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2012 Lincoln MKT

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Overview

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2012 Lincoln MKT Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.5

There's no denying that the 2012 Lincoln MKT has an exterior shape that could be called polarizing at best but, once you look past its bulbous back and step inside this 3-row people hauler, it's all about excellent accommodations that can seat up to seven in supreme comfort. Factor in the availability of all-wheel drive and a twin-turbo engine, and the Lincoln MKT further proves that you can't always judge a car by its covering. Yet, the MKT faces formidable competition from luxurious rivals such as the new Infiniti JX and the more-established Acura MDX and Audi Q7. While those smaller competitors offer more appealing looks, they can't match the big MKT's roominess, especially when it comes to third-row seating.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you regularly transport multiple people and their cargo, and are less concerned about luxury-name cachet or flashy looks, the 2012 Lincoln MKT provides a blissful ride, room galore and can tow up to 4,500 pounds. When equipped with optional all-wheel drive, the Lincoln provides good grip in slippery conditions.

You May Not Like This Car If...

With the MKT's roominess comes its very big size. At over 17 feet long and more than seven feet wide with the mirrors out, just fitting the Lincoln MKT into a garage can be a challenge, never mind maneuvering into tight parking spots. Also, if more traditional looks and high-end import branding are important to you, look to a German or Japanese luxury brand.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

5.5
Driving Dynamics

5.6
Comfort & Convenience

7.8
Design: Interior & Exterior

4.2
Value

5.4
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#15

out of 56

MPG

#50

out of 56

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.6 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

For 2012 the all-wheel-drive version of the MKT with the naturally-aspirated V6 engine has been dropped, with front-wheel drive now the sole choice for models with the base engine. All-wheel drive is available only with the optional twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. Fuel economy for both versions of the 2012 MKT has improved marginally.

Driving the MKT

Driving Impressions For such a large vehicle, the 2012 Lincoln MKT isn't as unwieldy as you might think. This is most true when driving in a straight line, and especially when it's...

equipped with the powerful EcoBoost V6 engine. That optional power plant gets this large crossover up to speed in a hurry, and the "Intelligent" all-wheel-drive system provides good grip on a variety of road surfaces. Befitting the MKT's comfortable and quiet interior is an equally plush ride. The Lincoln's 6-speed automatic transmission is another high point, seamlessly changing up and down through the gears and, via paddle shifters, allowing the driver to do the shifting when desired. Because of the MKT's girth and poor rearward sightlines, we recommend the blind-spot-monitoring system.

Favorite Features

ECOBOOST V6 ENGINE
The 2012 MKT's upscale engine is the same one that powers the high-performance Ford Taurus SHO. With 365 horsepower, it makes the big Lincoln surprisingly quick.

INNOVATIVE INTERIOR
The 2012 MKT features an available refrigerator and third-row seats that can flip and face backward when the liftgate is up to create the ultimate setting for tailgating.

2012 Lincoln MKT Details

2012 Lincoln MKT Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2012 Lincoln MKT's interior is something beautiful to behold. Spacious, supple and versatile, it's available in 6- or 7-passenger configurations. In the former arrangement, the second-row bench seat is replaced by two big, comfortable chairs with optional heating and cooling. The power-foldable third-row seat, meanwhile, offers nearly as much legroom as that of the back seat of a smaller sedan. Up front, drivers are treated to a high seating position. The touch-screen telematics system that acts as a command center for navigation, climate and audio functions is high-tech for sure, but can be challenging to learn and operate. A standard glass roof helps bring the outside in. With both the second- and third-row seats folded, the MKT boasts enormous cargo capacity.

Exterior

Though the Lincoln shares its chassis with the Ford Flex, the 2012 MKT's bulbous body couldn't look more different than its boxy cousin. The MKT is also nearly half a foot longer than the Flex, which itself is not exactly lacking in terms of length. Up front is Lincoln's split-wing grille, which appears menacing yet distinguished. Muscular bulges protrude from the sides along a high beltline and, in back, the big MKT finishes off with a full-width taillamp that includes the familiar Lincoln logo. For convenience, the MKT's big liftgate includes power operation that opens or closes it at the touch of a button. The 2012 Lincoln MKT rolls on 19-inch wheels and tires in its front-drive iteration, while EcoBoost models ride on 20-inch wheels and tires as standard.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2012 Lincoln MKT comes well-equipped with features that can cost extra on other vehicles, including a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers and tri-zone climate control. Standard equipment also includes perforated leather seating, 12-way power heated and cooled front seats, AM/FM/CD/Satellite audio system with 10 speakers, rear-view camera, 8-inch touch-screen display and power-adjustable pedals and steering wheel.

Optional Equipment

The 2012 Lincoln MKT can be upgraded with Active Park Assist, which helps with parallel parking, and a blind-spot-monitoring system. Other options include heated and cooled second-row seats, a THX II-certified Surround Sound audio system, voice-activated navigation, DVD headrest video system, Adaptive Cruise Control and second-row refrigerated console.

Under the Hood

2012 Lincoln MKT models are available with two V6 engine options: A naturally-aspirated 3.7-liter V6 or a smaller but more powerful twin-turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6. Both engines are mated to 6-speed automatic transmissions with manual-shift modes. The base version supplies ample power to move the big and heavy MKT, while the direct-injection EcoBoost engine provides enough gusto to hustle from zero to 60 mph in less than seven seconds. The base engine is now available only with front-wheel drive and the EcoBoost model comes exclusively with all-wheel-drive. Fuel economy for both versions has improved slightly from past models. Both engines can run on 87-octane gasoline, though 91 octane is recommended for the best performance with the twin-turbo EcoBoost model.

3.7-liter V6
303 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
278 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
365 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
350 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,500-5,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Lincoln MKT has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting around $45,000. EcoBoost models with the more powerful engine and all-wheel drive start around $47,000, and a fully-loaded EcoBoost MKT can approach $60,000. The MKT's starting price is higher than that of the Buick Enclave, Infiniti JX and Acura MDX, and lower than that of the BMW X5 and Audi Q7. Be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the 2012 Lincoln MKT. As for resale value, we expect the MKT to be comparable to the Buick Enclave and lower than the Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and BMW X5.

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2012 Lincoln MKT Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 33 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

8.6/10

DRIVES LIKE A CAR WITH EASE AND COMFORT

By NANA'S CAR (FL) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "PRICE WAS HIGH, BUT YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR"

Cons: "NO AUTO START"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I TEST DROVE OTHER MAKES OF VEHICLES SIMILAR TO THIS BUT THEY DROVE MORE LIKE A TRUCK OR THE COMFORT AND THE SMOOTH RIDE WAS NOT THERE."

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Drives Well, Electronics a Problem

By ken430tx (MD) on Thursday, February 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 38,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great Adaptive Cruise Control System"

Cons: "The Ford Sync system is crazy! The Pits!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"The week I purchased this $60k vehicle (Sept 2010) the heater failed. It has failed intermittently ever since, failing again in Feb. 2013. Each time the dealer has replaced an electronic component and it is restored. But a basic item like heat on a $60K automobile with every option available on it, should not fail! Not even once alone multiple times! The auto-parking is nice, the adaptive cruise control works really well, as does the navigation system. I am trading it in the fall for a 2014 Lexus. It is simply unreliable to have a car without heat!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Very

By RedRon (SC) on Thursday, February 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,150

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great price and really a great car to drive"

Cons: "I have not find any yet"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This is one of the best Vehicle that I have really enjoy. I have always drive Fords but this Lincoln is one of the very best I keep asking my self way I did not get a Lincoln many years early."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Nicest driver since the 'o3 BMW 540I Sport:drv 1

By d ira (PA) on Sunday, January 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "You won'y get more for 50% more cash!"

Cons: "Lincoln is nuts to not compare to J-35 Infinity."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Drives like a dream and has features and comforts way beyond the German and especially Japanese counterparts for alot less money. You'd be nuts to buy without a test drive of the MKT first."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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2012 MKT -Nice car but could be better

By Markh (WA) on Thursday, December 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,821

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun to Drive, Quite on Highway"

Cons: "Choppy Roads cause poor ride qulity"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Overall I have to say the MKT is a good quality automobile and frankly has met most of my expectations. This is a GREAT riding car on most road surfaces, especially the highway. Its, pretty darn quick, comfortable, and quite. If you haul a lot of stuff, the MKT is for you, its a large car, like 204 inches worth, and when you fold down the 3rd row seating the interior space is BIG. I opted for the THX sound system and its worth it! Great sound and I love the Jukebox feature. FYI you CANNOT retrieve the music you recorded from the Jukebox, which means you must delete ALL of your recorded music when you sell the car! The MKT handles very well in the snow. I have the 20" wheel package on mine. I have had only one minor issue, the rear passenger seat headrest was inoperable. The dealer fixed the problem pronto! My observations for improvement, 1) rear seats tend to make noise when going over bumpy roads, their anchors to the floor should be more sturdy. 2) The car is quite, but the floor boards and rear of the car could use more sound deadening material. I have a Mercedes Benz ML its quieter over rough road,it has thicker carpeting and more sound material in the fender wells. 3) rear doors sound cheap when closing them, especially the drivers side. Lincoln dealer advises not to tinker with them. They should sound like the front doors when closed, a solid thud! 4) not a great ride over choppy roads. If you live in a city where there is snow and the roads are beat up, the MKT ride can be harsh on such roads. Maybe the 2013 model with adaptive suspension solves this problem.5) the sunroof can make a creaking noise but can be resolved by keeping glass and the seals clean where they touch each other when closed. Major Problem: When the MKT is in drive DO NOT accidentally push the "Start/Stop button", the car will turn itself off. This happened to me as I inadvertently touched the start button while driving. The car went dead and could not be started again unless I came to a full stop and put the shifter in the Park mode. VERY DANGEROUS! Be sure to test this when you test drive. I have not had the problem resolved. Other than these small snipes, the MKT is a very good car and if Lincoln would focus attention to some of the smaller details this could be a great car!"

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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Comfortable long distance and the EcoBoost is fab.

By Kev (IN) on Friday, November 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "A great sporty ride and lots of room for others."

Cons: "Niggly fit and trim issues."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"It does not look like every other crossover out there. The styling is definitely distinctive. This vehicle is great for short or long distance driving and the fuel mileage is not bad for its configuration. I have towed my Mustang and that works well. A load leveling feature would be good to have. The safety and security of AWD is really reassuring. If you live in snow country be sure to invest in a good set of snow tires as all season tires are not meant for cold weather driving. We are retired and plan to do a lot of long distance traveling. That was one of the main reasons for buying the MKT. It''s a joy to drive."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 33 reviews