The most noticeable changes to the 2010 Fusion happen in the front fascia.  The headlights have lost both the squircles and the vertical design from the previous model, replaced by an aggressive horizontal set encompassing a pair of projector lamps.The hood has now been completely reshaped. The lower fascia is now comprised of a large central opening flanked by chrome detailing wrapping around the outer edge, giving visual continuity with the upcoming Fiesta small car. The outer surround features an aggressive trapezoidal form diving into the lower fascia opening while housing two small projector fog lamps. The chrome detailing here represents Ford’s attempt at heightening the perceived quality of its new mid-size contender.

The 2010 Milan takes a subtle approach to its front end sheet metal changes. The waterfall grille is now wider and takes on a trapezoidal form with a large chrome strip on its top edge. An upward facing bevel runs around the lower edge and rises to meet the hood, running rearward to the outer edge of the windshield. The headlights lose their horizontal form from the previous model and now feature an attractive vertical layout flowing downward from the hood. The peak of the front fender runs down to the edge of the lower fascia and wraps rearward to create a small light catcher just before the front wheel arch. The front reflector has moved from the fascia cutline of the previous car to the flat edge of the wheel arch, following in line with the revised vertical headlight design. The lower opening of the fascia is now lower and wider and has two projector fog lamps neatly tucked within.

The 2010 MKZ carries on with horizontal LED tail lights that are now much wider, prominent and better detailed, almost touching in the center of the trunk surface. The top edge of the bumper surface wraps upward toward the front of the car and ties in with the rear forward swept surface of the MKR concept while the lower edge features two blackout sections for the dual exhaust and reflectors. Overall the rear design appears taller, wider and more elegant than the 06-09 MKZ. Looking for more details? Read our complete 2010 Linoln MKZ review for a closer look at this model. For consumers interested in the Ford twin, read more about the 2010 Ford Fusion at a Ford Dealership.

For power, the MKZ Hybrid pairs an innovative nickel-metal-hydride battery with a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I-4 hybrid engine providing a combined 191 hp. The vehicle operates in electric mode when traveling up to 47 mph–the best top speed in its class. The traditional combustion engine takes over once 47 mph is reached, and also steps in if more power is needed at lower speeds. The Regenerative Braking System captures 94 percent of the kinetic energy usually lost to friction and heat, and uses it to recharge the high voltage battery. When brakes are applied, the traction motor is turned in reverse, which generates electricity and concurrently slows the vehicle down without applying the brake pads. In addition to recharging the battery, this action also helps reduce wear on the brake pads.

To track fuel efficiency, an innovative gauge cluster provides enhanced real-time feedback on fuel efficiency and driving performance. Two high-resolution, full-color LCD screens display your choice of four data categories, while steering wheel-mounted controls make it easy to manage information. All categories can indicate instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, plus trip data, including current and time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty.

The MKT shares its platform and powertrains with the boxier Ford Flex. To distinguish the two CUVs, Ford is employing a “differentiated top-hat strategy.” That means precisely zero sheet metal and fewer interior parts are shared between the two models. The front end rounds nicely into the MKT’s overtly chiseled belt line, which moves across the profile undisturbed until it ramps up at the rear wheel. When viewed from behind, the smooth transition from the roof to the minimalist bumper and interesting, if over-the-top, tail lamps shows that this Lincoln looks best when it’s ahead of you. The rear was forged with magnesium and aluminum, shaving 22 pounds from the MKT’s 5,000-pound curb weight. Inside high quality leather and soft touch materials abound, with truly impressive blond wood accents that add plenty of visual pop. With all rows upright, there is 17.9 cubic feet of space aft of the third row, but available cubes jumps all the way up to 75.9 when the second and third row seats are stowed. The general largesse of the MKT is also evident in the cockpit, as both leg room and hip clearance is plentiful.

The MKT starts with a touch of a button. The twin turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 boasts 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 RPM all the way to 5,250 RPM, resulting in healthy, lag-free acceleration in almost any situation. Ford’s claim of the EcoBoost V6 delivering the power of a V8 with the fuel economy of a six-pot are born out through the numbers, returning an EPA-tested 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The EcoBoost V6 sounds good, too, with a quiet roar on heavy acceleration, and the MKT doesn’t just win in terms of power, either, as the large crossover proved to be more agile in the curves while sporting a more impressive, quieter cabin. The MKT is most certainly a fine entry in the large luxury crossover market, though, and that might be all that’s needed to keep Lincoln buyers in the family when the time comes to trade in their aging Navigator.

Another innovative feature is MyKey. To help encourage safer teen driving, MyKey allows parents to program the key through the vehicle message center to incorporate features such as alimited top speed, an audio system volume limited to 44 percent of maximum volume, and a speed alert chime at 45, 55 and 65 mph.

For 2010, Navigator’s exclusive AdvanceTrac with RSC is joined by standard Trailer Sway Control.  Trailer Sway Control is a technology that has brought the Navigator to new levels of safety.  It works in conjunction with AdvanceTrac with RSC to determine from the yaw motion of the vehicle if the trailer is swaying and takes measures – such as applying precise braking or reduced engine torque – to help bring both vehicle and trailer under control.  AdvanceTrac with RSC utilizes a second gyroscopic roll rate sensor to determine the vehicle’s body roll angle and roll rate. If the unique roll rate sensor detects a significant roll angle, the system applies additional countermeasures – such as applying brakes to one or more wheels or reducing engine power – to enhance vehicle rollover resistance.

Another safety technology that the Navigator is equipped with is the SOS Post-Crash Alert System, where the horn and emergency flashers are activated in an airbag deployment event. Other safety features include Safety Canopy side-curtain air bags with rollover detection and dual-stage front air bags that deploy with varying power based on crash severity, the driver’s seat position and safety-belt usage. Front seat-mounted side air bags provide enhanced protection in the event of a side impact, while SYNC with 911 Assist can call for help.

Other standard features include the Easy Fuel capless fuel-filler system, anti-theft perimeter alarm system, second-row heated seats and rain sensing wipers that use an advanced optical sensing system to detect how hard rain or snow is falling, then determine when to activate windshield wipers and how fast to run the wiper motor.