers that helped them score higher in the difficult small overlap test. The MKZ now earns a “good” score, beating the “acceptable” result of the pre-refresh car. In that test, IIHS says the driver space was well maintained, with a low risk of significant injury to the driver.

In addition to the safety enhancements, the 2017 Lincoln MKZ also received a new Continental-inspired front end and an available 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6.

Source: IIHS