There's no hunting or digging for Latch connectors in the MKZ. They stuck out from the cushions, so there wasn't any thumb-wrestling with overstuffed cushions to get everyone's child-safety seats installed. With all of the legroom in the second row, a rear-facing convertible or infant-safety seat should fit in the backseat without any problems.

The MKZ has standard front-wheel drive, but as a Michiganian, I'd opt for the all-wheel-drive model. It also has standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, traction control, an electronic stability system and six airbags, including side curtains for both rows.

The MKZ has several blind spots, and I depended a lot on the MKZ's available blind spot warning system and standard rear parking sensors. It also has an available backup camera.