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2012 Lincoln MKZ

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Overview

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2012 Lincoln MKZ Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.8

The mid-size 2012 Lincoln MKZ sedan shares its platform with its corporate sibling the Ford Fusion, and they are both coming due for a freshening. However, that doesn't detract from the Lincoln MKZ's reliable service history, class-leading efficiency with the Hybrid model and reasonable transaction prices within its category. That category, however, is a moving target. GM, with the Cadillac CTS and Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and Chrysler, with the 300, have been updating their entries. But, for now, the MKZ represents a mid-size luxury car with a good record of reliability and decent efficiency, and at a not-extravagant price.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a mid-size, middle-class, medium-priced sedan with trappings of luxury, then the 2012 Lincoln MKZ has your number. To its credit, the Lincoln MKZ offers a competent drivetrain with its gasoline V6 and class-leading efficiency with its Hybrid.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you believe the design and construction of a luxury car begins with its platform, the Ford Fusion-based 2012 Lincoln MKZ may not be for you.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.8
Driving Dynamics

6.8
Comfort & Convenience

7.6
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.2
Value

6.6
Safety

8.0

How It Ranks

#4

out of 38

MPG

#25

out of 37

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

There has been little more than tweaking for the 2012 model of the Lincoln MKZ, a reliable indicator that an all-new MKZ sedan is just over the horizon. In the interim, numerous premium features have been made standard, such as heated and cooled seats. And, as with most Ford passenger vehicles, there remains a huge emphasis on in-car technology, such as SYNC Applink. Finally, there are two new metallic colors: Crystal Champagne and Cinnamon.

Driving the MKZ

Driving Impressions Despite the competence of the 2012 Lincoln MKZ sedan's Ford-Fusion underpinnings, it will likely not be confused with luxury cars that were engineered to that calling from the beginning. We...

like the V6 powertrain and its performance, and the 2012 MKZ certainly drives with competence and predictability, but other mid-size luxury entrants offer superior driving experiences. It's competent and smooth enough, if not exciting, and more enthusiastic drivers will undoubtedly shop for something else, while those who do test-drive and choose the MKZ will almost certainly find it to be more than just satisfactory. There is one positive note for hybrid enthusiasts, however: The MKZ Hybrid can travel up to 47 miles per hour on the battery alone.

Favorite Features

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.

2012 Lincoln MKZ Details

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

Interior

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.

Exterior

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.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Lincoln's record of reliability is perhaps one of the 2012 MKZ's most notable items of "standard equipment," as J.D. Power has cited the Lincoln MKZ for its very low number of problems per 100 vehicles - and this was out of 35 brands. On the hardware front, Lincoln's product team offers LincolnSYNC, which provides an "omnipresent link to contacts and information." Lincoln's Premium Sound System provides nine speakers and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (and a 6-month subscription). And standard heated and cooled front seats should play well in Alaska, Arizona and, depending upon the time of year, just about anywhere in between.

Optional Equipment

Useful options for the 2012 Lincoln MKZ include the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and a rear-view camera; both are available with Lincoln's optional Navigation Package. And, for those living in places where the weather can be difficult, the MKZ's available all-wheel drive (AWD) is an easy way to enhance all-season safety. Finally, a Sport Appearance Package adds 18-inch wheels and tires, a sport-tuned suspension and numerous interior and exterior appearance enhancements.

Under the Hood

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

Pricing Notes

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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2012 Lincoln MKZ Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 163 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.4/10
Comfort

9.4/10

Styling

9.4/10

Best Car I've Owned

By FangStang (MO) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

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

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: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Quiet, comfortable, reliable, excellent in snow"

Cons: "None"

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

"The MKZ has been excellent. With AWD I have been able to get through the snow without issue. The traction has been great. A daily driver city/highway combination has averaged 22+ MPG. Quiet ride and very comfortable on long trips. Would consider this car again when time to trade."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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I love this car. Looks like no other!

By R p (MA) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 800

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: "Price comfort mpg etc."

Cons: "None"

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

"Could have bought other cars but this one stood out. Love every thing about it. Got hybrid for same price! All the option in this one ."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Fair to Good

By Nelson (MI) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I want this car

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Priced competitively, still not a Mercedes or BMW"

Cons: "Interior Controls too aggresive"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Dealer not well versed with product. Did not know basic controls and misinformed customer about product details. Interior appears to be clean but appears to be very cumbersome to control basic functions. Judging from past experience the touch controls will be a nuisance rather than a convenience. Wish they had knobs for temp and radio tuning and volume controls. I liked the Mercedes C class much better. The map guidance is great with speed limits of the streets that you are driving on showing up. Glare on the screen makes it difficult to read. Odometer and speedometer graphics is very subdued. The Ford Escape has a more vibrant odometer/speedometer."

1 person out of 3 found this review helpful

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Not your father's Lincoln

By goose (CO) on Thursday, April 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "America is back! Better than foreign equivalents."

Cons: "Sync.....is slow! Not a great ice car."

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

"Mileage-unbelievable. Stopping--excellent. Pickup--it's available, but once you watch the coach on braking, accelerating and cruising, you will find yourself trying to achieve the car's approval. Styling--a personal decision, but I like it more each day--maybe a little low to the ground. Comfort--luxury all the way. A large person might find it more cramped than I do, but it's made for 6' and 200 lb people. I thought the back seat room was adequate, certainly not huge. The trunk handles my golf clubs plus. Sound system is excellent. Negatives: I find the response to my voice commands is slow--but, a part of that is learning the system. The front end can easily touch a concrete barrier. It is NOT made for driving on ice--after leaving a 4-wheel SUV, I am re-learning driving on slick surfaces."

5 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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I am totally impressed with this car.

By Vsid (LA) on Sunday, March 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 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: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great features and technology"

Cons: "None that I have found yet"

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

"I've had the new MKZ about 1 week now and I have to say that I have never owned a car that impressed me as much as this one. I was skeptical at first when I ordered it and very apprehensive when it took nearly seven months to finally take delivery ,but I have to say it was definitely worth the wait. The ride comfort and technology available makes this a no brainier. Anyone looking at new getting a new luxury vehicle should definitely consider this one. Oh , by the way, it is a hybrid , which makes it even better."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Driving experience better than the best chocolate!

By Bear (CA) on Friday, March 08, 2013

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

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: "Totally SILENT - except for marvelous THX sound!"

Cons: "I'm oily... fingerprints on touch screen."

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

"A taut, eminently comfortable and absolutely quiet driving experience. Have driven Lincolns since 1958... and this is my second MKZ hybrid. I used to be skeptical about going from my big Town Cars to his mid-sized car. What I have found is: This 2013 vehicle simply thrills me!"

12 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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See all 163 reviews