Reviewers and test drivers liked the 2012 Lincoln MKZ and its generous interior and stylish exterior.
It is a car for people who are looking for a midsized luxury car that is comfortable, quiet, subtle, exciting, and has sufficient seating. Some were disappointed with this upscale midsized car, they felt it lacking in performance and overall refinement.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Luxury Sedan | Base Price: $34,755.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 gallons (66 l) | MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy |
| Length: 189.8 in. (482 cm) | Wheel Base: 107.4 in. (272.8 cm) |
| Height: 56.9 in. (144.5 cm) | Width: 72.2 in. (183.3 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3598 lbs (1632 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 16.5 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 3.5L Duratec V6 DOHC | Compression Ratio: 10.3: 1 |
| Horsepower: 263 HP | Max RPM: 6250 RPM |
| Torque: 249 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| Option:MKZ AWD | MSRP: $36,645; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy |
| Option:MKZ Hybrid | MSRP: $34,755; MPG: 41 city / 36 hwy |
Engine
The 2012 Lincoln MKZ has a 3.5 liter, V6 engine that delivers 263 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 249 lbs-ft or torque. It also comes with a six speed automatic transmission, with a standard manual shift mode.
This makes the car powerful enough for quotidian tasks, but test drivers agree that it’s not a performance car. The car’s front wheel drive version will deliver 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, with the all wheel drive model getting a little less.
Performance
People found the MKZ’s performance competent, but not as thrilling as a luxury car’s performance should be. However, it’s quiet, smooth and comfortable. A Sport Appearance Package can make the driving more fun, but it also makes the ride less smooth. The steering is accurate and the car takes curves well.
Exterior
The MKZ’s exterior is pleasing, and had especially good things to say about the bold looks of the grill.
Interior
Reviewers appreciated the car’s roominess. The seats are spacious and upholstered in buttery leather, and the rear seats offer ample leg and head room for even tall grown-ups. Reviewers also loved the sumptuous features and the variety of standard equipment.
The MKZ has separate controls for its features, which make them much easier to learn to use and to operate. The MKZ’s SYNC system also lets drivers use voice command. The car has a sophisticated THX sound system, though some reviewers were ambivalent about it. Some test drivers also found some of the trim not up to standard for a luxury car. The 2012 MKZ excels in the trunk space, which offers an impressive 16.5 cubic feet.
Safety
The Lincoln MKZ has excellent safety ratings and garnered a four out of five star overall rating from the federal government. It received three out of five stars for the front crash test and four out of five stars for the side and rollover tests. It received a “good” in all tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and so was named a Top Safety Pick.
Reliability
J.D. Power gave the MKZ an exceptional four and a half out of five reliability score. The car arrives with a four year or 50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. The powertrain warranty lasts for six years or 70,000 miles. Roadside assistance spans the same time as the powertrain warranty.
Pros
Reviewers liked the MKZ’s roominess, including the large trunk. They also admired its easy to use features, and all wheel drive.
Cons
The MKZ simply doesn’t perform as well as other cars in its class and it’s much too similar to the Ford Fusion, which costs much less.
Lincoln finds itself in the middle of a crowded field of luxury sedans that include the Lexus ES (MSRP $36,725; 19 city / 28 hwy), Infiniti G (MSRP $36,900; 19 city / 27 hwy), and the Cadillac CTS (MSRP $42,290; 18 city / 27 hwy) sport sedan.
Overall Rating
73 out of 100
What others say:
“Power delivery is smooth and seamless, but the 2012 Lincoln MKZ lacks true driving excitement.”Car Connection
“Competent overall, with fairly accurate steering and moderate body lean. Hybrid models are heavier and feel that way on the road, but they’re never unwieldy. AWD quells most torque steer and furnishes secure all-weather traction. Brake-pedal feel is just OK on the Base and Hybrid, but both deliver good stopping control.”Consumer Guide
“The MKZ rides well and has strong acceleration. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are offered, and a gas-electric hybrid is available.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“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.”KBB
“Excellent infotainment features; comfortable seats and driving position; high fuel economy from Hybrid version; responsive steering… Non-premium feel; not enough differentiation from Ford Fusion; rough ride with sport suspension.”Edmunds
