Published by Rims & Tires
Compiled & checked by the site's publisher from manufacturer, NHTSA & USTMA data · Updated 2026-07-24
The Lincoln MKZ was discontinued after 2020 but remains a popular used luxury sedan. Built on the Ford Fusion platform with premium interior and drivetrain upgrades, the MKZ used larger wheels and more performance-oriented tire specifications than the base Fusion. Tire selection should match the Lincoln quiet, refined character.
Lincoln MKZ tire sizes
The MKZ standard uses 245/45R18 on 18-inch standard wheels. The optional 19-inch package uses 245/40R19 — standard on the Reserve and Black Label trims and a common upgrade on others.
Both FWD and hybrid versions use the same tire sizes for their respective wheel packages. Verify on the driver door sticker.
Best tires for the Lincoln MKZ
Continental PureContact LS (245/45R18, 245/40R19) — the quietest all-season for the MKZ. 70,000-mile warranty, excellent wet traction, very smooth highway ride. An outstanding match for the Lincoln quiet-ride expectation. Available in both common MKZ sizes.
Michelin Defender T+H (245/45R18) — the best long-wear choice for high-mileage MKZ owners on 18-inch. Up to 80,000 miles, excellent all-season wet performance, quiet ride.
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 (245/40R19) — the sport pick for MKZ owners on 19-inch who want more athletic character. Available in 245/40R19. Outstanding wet and dry sport all-season performance.
Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack (245/45R18) — Bridgestone premium touring with a quiet-ride emphasis. Very smooth, quiet highway character. 80,000-mile warranty. Good fit for the Lincoln premium positioning.
Best Tires for the Lincoln MKZ at a glance
| Tire | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Continental PureContact LS | 245/45R18, 245/40R19 | the quietest all-season for the MKZ. 70,000-mile warranty, excellent wet traction, very smooth highway ride. An outstanding match for the Lincoln quiet-ride expectation. Available in both common MKZ sizes. |
| Michelin Defender T+H | 245/45R18 | the best long-wear choice for high-mileage MKZ owners on 18-inch. Up to 80,000 miles, excellent all-season wet performance, quiet ride. |
| Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 | 245/40R19 | the sport pick for MKZ owners on 19-inch who want more athletic character. Available in 245/40R19. Outstanding wet and dry sport all-season performance. |
| Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack | 245/45R18 | Bridgestone premium touring with a quiet-ride emphasis. Very smooth, quiet highway character. 80,000-mile warranty. Good fit for the Lincoln premium positioning. |
Frequently asked
What tire size does the Lincoln MKZ use?
Standard 18-inch: 245/45R18. Optional 19-inch: 245/40R19. Verify on the driver door sticker.
How much do Lincoln MKZ tires cost?
245/45R18: $140 to $210 per tire. 245/40R19: $155 to $235 per tire. A full set on 18-inch installed runs $560 to $840.
What should I prioritize when choosing MKZ tires?
Quiet and comfort, since that's the whole point of the Lincoln over the Fusion it's based on. A premium touring all-season with strong noise suppression keeps the cabin hushed the way the car intends, while still handling West Georgia rain well. If you want a bit more athletic feel from the larger-wheeled trims, a sport all-season adds sharpness without giving up much refinement.
How do I know when my MKZ needs new tires?
The penny test is the quick answer: Lincoln's head visible in the groove means replace. Since the MKZ is now a used car for most owners, also check the sidewall date code, because a tire over six years old can be past its prime even with tread showing. Longer wet stops and a vibration balancing won't fix are other signs.
Should I replace all four tires on my MKZ at once?
The front-drive and hybrid MKZs can be done in pairs, with the newer tires going on the rear for wet-weather stability. If your MKZ is all-wheel drive, all four matched is the safer route to keep the system balanced. When only one tire is damaged and the others have even tread, a single close-matched replacement can work. A shop can measure and advise.
Keep reading
Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.