2012 Lincoln MKZ Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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How does 41 miles per gallon in the city sound? The classy 2012 Lincoln MKZ offers up that enticing EPA estimate as one of many major selling points for its Hybrid trim. What makes the number especially appealing is that Lincoln puts the Hybrid out there at the same price as its gas-powered versions, which is not the case with most manufacturers or most hybrid vehicles.
The MKZ overall appears to be making a mark in the market, too, and has put up some nice sales figures when compared to the rest of the Lincoln family.
The 2012 Lincoln MKZ, called an entry-level luxury sedan by reviewers, features a long list of attractive attributes befitting the label. Chief among them perhaps are a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride, delivered in an equally impressive interior. The MKZ, in short, looks good and rides perhaps even better.
Reviewers refer to the MKZ’s “limo-like ride,” in effect handing out a positive and negative with one quick phrase: It offers the lush and plush treat-yourself feel of a limousine, but it’s not designed for the person seeking a high-performance driving experience. The 2012 Lincoln MKZ does take other hits from the experts, too. One common refrain appears to be that for the money - it starts around $35,000 – it doesn’t offer a whole lot to differentiate it in looks or performance from its less-expensive close cousin, the Ford Fusion.
The 2012 Lincoln MKZ comes in three trims: Base, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Hybrid. The Base and Hybrid are both front-wheel drive (FWD).
A 3.5-liter V6 powers the Base MKZ and the AWD, and they each get a 6-speed auto-manual transmission good for 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimates peg the Base trim at 18 mpg city/27 highway and the AWD at 17/24.
A variable-valve-timed (VVT) inline 4-cylinder engine teams with a 30-kilowatt electric motor in the Hybrid for 191 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid has a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and regenerative braking helps to recharge the nickel-metal hydride battery. Fuel cutoff when decelerating and an auto-engine stop/start system combine with all of that to give the Hybrid EPA fuel mileage numbers of 41/36.
The V6 provides plenty of power to get the 2012 Lincoln MKZ around, reviewers say. They find the Hybrid, as would be expected, not as perky, but also note that it does offer an efficient and quiet drive and the electric and gas motors work smoothly together.
The 2012 Lincoln MKZ collects maybe its best marks from the experts after they open the doors and step inside the roomy and well-appointed interior. They find the MKZ not only comfortable, but also dripping with class, not too flashy and in fact a bit understated, loaded with goodies and featuring high-quality materials all the way around.
Leather seats, heated and cooled driver's and front passenger seats that are powered 10 ways and dual-zone electronic climate control just start the list of standard fare in the MKZ. Experts admire, too, the 2012 Lincoln MKZ’s entertainment and information offerings, which include a Lincoln Premium AM/FM/6-CD/MP3 sound system with nine speakers and a Sync voice-activated communications system. A moonroof, rear-view camera, upgraded sound and navigation systems, and sport setups are all available as part of various packages.
The 2012 Lincoln MKZ has long scored well in crash tests and comes with a full complement of safety features, including traction and stability control, a complete array of airbags, four-wheel disc ABS, rear parking sensors and a post-collision notification system. It also has the MyKey setup, which allows owners to limit speed and audio volume for younger drivers. A rear-view camera and blind-spot information system are among the safety add-ons available.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2012 Lincoln MKZ
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Jermaine S
Apr 15, 2024
Highly recommend this car! Looks clean and reliable, worth buying Apr 15, 2024
by Craig B
Nov 30, 2023
Had 2 Lincoln mkz, 6 cylinder AWD. GREAT CARSNov 30, 2023
by Anthony P
Feb 01, 2023
Miles are to high for cost. I hear nothing of after market warranty.Feb 01, 2023
User rating:
by Jermaine S
Apr 15, 2024
Highly recommend this car! Looks clean and reliable, worth buying Apr 15, 2024
by Craig B
Nov 30, 2023
Had 2 Lincoln mkz, 6 cylinder AWD. GREAT CARSNov 30, 2023
by Anthony P
Feb 01, 2023
Miles are to high for cost. I hear nothing of after market warranty.Feb 01, 2023
by David N
Jan 03, 2023
Rides really well and has excellent features. Only issue is outdated sync system. Jan 03, 2023
by Michael S
Sep 12, 2022
So far so good, little overpriced since its missing some options usually seen in this year and older mkz like sunroof, backup camera, and, etc, but given the market have no choice Sep 12, 2022
by Maricela B
Aug 04, 2022
I think this car is lovely..good value I wish I can just go get it rnd drive off with it.specially right now dat my cadilllac is been stalling for a minute nowAug 04, 2022
by Kenneth W
Feb 28, 2022
Great model just hope its there when Im ready to buyFeb 28, 2022
by Douglas W
Nov 24, 2021
It’s almost 10 years old and it feels like it.Nov 24, 2021
by Joseph K
Nov 13, 2021
Comfortable, drives very good.
At 50k miles the engine control modual will fail and blow coil packs, $1700 is what it will cost. Around the 10 year mark the $3000 timing belt will soon need replacing.
The water pump runs off the timing belt, so if it starts leaking youll replace both. $3000.
Nice car, a lot of features. But...Nov 13, 2021
by allen b
Nov 04, 2021
Beautiful car, didnt buy it because it does not have a Rear CameraNov 04, 2021
by Louis C
Oct 08, 2021
This is a beautiful car, mechanically and looks. The ride is smooth.Oct 08, 2021
by Darnell J
May 12, 2021
First Lincoln and I absolutely love the 2012 MKZ Hybrid. Purchased the car at 60k four years ago and now Im well over 200k and she is just now starting to require general wear and tear maintenance. Just an all around smooth ride whether youre driving around town or on long road trips. Comfortable, handles great, excellent gas mileage. Only dislike is the power in the hybrid. If you have a heavy foot this is definitely not the car for you. May 12, 2021
by Dalvin B
Aug 12, 2020
Excellent service, very responsive and easy to use Aug 12, 2020
by Anonymous
Sep 10, 2014
I love the way this car handles. It looks great. This car is very comfortable and ample room for a mid-size car. The gas mileage is great as well. It accelerates nicely, maintains safe control, and is a pleasure to drive.Sep 10, 2014
What users have asked
2012 lincoln mkz airbag recall repair
sattelite antennae fault cannot set clock, field is blinking but cant inout new time all started after airbag recall repair
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My 2012 MKZ has an interior mirror problem.
The interior rear view mirror will not dim properly at night when vehicles follow. The resulting glare is not good! Is there any adjustment or repair without replacing the mirror?
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2012 Lincoln MKZ Pricing
Original MSRP
$34,755 to $36,645Price range
$6,583 to $7,625Average price on CG
$6,695YoY price change
$7,620 to $6,695Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Adjustable Speed Sensitive Volume Control · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: 8 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless entry: keypad · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.33
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: chrome · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: SYNC
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Programmable safety key: MyKey
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Wheels
Width: 7.5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Adjustable Speed Sensitive Volume Control · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: 8 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Keyless entry: keypad · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.33 · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: chrome · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: SYNC
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Programmable safety key: MyKey
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum with painted accents
Wheels
Width: 7.5
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: remote operation