“Didn’t we test two of these already?” asked my colleague Eric Evarts. Yep. This is the third Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr that we’ve tested in five model years. (We tested a 2006 Zephyr and a 2007 MKZ.) Although we consider the name change to be a step back—Zephyr and Aviator were pretty good names, rather than a bunch letters that follow some obtuse branding scheme—Ford otherwise keeps on making substantial improvements.

The MKZ’s platform-mate, the Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan, was thoroughly freshened for 2010, so the Lincoln follows suit. (Follow the links for ratings and reviews.) It had already received a strong 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic back with the 2007 name change, and it finally got stability control (a big omission in this class) for 2009. For 2010 it gets a new fascia, making it hard to tell apart from our MKS that sits across the parking lot.

More important changes include better noise isolation and a revised interior that looks less like a throwback to the days of the Ford Fairmont. (I wish they had also moved the center-mounted stop light to the trunk lid, like they did on the 2010 Fusion/Milan, to improve rear visibility over the high rear deck.)

Our modestly equipped front-wheel drive MKZ has the Technology Package (basically HID headlights) and a power moon roof. It rings in at $37,160. I have to admit, this poses something of a head-scratcher, especially if you compare it to the Fusion. The Fusion SEL we’re testing lacks the MKZ’s 3.5-liter V6 and the dual full-power and ventilated front seats. And the Lincoln is somewhat quieter and more posh inside.

But our nicely-equipped Fusion drives well, like the Lincoln. The 3.0-liter V6 works well. (You could get the 3.5-liter in the Fusion Sport, if desired.) Our Fusion has blind-zone detection and a backup camera, options Lincoln doesn’t let you buy without the added cost of a navigation system. (You’d think the “Technology” package would include those technologies.) Finally, the Ford is nearly $9,000 less than the Lincoln. It’s hard to see the added $9K of value in the MKZ.

Perhaps even more troubling: There are a lot of excellent cars in this class for the same price or less, including the Acura TL and Infiniti G37. Indeed, even the larger, plusher, and faster Hyundai Genesis we tested is $1,000 less than the Lincoln.

Our first impression? The MKZ is a very quiet and pleasant car—just like its Fusion sibling.

—Tom Mutchler, photo by Mike Leung.