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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

#12

out of 59

MPG

#17

out of 59

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.3 out of 10

View all
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 156 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

Are you kidding me!!!

By Paul 25 (NY) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 42,000

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: "Nice Ride"

Cons: "Better gas milage"

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

"I have had many cars over my 54 years and have been driving since 17. This car is a must see and must drive. You cannot get a more complete vehicle."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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love this car

By melrob (NC) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 130,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "great ride, great price, great value"

Cons: "no 3rd row seat"

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

"This car drives like a luxury vehicle. Is wider than the RX, about same as MDX. Drives/rides so smooth. Handles very nicely and feels roomy in front as well as the back seat. Have not had any issues with it at all during the past 6 years of owning and have over 130,000 miles. Easy to maintain."

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Best vehicle money can buy

By Gerry (CA) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

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: "Great Vehicle for the money"

Cons: "None at this time.."

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

"I have driven this car to another State and has given no problem or shown likelyhood of problems mechanically or electronically. Car is smooth, excellen breaking control with abs and has real positive steering wheel guidance. Firs american car I've learn to trust and love. Ride is smooth and quiet; comfortable seats and lots of leg space. All amenities installed in this car continue to perform excellently.. In my opinion, LINCOLN MKX is worth the investment I have so far expended. I have driven this car for almost two years, trouble free since I purchased the car.."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love the 2013 MKX

By carlover (IA) on Saturday, March 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,000

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: "The price was right and yes I would recommend it."

Cons: "None"

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

"I purchased the 2013 MKX after purchasing a 2013 Ford Explorer Limited and have no regrets at all. Every time I look at the Lincoln I know I made the right decesion. The MKX for me is the right vehicle because the Explorer seats 7 and I don't require that big vehicle and I like the 5 passenger style better. The MKX is great in all aspects so far and I have people turning heads often. There is not one thing I can say I don't like about the MKX. I wish it got 35 mpg but I knew the possible mpg when I bought the MKX so can't complain. Great car and fun to drive."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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I Hate This Car!!!!!!!!!!!

By Jo (AR) on Saturday, March 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,700

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Looks Good"

Cons: "The Ride"

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

"I have owned the 2013 MKX for six months now. This is by far the worse car purchases I have ever made (and I trade every 3 years)!!!! The gas mileage is horrible. I am only getting 20 miles HWY. Not to mention the gas tank is tiny so you will have to fill up twice a week. The ride is worse than my husband 4WD truck. You feel every bump, crack or dimple in the road. For a luxury car the engine is loud but is muffled by the horrible road noise. The air and radio controls are a pain to work. To increase the heat or air you have to push a SMALL button over and over and over again. The My Lincoln Touch has malfunctioned several times stating the "sims" card has been removed. When I get in to start the car and the seat adjusts it rubs on the seatbelt clip and makes a horrible noise. My driver side window has come loose so it raddles when I raise it up or down(yet another reason to go to the shop). Lets just say I could go on. Good part: I like the look of the car inside and out. Unfortunately I can't just stare at it all day, I have to drive it."

7 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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low quality rating because of SYNC system

By speedy on Thursday, January 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Adaptive cruise control . best car for the price"

Cons: "Sync should not even be on car"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"Great Car! Ford SYNC system stinks! It doesn't work with all carriers and doesn't work with all phones.They don,t say a word about that when they tell you how great it is on the car.That is because Ford doesn't tell their dealers."

14 people out of 15 found this review helpful

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See all 156 reviews