2012 Lincoln MKT Review
Price Range: Not Available





+76
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Generous standard features and high-tech options
- powerful and fuel-efficient turbocharged V6 option
- balanced ride and handling
- quiet interior.
Cons
- Tight third-row headroom
- polarizing exterior styling.
What’s new
Other than the discontinuation of all-wheel drive for the base model and a $3,000 price drop for the EcoBoost model, the 2012 Lincoln MKT carries over unchanged.
Edmunds says
Though its versatility is somewhat compromised, the 2012 Lincoln MKT is a solid alternative to other luxury crossover SUVs.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
17 listings
- $10,900fair price$1,242 above market
- 128,385 miles
- 2 accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 16 City / 22 Hwy MPG
- Keiths Auto Sales (84 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Penn Laird, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2LMHJ5AT4CBL53642
Stock: 283811
Certified Pre-Owned: No - 174,950 miles
- Insurance loss reported, 7 owners, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 16 City / 22 Hwy MPG
- Prunto Motor (377 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Dearborn, MI
SCHEDULE A TEST DRIVE TODAY! HOURS OF OPERATION OPEN MON-TO-SAT 10-5PM. AT 7750 GREENFIELD DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48126. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL US A...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: Yes
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2LMHJ5AT6CBL51679
Stock: L51679
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-09-2023
Vehicle overview
Fifty years ago, the high style of Lincoln's long, low-slung land yachts inspired middle-class Americans to dreams of achievement. The brand was the epitome of automotive sophistication. A half-century later, after decades of management miscues, models like the 2012 Lincoln MKT luxury crossover carry the hopes of burnishing the brand's legacy for a new era and a new buyer.
Beneath the MKT's "distinctive" sheet metal -- more than a few people wouldn't use such a positive adjective -- are the body structure and running gear of the Ford Flex crossover. While badge engineering is one of the reasons why Lincoln is in such a depressed state to begin with, being based off the Flex isn't really a bad thing. Many positive attributes shine through, including a confident driving attitude, a refined ride, an available 355-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine and cutting-edge technology. The cabin, meanwhile, has been enhanced with high-quality leather, a classy design and plenty of material to deaden the road's abrasive soundtrack.
The main problem with the MKT is that form trumps function, as its sloping roof line significantly chops headroom for third-row passengers, even though the Flex-based seating arrangement allows for plenty of legroom. Price might also be an issue, as the MKT often costs the same or even more than competing models. Even so, the MKT fares well as an alternative to the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave or Lexus RX 350. On the high end, the BMW X5 and Land Rover LR4 also compete. The MKT doesn't really raise the bar for the segment, but it is at least a step forward toward restoring the Lincoln brand to its former glory.
Performance & mpg
Standard MKT models get a 3.7-liter V6 making 268 hp and 267 pound-feet of torque, connected to a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift option using steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.
The MKT EcoBoost receives a more muscular twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 making 355 hp and 350 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system are standard. Estimated EPA fuel economy is 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. In Edmunds performance testing, the MKT EcoBoost accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, a swift result for this segment.
Safety
The 2012 Lincoln MKT comes standard with electronic stability control, antilock disc brakes, front seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags that cover all three rows.
The Collision Warning with Brake Support system comes as part of the optional adaptive cruise control. This system flashes a warning on the windshield when sensors detect slower-moving traffic ahead and then pre-charges the brake system to reduce braking distances for an ensuing panic stop. In a panic stop during Edmunds testing, the MKT slowed from 60 to zero in an acceptable distance of 127 feet.
Other useful safety features include a rearview camera, a blind spot monitor and a Cross Traffic Alert system. Sync also offers emergency crash notification that automatically dials 911 in the event of an airbag deployment. Parents will also want to note the MyKey feature, which allows restrictions on vehicle speed and audio volume for teen drivers.
In crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the MKT was awarded the highest possible score of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests.
Driving
As large luxury people movers go, the 2012 Lincoln MKT is a pleasure to drive. Steering feels reasonably responsive whether assisted by hydraulic or electric power steering, the latter found on the EcoBoost model. The suspension delivers the refined ride quality expected of a luxury vehicle and very respectable handling, although the MKT's size and weight make it anything but sporting. The MKT EcoBoost V6 provides plenty of acceleration at virtually any speed, thanks in part to the six-speed automatic transmission's smooth shifts.
Interior
The MKT's interior is available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, and either way offers handsome styling and upscale materials including leather upholstery and genuine wood trim. The optional six-passenger configuration trades the 60/40-split second-row bench for a pair of sliding captain's chairs that increases legroom for third-row passengers. Add the second-row center console with refrigerator and headrest-mounted DVD screens and you're traveling in limo-class luxury.
The standard two-passenger third row is not nearly as enjoyable a place to be, because the headroom is compromised by the sloping roof line. Buyers looking for maximum seating capacity should check the Buick Enclave, which offers room for up to eight passengers, or even the Ford Flex, which has enough room for 6-footers. The MKT offers up 76 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, which is competitive, though below average for a large luxury crossover.
2012 Lincoln MKT models
The 2012 Lincoln MKT is a crossover luxury SUV offered in two trim levels: MKT and MKT with EcoBoost.
Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and a power liftgate. Inside the cabin, you'll find leather upholstery, eight-way heated and ventilated power front seats (includes four-way power lumbar), heated second-row seats (outboard only), power-adjustable pedals, driver memory settings, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, tri-zone automatic climate control, retractable second-row sunshades, a rear 110-volt power outlet and an 8-inch touchscreen that displays audio and climate controls. A 10-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio and the Sync system that offers voice control for MP3 players and cell phones comprise the standard entertainment system.
The Elite package (EcoBoost only) adds a panoramic sunroof, a blind-spot warning system, power-folding third-row seats, a 14-speaker surround-sound audio system and a voice-operated navigation system with Sirius Travel Link. Other options include a dual-screen rear-entertainment system and sliding second-row captain's chairs that are heated and ventilated (and that also drop seating capacity from seven to six). The MKT EcoBoost can be further equipped with 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, an automatic parallel-parking system and, when equipped with second-row rear captain's chairs, a console with refrigerator.

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Compare 2012 Lincoln MKT trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$187/mo for MKT Base
MKT Base
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Large Car
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#4 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$638/yr
vs. $735/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Frequency
1.21x/yr
vs. 1.83x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Severity
14.3%
vs. 16.5%
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Lincoln MKT Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Very Nice Crossover
4.5 out of 5 starsnpdan, 07/19/2011
2011 Lincoln MKT 4dr Wagon AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
Never thought we would buy an MKT as we had our sights set on a GMC Acadia Denali.
We loved the looks of the Acadia but we decided to test drive a new MKT and that ended our thoughts of the Acadia.
The Lincoln won every comparison in performance, equipment, handling, quietness and quality of interior materials.
Only complaint on the Lincoln MKT is it's worthless 3rd row seat.
Anyone over … the height of 5 feet can not sit back there.
It is worthless for anyone except small children.
This is our first new Lincoln and we are extremely happy with this car.
It is a delightful touring car with lots of luxuries.
For us, it has been a perfect fit.
Best car ever
5 out of 5 starsLoveMKT, 07/27/2010
2010 Lincoln MKT 4dr Wagon (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
This is my first Lincoln and I LOVE this car! I've owned 6 or 8 Mercedes, several Volvos, Cadillac, Chrysler and about everything in between. I traded in a 2010 Lexus RX350 with 2475 miles on it. I HATED that car! It's a new redesign and it's a joke. This Lincoln is turning out to be the best car I've ever owned. I can't say enough good about it. I special ordered and got the standard … engine on purpose after trying out both. It has plenty of power and I've seen 27 mpg on the highway at 70 mph. It will always be around 25 or better.
Very Happy With my Choice
5 out of 5 starsMKTHappyOwner, 12/20/2009
2010 Lincoln MKT 4dr Wagon AWD w/EcoBoost (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
We looked at the Q7, XC-90, MDX, Enclave and the MKT. The closest equal was the Q7 and I'm happy to say the MKT is a much better car. The Eco boost engine is the way to go. Almost 100 HP more than the Q7 and still better mileage than that car. Interior space is much better with the MKT. The Sync system is top notch. The ability to plug my IPod into the USB and control it via the … touch screen is great. THX sound system is off the charts. Sync/Nav/Voice Recognition etc. is very well thought out and the level of integration is impressive. I went into this purchase heavily leaning to the Q7. After I drove the MKT, it was an easy decision. Very happy to buy American over the Audi.
Love this Vehicle
4.75 out of 5 starsHemiFan, 10/28/2010
2010 Lincoln MKT 4dr Wagon AWD w/EcoBoost (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
Got everything on it except, parallel parking. Self adjusting cruise control is amazing, so the the navigation system. Front brakes were replaced at 7500 miles, because of scratching sound. They will do it for free. Aside from that this car handles and performs with ease. Three hour trips are a breeze.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Lincoln MKT, so we've included reviews for other years of the MKT since its last redesign.
2012 MKT Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $44,300 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $187/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.9 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the MKT include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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