2012 Lincoln MKS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2012 Lincoln MKS is that blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert moved into option packages instead of being standard. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with no major powertrain, styling, technology, or structural updates.
About the 2012 Lincoln MKS
Original MKS body style (2009-2012), final year before the major 2013 refresh of the same overall generation.
Lincoln positioned the MKS as its big flagship sedan: roomy, quiet, and heavily equipped, with more emphasis on comfort and standard luxury features than sharp handling. The core appeal was a large cabin, a big trunk, leather seating, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, strong audio, and available all-wheel drive, with the EcoBoost trim adding much quicker acceleration for buyers who wanted more punch without giving up the full-size sedan feel.
The standard MKS is the comfort-focused version, with a roomy leather cabin, heated and cooled front seats, THX audio, adaptive headlights, and parking sensors. The EcoBoost model has a more performance-focused character, pairing a twin-turbo V6 with standard all-wheel drive while retaining the MKS’s comfort and luxury features. Both use a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel paddle shifters.
What changed, by category
2012 Lincoln MKS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.7 Liter | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 273 hp | 355 hp |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 18.4 cu-ft | 18.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.6 in | 38.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Cooled Seats | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Lincoln MKS?
The main change is how blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert was packaged. It became option-package equipment rather than a standard feature, while the engines, styling, cabin, and core technology carried over.
Is the 2012 Lincoln MKS significantly different from the 2011 model?
No, the 2012 MKS is largely the same as the 2011 model. The notable difference is revised packaging for blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert; there was no confirmed engine, transmission, styling, or structural update.
Does every 2012 Lincoln MKS have blind-spot monitoring?
No, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert was included in option packages for 2012 rather than fitted as standard equipment. A specific used MKS should be checked for that equipment.
Did the 2012 Lincoln MKS engines change?
No, the engine lineup carried over. The standard MKS has a 3.7-liter V6, while the EcoBoost model uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with standard all-wheel drive; both have a six-speed automatic transmission.
Was the 2012 Lincoln MKS redesigned?
No, the 2012 MKS was not redesigned. It was the final year of the original 2009–2012 body style before the substantially refreshed 2013 model arrived.