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2012 Lincoln MKS Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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For 2012, the 5-passenger, 4-door Lincoln MKS has virtually no changes, adding only a blind-spot detection system to its safety features. With an impressive list of standard features, it’s easy to see why Lincoln has made minimal changes to its upscale luxury sedan.
The three trim levels available for the 2012 Lincoln MKS include the Base, Base AWD and EcoBoost AWD. The regular Base model is front-wheel drive (FWD), while the AWD trims are all-wheel drive and run on premium gasoline. The Base trims come standard with a 3.7-liter, 274-hp 24-valve DOHC Duratec V6 engine and a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission (with paddle activation) that achieves 270 lb-ft of torque. The EcoBoost AWD trim has a 3.5-liter 355-hp EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged Direct-Injection V6 engine, also with a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, that reaches 350 lb-ft or torque. The Base and EcoBoost trims are estimated to get 17 mpg city/25 highway, while the Base AWD is estimated at 16/23.
Numerous features come standard on all 2012 Lincoln MKS trims. Dual-zone electronic climate control, adaptive cruise control (with collision warning and brake support), active park assist, electric power-assisted steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, leather-wrapped shifter knob (with chrome surround), auto-dimming rear-view mirror, keyless entry, push-button start (and remote start), Bridge of Weir leather-trimmed seating surfaces, 12-way power-adjustable perforated heated and cooled front seats, perforated heated rear seats, 700-watt THX II certified 5.1 audio system (with AM/FM radio, in-dash CD player with MP3 capability and 16 speakers), audio input jack, Sirius XM satellite radio (with 6-month trial subscription), adaptive HID headlamps with auto high beams, fog lamps, LED taillights, rear window power sunshade and 18-inch 10-spoke bright machined and painted cast-aluminum wheels are all standard equipment.
Packages that are available for the 2012 Lincoln MKX include the Premium Wood Door-Trim Package (which adds interior wood accents in genuine olive ash or fine-line ebony, as well as wood appliqués on all four doors), the Navigation Package (including voice-activated navigation and SYNC system with integrated Sirius XM Travel Link and Sirius XM Traffic, BLIS with cross-traffic alert, THX II certified 5.1 surround audio system, HD radio, electrochromic auto-dimming driver's mirror and rear-view camera), and the Ultimate Package (which includes all elements of the Navigation Package as well as a dual-panel moonroof with power sunshade, ultimate seat trim and 19-inch 10-spoke premium painted cast-aluminum wheels, which are standard equipment on the EcoBoost trim). Upgrades that can be added individually to all trim levels include the dual-panel moonroof, 19-inch 10-spoke premium painted cast-aluminum wheels, 19-inch 10-spoke bright machined and painted cast-aluminum wheels, 20-inch polished wheels, and 20-inch 11-spoke polished cast aluminum wheels.
For safety features, the 2012 Lincoln MKS comes equipped with dual-stage driver and passenger front seat airbags, side-curtain airbags, crash severity sensor, driver’s seat position sensor, front passenger sensing system, integrated rear seat head restraints, integrated blind spot mirror, tire pressure monitoring system, 4-wheel disc brakes (with ventilated front rotors and antilock braking system), traction control (brake and engine actuated), and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system.
Handling-wise, the 2012 Lincoln MKS gets mediocre reviews from owners, who note that the sedan feels dull when taking curves in the Base trims. Adding the EcoBoost package, with its higher horsepower and torque, more than makes up for the other trims when it comes to handling. Owners, however, did note that all of the engines seem particularly loud, especially at higher speeds, and that the MKS's suspension seems awfully stiff for a luxury sedan.
For the price, when you take into account its impressive list of standard equipment, the 2012 Lincoln MKS does well when compared to competitors such as the Cadillac STS, Lexus GS and Infiniti M37. A major overhaul of the model is expected for the 2013 model year, so it remains to be seen what future improvements lie ahead for Lincoln’s luxury sedan.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2012 Lincoln MKS
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by Michael O
Mar 27, 2022
Liked to features alot,navigation leather seats individual climate control nice sound system. Definitely alot of features Mar 27, 2022
by Ronald H
Jan 23, 2021
The Lincoln MKS is all around a safe and reliable car smooth drive and great in the city or hwy driving Jan 23, 2021
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2012 Lincoln MKS Pricing
Original MSRP
$41,500 to $48,390Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & 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: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · 600 watts
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.16
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Rear moonroof: fixed glass
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Programmable safety key: MyKey
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Accident Avoidence Systems: pre-collision safety system
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Wheels
Width: 8
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
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: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · 600 watts
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.39 · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Rear moonroof: fixed glass
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Programmable safety key: MyKey
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Accident Avoidence Systems: pre-collision safety system
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Wheels
Width: 8
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
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: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · In-dash MP3 player · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 600 watts
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.77 · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Programmable safety key: MyKey
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Stability and Traction
Accident Avoidence Systems: pre-collision safety system
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Wheels
Width: 8
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing