A redesigned grille, some styling changes to the rear fascia, an even more posh interior, and a bunch of new standard features and options set the 2010 Lincoln MKZ apart from its kissing cousins, the Ford Fusion and the Mercury Milan. The five-passenger MKZ sedan gives those thinking of trying a Cadillac CTS another option.

The 2010 MKZ is offered in one Base trim level, with a number of configurations available, including front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and a new Sport Appearance Package featuring a beefier suspension with larger stabilizer bars, 18-inch European-style wheels, and unique exterior and interior appointments.

All 2010 MKZ trims are equipped with a 263-hp, DOHC, 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission with Selectshift. Ford boasts that the tweaked 2010 MKZ will get from 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds, some sixth-tenths of a second faster than the ’09 trim, and it uses regular unleaded gas. Though Ford estimates 17/24 mpg, rumor has it that the state-of-the-art EcoBoost engine will shortly be an optional powerplant in the MKZ.

Though the 2010 MKZ’s new Sport Appearance Package allegedly provides some seriously sporty handling, the Base trim's suspension has been prodded a bit to improve handling characteristics as well, with a smaller turning radius in tight quarters and a steadier feel when cornering.

Standard convenience, comfort, and appearance features for the 2010 Lincoln MKZ include leather-upholstered, power-adjustable, multi-level-heated front bucket seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, a chrome grille, digital-keypad power locks, power windows, and heated, power, auto-dimming outside mirrors, cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering with cruise and audio controls, a universal remote, wood, leather, and alloy interior trim, memorized seat and mirror settings, a 6-CD/MP3 player with 11 speakers, Sirius/XM satellite radio, a USB connection, Bluetooth hands-free communications technology, and a voice-activated phone.

The 2010 MKZ doesn’t stop there, either. Available options include the Sport Appearance Package, a power moonroof, adaptive HID headlights, a 600-watt THX II certified sound system with 12 speakers, the voice-activated DVD navigation system with 8-inch screen, a rear backup camera, the new-for-2010 blind spot information system, and Ford’s highly touted SYNC system.

For 2010, the MKZ offers such standard safety features as four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control systems, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, front fog/driving lights, a remote anti-theft alarm system, rear parking sensors, and a post-collision safety system.

Owners of the ’09 Lincoln MKZ laud its standard features, but hate the back shelf arrangement, which makes vision out the rear window iffy (though the backup camera will help immensely). Owners of the ’09 also praise the MKZ’s handling, acceleration, and comfort, but question its fuel economy and lack of a pull strap on the trunk. The interior fit and finish, as well as the SYNC system, impress many owners, however a few complain about the lack of cabin storage space. Ford seems to have addressed most of the issues that owners of the ’09 MKZ registered and has given prospective owners of the 2010 Lincoln MKZ something to look forward to.