2012 Lincoln MKX Review
2012 Lincoln MKX Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Lots of standard features
- ample passenger space
- innovative technology
- quiet cabin
- comfortable ride.
Cons
- Difficult-to-use MyLincoln Touch
- little dynamic advantage over the related Ford Edge
- occasionally stubborn transmission.
What’s new
For 2012, the Lincoln MKX sees no changes of note.
Edmunds says
The 2012 Lincoln MKX is a respectable choice for a luxury crossover thanks to its well-rounded performance, well-trimmed and roomy cabin, and generous list of standard features.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 Lincoln MKX 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$189/mo
MKX Base
vs
$208/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Although it got off to a shaky start when it first debuted, the Lincoln MKX is now a pretty respectable choice in the luxury crossover SUV segment. Thanks to last year's revamped recipe that brought significant improvements in performance, driving dynamics and cabin quality, there's plenty of substance beneath the MKX's eye-catching looks. The 2012 Lincoln MKX sees no changes after that metamorphosis, and this doesn't bother us at all.
Though it shares its underpinnings and most of its sheet metal with the Ford Edge, the MKX sets itself apart via Lincoln's now-signature split grille and unique fenders and front/rear lights. The cabin has a more upscale vibe via a different dash/console design and more wood- and metallic-tone accents. The MKX also comes standard with the 305-horsepower V6 and generous amounts of standard equipment.
The 2012 Lincoln MKX does have a couple downsides, the most notable being the MyLincoln Touch electronics interface that's drawn criticism from consumers and our editors alike for being difficult to figure out and frustrating to use. It will be worth looking at the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX 350, Mercedes-Benz GLK350 and Volvo XC60. You might also check out the related Ford Edge Sport; while it's not been badged with a premium label, the ownership experience is going to be pretty similar. But with the substance to back up its style, the Lincoln MKX is a solid choice.
Performance & mpg
The 2012 Lincoln MKX is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 305 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque. There is a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capability is standard. In Edmunds performance testing, an all-wheel-drive MKX went from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds -- an average time among similarly priced luxury crossovers.
Fuel economy ratings are 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 17/23/19 for all-wheel-drive models. When properly equipped, the MKX can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the MKX includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The MyKey system that allows owners to limit a vehicle's top speed and radio volume is also standard. A blind-spot warning system is optional.
In Edmunds brake testing, an MKX with the available 20-inch wheels came to a stop from 60 mph in 134 feet. This is a long distance for the class.
In government crash tests, the Lincoln MKX received an overall rating of four stars (out of five). Within that rating, it earned three stars for frontal protection, five stars for side protection and four stars for rollover protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the MKX its highest rating of "Good" for frontal-offset and side-impact protection and a second-best "Acceptable" for roof-strength integrity.
Driving
The MKX's 3.7-liter V6 is smooth and furnishes brisk acceleration, though the transmission can sometimes be reluctant to downshift unless you nearly floor the throttle pedal. The steering effort is decently weighted, while handling -- if not as sporty as the athletes of this class -- is certainly competent, with a buttoned-down demeanor through the curves. The ride quality is comfortable, though opting for the 20-inch wheels brings about some added firmness that might not fit with your expectations of a Lincoln. At highway speeds, the MKX's cabin is notably quiet.
Interior
The 2012 Lincoln MKX boasts a well-trimmed cabin with handsome stitching, real aluminum accents and quality materials throughout. The standard MyLincoln Touch interface consists of three new display screens and the ability to input commands for various audio, phone and navigation functions via voice, touch controls or buttons on the steering wheel. It's a smart idea in theory, but the reality is that it just doesn't work very well. The learning curve is steep, the system can be slow to respond and the touchscreen's small black icons on a black background make it difficult to use on the move. The touch-sensitive volume control you slide your finger across is pretty much unusable. If you test-drive an MKX, make sure you spend plenty of time with MyLincoln Touch to determine if it's something you'll be OK with.
In terms of practicality, the MKX fares better. Both rows of seats offer plenty of space -- particularly in back, where three people can fit comfortably. This is one area in which the MKX beats out smaller models like the Q5 and X3. Behind the seats there are 32.3 cubic feet of available cargo space. Flip down the second row and capacity expands to 69 cubic feet, which is again a competitive advantage. However, crossovers like the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 hold more.
2012 Lincoln MKX models
The 2012 Lincoln MKX is a five-passenger crossover SUV available in one trim level.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition/entry, rear parking sensors, auto-dimming interior and driver-side exterior mirrors, the MyKey system (allows owners to limit a vehicle's top speed and radio volume), a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power front seats, driver memory functions, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, MyLincoln Touch and Sync electronics interface systems (includes Bluetooth and iPod interface), and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, a USB port, an auxiliary audio jack and an SD card reader.
The Premium package adds 18-inch polished alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a rearview camera, interior mood lighting, a heated power-adjustable steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery and heated second-row seats.
The Elite package includes all the above plus 20-inch chrome wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a blind-spot warning system, a 14-speaker surround-sound audio system, HD radio and a hard-drive-based navigation system that features 10GB of digital music storage and Sirius Travel Link (real-time traffic, weather and other information). Many of the Elite's upgrades are also offered as stand-alone options. A Limited Edition package features 20-inch polished alloy wheels, bronze leather upholstery with black accents, unique textured metallic trim and monogrammed floor mats.
Separate option highlights include adaptive cruise control and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual displays.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 Lincoln MKX.
5 star(55%)
4 star(13%)
3 star(20%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(7%)
56 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Solid, Silent, & Stylish
pilot_guy,07/17/2012
2012 Lincoln MKX 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
After 2 months of shopping, we traded in our 8-year old Volvo XC70 for the MKX.
It matched our driving style perfectly (suburban errands and roadtrips in Minnesota), and is every bit as solid as our Volvo.
Loaded it with every option except the "cargo convenience" package.
AWD was a must, as were heated seats.
The MKX is only one of the group (Lexus RX350, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, etc) … with the higher ride of an SUV, without the attendant "roll" and bumps.
Noticeably quieter than the others.
The MYSYNC system works very well, but you MUST have the salesman walk you through the features, and limitations of the voice-activated interface.
The two-tone leather interior is sharp. Avg 19 mpg
5 out of 5 stars
Sync Not Ready for Prime Time
linkstur,03/11/2011
2011 Lincoln MKX 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
I'll give the car high marks even though there are definitely problems with the touch system.
I personally have an issue with my phone not staying linked to the car.
It constantly disconnects, then re-connects.
4 to 6 times during a 20 minute ride to work.
The computer that's in the car reminds me of an old 386.
It works, but works slowly (relatively speaking).
It sometimes takes 20 … seconds or more before the radio starts playing after start-up.
NEVER try to use the touch screen before the system is completely loaded...(about 45 seconds).
If you do, it will not work well.
But all this can/will be fixed.
Most everything else works fine, and there's a LOT of very cool stuff.
5 out of 5 stars
lincoln rocks!
linc,11/27/2010
2011 Lincoln MKX 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
What can I say.. Great car.I have tested several European SUVs: mercedes glk 350, audi q5,lexus 350 and acura mdx. They all are good cars, but only Lincoln had that balance of everything:driving dynamics, luxury,best electronics in its class that made me buy this vehicle.My Lincoln touch and Sync are best in the business...period. THX2 system with 14 speakers and subwofer is simply … amazing. I believe that European and Japanese suvs were ahead a few years back but this Lincoln is clearly leading the pack now
5 out of 5 stars
FUN FUN Car!!
sisper,04/26/2011
2011 Lincoln MKX 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
Had the car for 10 days. Drove 350+ miles. Fantastic! impresses everyone from interior to exterior looks and features. powerful torque! Powerful yet sturdy and quiet. Fun to drive in Manual mode. Back camera outrageously fun to use. voice commands makes you feel like playing around with it! Ambient lights make you want to try them all! roof for driver and passengers? awesome! sensors for … blind spot cars? amazing. Opening the trunk without taking the keys off packets while caring grocery bags, should be made into LAW! MUST have! steering wheel too good to describe. Test drive to understand. do you want 5 days weather forecast? no problem. sports scores? no problem! The LEATHER SEATS, ohh! etc
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Lincoln MKX, so we've included reviews for other years of the MKX since its last redesign.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $39,545
- MPG & Fuel
- 19 City / 26 Hwy / 22 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.0 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 305 hp @ 6,500 rpm
- Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 186.7 in. / Height: 67.3 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 76.0 in.
- Curb Weight: 4,236 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 32.3 cu.ft.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall3 / 5Driver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover15.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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More about the 2012 Lincoln MKX
Used 2012 Lincoln MKX Overview
The Used 2012 Lincoln MKX is offered in the following submodels: MKX SUV. Available styles include 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6A), and 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A). The Used 2012 Lincoln MKX comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2012 Lincoln MKX?
Price comparisons for Used 2012 Lincoln MKX trim styles:
- The Used 2012 Lincoln MKX Base is priced between $10,986 and$20,590 with odometer readings between 42805 and165783 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2012 Lincoln MKXS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2012 Lincoln MKX for sale near. There are currently 7 used and CPO 2012 MKXS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $10,986 and mileage as low as 42805 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2012 Lincoln MKX.
Can't find a used 2012 Lincoln MKXs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 2012 Lincoln MKX?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Lincoln lease specials
Check out Lincoln MKX lease specials
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