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2012 Lincoln MKX

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Overview

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2012 Lincoln MKX Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.2

The 2012 Lincoln MKX is a powerful, refined and luxurious midsize SUV that is based on the Ford Edge. Introduced in 2007, it faces newer and better competitors in this popular segment that includes the Lexus RX, BMW X3, Cadillac SRX, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Infiniti FX and Volvo XC60. The Lincoln MKX is only available with two rows of seats, but thanks to its wide dimensions offers comfortable seating for up to five. While it does have Lincoln-only distinguishing features such as a split-wing grille, the car may still be mistaken for the more pedestrian Ford Edge since it carries the same shape and nearly identical dimensions.

You'll Like This Car If...

For those looking for a midsize luxury SUV from a domestic automaker, the 2012 Lincoln MKX offers rounded, more traditional looks than the angular and aggressive Cadillac SRX, and the MKX's standard 305-horsepower V6 is still among the most powerful in this class.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While long-lived, the Lincoln name may not have the appeal or cachet of European and Japanese rivals. With its shared looks, you might feel like you're driving a highly dressed-up Ford Edge. And while it looks sleek, the MyLincoln Touch controls can be frustrating to learn and use.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.2
Driving Dynamics

6.0
Comfort & Convenience

7.4
Design: Interior & Exterior

5.8
Value

6.0
Safety

8.0

How It Ranks

#13

out of 63

MPG

#17

out of 63

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.3 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

The Lincoln MKX was revamped in 2011 and carries over to 2012 mostly unchanged. Four new colors are offered, a 14-channel amplifier is included in the optional THX audio system, and turn signals are now integrated into the exterior mirrors on Premium Package models.

Driving the MKX

Driving Impressions The Lincoln MKX is a strong performer, with both commendable acceleration and a compliant ride. All-wheel drive helps keep things under control during hard acceleration, which can cause torque steer...

in front-drive models. While the seating position is high, the massive dash can impede forward visibility. At highway speeds, the MKX delivers a comfortable, quiet, car-like ride.

Favorite Features

Blind-spot Monitoring System
The blind-spot monitoring system that comes standard is a wonderful safety net when it comes to preventing collisions with motorists that sneak up from behind and whip around your vehicle.

Power-operated Liftgate
The power-operated liftgate, which also comes standard in the Lincoln MKX, is a super convenient feature to have when your hands are otherwise full. All it takes is a push of a button to raise or lower the big rear door.

2012 Lincoln MKX Details

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

Interior

The 2012 Lincoln MKX has plush, leather-trimmed seating for five and some surprising standard features, such as heated and cooled front seats. A button starts and stops the 2012 MKX, and all models come with MyLincoln Touch, which replaces traditional buttons and knobs with a touch-sensitive screen and flush keys controlled with the touch of a finger. The system also uses voice recognition to help keep the driver focused on the road. Aluminum and optional wood trim help lend a luxurious feel to the cabin. In back, there is more than 32 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, a number that more than doubles with the seats down.

Exterior

The 2012 MKX carries over the facelift from 2011, when it received a new hood, front fenders and rear fascia. Up front is the most striking MKX feature: a massive, shiny split-wing grille, which gives the impression of power and prestige. At 87.5 inches across, the Lincoln MKX is several inches wider than competitors, something to keep in mind if you need to park in tight places like a cramped garage. In back, the LED crossbar that used to span the liftgate is gone, but the sporty dual exhausts with chrome tips remain. Even entry-level, front-wheel-drive (FWD) MKX models ride on 18-inch aluminum wheels, with massive 20-inchers optional.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Climate-controlled front seats are just one amenity that comes standard in the Lincoln MKX that can be a costly option in its competitors. Blind-spot monitoring is another useful and appreciated feature, which uses an illuminated warning in the side mirrors to alert the driver to the presence of a vehicle in the next lane. Remote start allows one to turn on the vehicle before even entering it, and four 12-volt power outlets can keep electronic devices juiced. Other features included in every 2012 MKX include anti-theft alarm, universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror and air filtration system.

Optional Equipment

Heated rear seats, navigation system, rear-view camera, panoramic moonroof, and a THX II-certified sound system with HD Radio are among the numerous extra features available on the 2012 MKX. Other add-ons of note include a heated steering wheel that those who get cold hands will appreciate, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive HID headlights, and a safety system that alerts the driver to cross traffic.

Under the Hood

All versions of the 2012 MKX are motivated by a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 305 horsepower, second only to the Cadillac SRX, which is rated at 308 horsepower. The sole transmission offered is a 6-speed automatic that can be shifted manually with steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

3.7-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 (FWD), 17/23 (AWD)

Pricing Notes

The Manufacturer's Suggest Retail Price (MSRP) for a base, front-wheel-drive 2012 Lincoln MKX comes in just over $40,000, including destination. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) model starts at just over $42,000. The base price of the 2012 MKX is higher than base models of the Lexus RX, Cadillac SRX, Mercedes-Benz GLK, BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5, and lower than the Infiniti FX. Like those other vehicles, options can quickly make the price of a Lincoln MKX balloon to around $50,000.

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2012 Lincoln MKX Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.3

Out of 10

Based on 162 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.5/10

Styling

9.6/10

GREAT CAR!!!!!!!!!!

By waterdog1228 (WI) on Wednesday, July 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 123,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "drives great, runs flawless even in bad weather"

Cons: "Mine didn't have a rear view camera, just sensors"

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

"I bought this car NEW because I needed it, not wanted it. I traded in a sports sedan for it due to a 12 year old son in all the sports and his dog. THIS IS THE FIRST CAR THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED THAT I LIKE MORE AFTER 123,000 THAN whe I bought it. I am going back for the new Lincoln MKC next year!"

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VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION

By ANXIOUS (MO) on Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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

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: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

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

"THIS VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. HAS A VERY LOW MILAGE, LESS THAT 38,000."

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I LOVE my Lincoln MKX!!!!

By Princess Tay (PA) on Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 62,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, nice looking"

Cons: "No cons!!"

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

"I absolutely LOVE this car!!!!! It was my first car and it's amazing. Been through a lot and it still runs like it was brand new. The ride is so smooth, the sound is perfect quality and sounds like you put your own system into it. The seats are extremely comfortable and I love the heated and cooled seats. It cools and heats so fast and defrosts extremely fast. I love how it looks and the lights on it. The lights that hug the bends are very nice as well. If you were to purchase this car, you would absolutely love it like I do!!!!!!!"

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Amazing CUV, Totally pleased with purchase

By Teaselfarm (NY) on Friday, July 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,000

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: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, quietness, mileage, quality & reliablity"

Cons: "No cons to date"

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

"In the past we've owned Jeep products and felt that the Jeep line has suffered since 2005, so last year I purchased an F150 ecoboost and totally am in love with the truck, amazing torque for towing. On the otherhand, my wife really missed the concept of having an SUV for our snowbelt winters in upstate NY (when I refer to upstate, I mean upstate, northern Onondaga and Oswego counties, not Westchester Co.). Well, last fall we rented a Ford Edge when we went on vacation to Jackson, Wy to spend time in two of the greatest national parks... The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. We liked the Edge so much that when we got home we started to shopping around and came the quick conclusion that we liked the MKX even more!! We came across a Certified Use MKX with a premium package and moonroof that we couldn't past on and have totally enjoyed this vehicle. It's got great acceleration (we also drive a 2005 Mustang GT ragtop, so I know what great acceleration feels like) and pretty darn good gas mileage (far better than the Jeep's I've owned in the past). It's comfortable and quiet as well. By the way, this vehicle replaced our 2008 Mercury Milan Premier, another great car by Ford Motor Corp that we had a hard time parting with because it served us well and owed us nothing.....oh god, I just realized that I've become a Lincoln/Mercury/Ford junky!! But in all seriousness, the MKX is one great Crossover Utility Vehicle!!"

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Pure Luxury

By Vision (FL) on Friday, May 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

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: "Excellent value for a luxury SUV - Tons of room!"

Cons: "None I can think of"

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

"Love this SUV - has everything you need! Total luxury with all the technology. Heads turn every where I go - very sharp looking vehicle."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Reliable, comfortable, great on gas

By Betty (TX) on Thursday, May 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Luxury car with out the high price"

Cons: "Not set up for newer electronic technology"

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

"I love my Lincoln MKX. I enjoy the look of the car, luxury car without the high price of other luxury car models. It has been very reliable - low maintenance so far. It's comfortable and I run around a lot and it's been good on gas. I would highly recommend this car."

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