2012 Lincoln MKZ

Hybrid Drivetrain
The 2012 Lincoln MKZ is a leader in its adaptation of a hybrid drivetrain to near-luxury architecture. And the result is compelling, with 191 total system horsepower and an EPA city fuel-economy rating of 41 miles per gallon.

Duratec 3.5 liter V6
An all-aluminum, DOHC V6 producing 263 horsepower while running on 87 octane gasoline is a beautiful thing, and Lincoln offers it. When connected to the standard-equipment 6-speed automatic, the V6 delivers competitive fuel economy, with an EPA city rating of 18 and highway rating of 27.

Inside the ultra-quiet, premium-quality cabin are generous portions of real wood, aluminum-look trim and chrome accents. Rear-seat space is surprisingly generous, with more than three feet of legroom. The trunk is a best-in-class 15.8 cubic feet, with a flat floor and low lift-over height for easy access, and the compact decklid hinges won't crush or interfere with your cargo. The class-exclusive standard 60/40-split rear seats fold flat, with a convenient pop-down spring assist, for easy storage access or to extend the cargo floor straight through from rear deck to front seats.

To its credit, Lincoln's design team has done a credible job in crafting a Lincoln "look" onto the platform the MKZ shares with the Ford Fusion. The front end does not lack for chrome and the prominent Lincoln "waterfall" grille wraps into the headlamps with a distinctive appearance. And, whether you like or don't like chromed alloy wheels, those on the MKZ are rather pleasant.

The MKZ sedan's 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve aluminum Duratec 3.5-liter V6 delivers 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque through a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The Duratec V6 boasts variable intake-valve timing, a dual-plenum intake manifold and a relatively-high 10.3:1 compression ratio to optimize its balance of performance and efficiency. The MKZ's hybrid drivetrain combines a 2.5-liter DOHC in-line 4-cylinder with 156 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque, matched with an electric motor rated at 106 horsepower. The result is 191 total system horsepower and a city EPA rating of 41 miles per gallon.



3.5-liter V6
263 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
249 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 (front-wheel drive); 17/25 (AWD)


2.5-liter inline 4 (hybrid)
156 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
136 lb-ft of torque @ 2,250 rpm
Electric AC Synchronous Motor
106 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
191 Total System Horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 41/36

Notably, both FWD gasoline and FWD Hybrid models of the 2012 Lincoln MKZ have base Manufacturer's Suggest Retail Prices (MSRPs) of roughly $35,000. Adding all-wheel drive - which isn't available on the hybrid model - will cost just under $2,000. To its credit, Lincoln provides a lengthy list of standard equipment for the MKZ, so necessary options are relatively few. We "built" an all-wheel drive 2012 Lincoln MKZ online and were "out the door" for under $40,000, plus taxes, title and license fees and not including any negotiation in the purchase price. Be sure and check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the 2012 MKZ. As equipped, the window sticker is in line with the Lexus ES 350, Cadillac CTS and Chrysler's 300C. If you consider, however, the real cost of ownership as including the effects of the trade-in value, the Lincoln will fall short of its direct domestic competition, and will be even further short of models from Acura, Audi or Infiniti.

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