2012 Lincoln MKZ Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 Lincoln MKZ review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 MKZ, and includes Lincoln MKZ safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

The Lincoln MKZ is an entry-level luxury sedan based on the Ford Fusion. Its mission is to deliver value and serenity, though both sport-tuned and high-mileage hybrid models are available. It competes most closely with the Acura TL, Lexus ES, Saab 9-3, and Volvo S60.

Lincoln shuffles equipment package contents this year, dropping the Technology Package and adding an Executive Package with an upscale interior treatment. New Sync AppLink technology is available for 2012, allowing hands-free voice control of smartphone applications. The standard reversing camera is replaced by reversing sensors in the rear bumper, but a rearview camera continues to be included in the optional Navigation Package. Cinnamon and Crystal Champagne are new colors for 2012.

The 2012 Lincoln MKZ lineup includes the V6, the V6 AWD, and the Hybrid models. Each is extremely well equipped, including the usual luxury equipment suspects plus features like genuine wood trim on the dashboard, door panels, and steering wheel; plush perforated Bridge of Weir leather upholstery; and 10-way power front seats with heating and cooling. MyKey allows parents to program vehicle settings and limits aimed at helping teenagers driver more responsibly, and Sync hands-free Bluetooth technology includes Traffic, Directions and Information service plus 911 Assist which alerts rescuers when the MKZ’s airbags have deployed. Heated blind-spot side mirrors, LED taillights, and 17-inch machined-finish alloy wheels are also standard, and the MKZ Hybrid includes a SmartGauge with EcoGuide system that displays leaves on a vine blooming with white flowers as the driver maximizes fuel economy.

Options for the 2012 MKZ are mainly bundled into packages. The Navigation Package includes a hard-drive navigation system with music storage capability and a jukebox feature, DVD playing capability, HD Radio, a reversing camera, and a Blind-spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert. On Hybrid models, the Navigation Package also includes a THX-II Certified 5.1 Surround Sound system. Next on the roster is the Ultimate Package. It has Navigation Package features plus chrome wheels, ambient cabin lighting, a power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and high-intensity discharge (HID) adaptive headlights that help illuminate around corners at night. MKZ V6 models equipped with this package also get a THX-II Certified 5.1 Surround Sound system. Then there’s the Executive Package. This option adds extra wood trim to the dashboard, upgraded leather for the seats (with suede inserts when the Charcoal interior is selected), premium floor mats with Lincoln logos, and other upscale trim details.

Once you chosen your trim packages, there are a couple of additional features available for the MKZ V6 models. All-wheel-drive is one of them, and a self-explanatory Interior Aluminum Trim Package is another. We’re fans of the Sport Appearance Package, which includes aluminum interior bits, polished 18-inch aluminum wheels, body-color door handles, darkened grille elements, smoked headlights lenses, and Tuxedo-seam seats. But the real reason we like this option is the sport-tuned suspension, which lends the MKZ some needed athleticism.

Good for 263 horsepower, the MKZ V6 model’s 3.5-liter V6 drives the front or all four wheels through a six-speed SelectShift automatic with manual shift control. According to the EPA, this engine musters 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive and 17-city/25-highway with AWD.

The MKZ Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine assisted by an electric motor drawing juice from a 275-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack recharged by a regenerative braking system. The net horsepower rating is 191 horsepower, delivered to the front wheels by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The MKZ Hybrid can go up to 47 mph on electricity alone, contributing to impressive fuel economy ratings of 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Numerous standard safety features are designed to help the MKZ owner avoid an accident, and survive one should a collision prove unavoidable. Eight airbags, four-wheel ventilated-disc antilock brakes, AdvanceTrac stability and traction control, and heated blind-spot side mirrors are included in the base price. MyKey allows the MKZ to be programmed to emit seatbelt reminders and speed warnings, and to limit top-speed and stereo volume levels – it’s perfect for parents of teenagers with newly minted licenses. If a collision does occur and the airbags deploy, an SOS Post Crash Alert system sounds the horn and activates the hazard flashers while Sync 911 Assist automatically dials 9-1-1 so that rescuers can be sent to the scene of the accident without delay. No subscription is necessary for this service, but it only works if Sync is paired to a vehicle occupant’s cell phone. Additional safety features, available as options, include HID adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a Blind-spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert.

In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) testing, recently revised with higher performance thresholds, the MKZ receives a 4-Star overall crashworthiness rating. Based on NHTSA results, the worst seat in the house is the front passenger’s seat. In the frontal-impact and side-impact tests, this seating position received 3-Star protection ratings. Otherwise, the MKZ scores 4- and 5-Stars in the various tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not rated the 2012 MKZ as this review is written, but called last year’s model a Top Safety Pick.

Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates haven’t provided reliability predictions for the 2012 MKZ as this review is published. Last year, J.D. Power lauded the MKZ for its potential to deliver long-term dependability. Consumer Reports agreed as far as the MKZ with front-wheel drive was concerned, but thought all-wheel-drive models were best avoided.

Despite its advancing age, there’s no reason to skip the 2012 Lincoln MKZ when shopping for an upscale sedan. The MKZ is generally safe and dependable, is well equipped and comfortable, and in hybrid format gets terrific gas mileage for no extra out-of-pocket cost. We also think the MKZ is a good value, and continue to recommend it.

By Christian Wardlaw