The Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan launched in 2008 as a 2009 model, using the same front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive Ford D3 platform as the Ford Taurus, Ford Flex or Lincoln MKT. One of the oldest models in Lincoln's current lineup, the MKS will be replaced this year by the all-new 2017 Continental. Although the MKS lags behind the competition in most respects, it remains an affordable luxury sedan with a generous standard equipment, a spacious interior, and a powerful optional EcoBoost V6 engine.
PROS & CONS
Pros
Strong Points
- Spacious Interior
- Comfortable Ride
- Comprehensive Standard Equipment
- Costs Less Than Most Competitors
Recommended Versions
- Facelifted 2013-2016 Lincoln Mks
Cons
Weak Points
- Unremarkable Performance And Handling
- Bland Looks
- Dated Technology
- Mylincoln Touch Infotainment System Frustrating To Use
- Poor Reliability Record
Stay Away From
- Early Models
Attention
Known Problems & Recalls
- Ford Recalled Certain 2015 Lincoln Mks Sedans In September 2015 To Tighten The Fuel Tank Attachment Bolts As A Means To Prevent Fuel Leakage
- Some 2015 Mks Vehicles Were Recalled In July 2015 To Test The Operation Of The Parking Brake System And Replace The Parking Brake Control Assembly If Necessary
- Certain 2014 Lincoln Mks Vehicles Were Recalled In July 2014 And Inspected To Make Sure That The Half Shaft Is Properly Retained
- Ford Recalled Some 2013 Lincoln Mks Sedans In December 2015 To Replace The Fuel Delivery Module
- Certain 2013 Lincoln Mks Vehicles Were Recalled In June 2015 To Check The Power Steering Control Module (Pscm) For Diagnostic Trouble Codes
- Some 2011-2013 Mks Sedans Were Inspected To Repair Or Replace All Four Of The Interior Door Handles
- Ford Recalled Certain 2013 Mks Vehicles In July 2014 To Make Sure That The Half Shaft Is Properly Retained
- Certain 2013 Lincoln Mks Sedans Were Recalled In June 2013 To Test The Child Safety Locks And Replace Them If Necessary
- Some 2013 Lincoln Mks Vehicles Had Their Fuel Delivery Module Replaced As Part Of A May 2013 Recall
- Certain 2012 Lincoln Mks Sedans Were Recalled In March 2013 To Inspect The Fuel Tanks And Replace Them If Necessary
CAR DETAILS
Drive
Powertrain
The Lincoln MKS offers two engines: a standard 3.7-liter naturally-aspirated V6 and an optional 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6, both mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The former delivers 304 hp and 279 lb-ft of torque and is offered either in front-wheel drive configuration (standard) or with all-wheel drive (optional). The engine is smooth and capable enough, but the optional 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 turbocharged unit is a better choice. Available exclusively with all-wheel drive, it produces 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, resulting in better dynamics with almost no fuel economy penalty. However, it costs $5,000 more than the standard engine with AWD.
Handling
If you like to have fun behind the wheel of your car, the Lincoln MKS is not for you. It is a big, heavy luxury sedan that lacks the precision of its competitors when it comes to driving dynamics. It may be quiet and composed at highway speeds, but take it to a twisty road and you'll realize what body roll means. All-wheel drive models feel better to drive and are faster through corners, thanks to the better traction – particularly with the more powerful and torquey 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine.
Safety
The NHTSA assessed the 2009 Lincoln MKS when it was introduced and gave it an overall five-star rating – five stars for the frontal crash, five stars for the side crash, and four stars for rollover. However, a more severe crash-test performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on a 2016 MKS revealed that the sedan is not without flaws. The model received the lowest "Poor" rating in the small overlap front test but qualified for the top "Good" rating for each of the remaining test categories: moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint & seats. Front crash prevention systems were rated as "Basic", though.
Interior
Comfort
The Lincoln MKS delivers a comfortable and composed ride, which means passengers will have pleasant trips most of the time. The adjustable suspension dampers do a good job of soaking up the road's irregularities while the comfortable and wide seats increase the feel-good factor. There's little wind, road and engine noise perceived inside, but not as little as in the latest-generation Lincoln vehicles. Ergonomically, the MKS's touch-sensitive controls take some time getting used to, as does the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system.
Quality
For a vehicle that has been around since 2008, the MKS is showing its age. However, one may say that it has aged quite well. While the build quality and materials used in the cabin are not as spectacular as those found on newer competitors, it remains a decent offering. The quality materials, including optional wood and metal trim, as well as the clean look of the center console, make for a classy ambiance. Still, the cabin feels quite dated compared to rivals, especially when it comes to the features it offers.
Practicality
Without a doubt, interior space is the Lincoln MKS' best feature. Five adult passengers can travel comfortably in the luxury sedan, thanks to abundant legroom and headroom on both rows of seats. However, the thick roof pillars, massive center console, and small glass area give the impression of confinement to front passengers. The rear seat is mounted slightly higher than the front seats, giving adult occupants a natural sitting position. Plus, the large rear doors allow for easy entry and exit. Trunk volume is impressive as well: 19.2 cu-ft.
Infotainment
If you need further proof that the Lincoln MKS is an old-fashioned vehicle try to use the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system. The touchscreen interface mounted in the center of the dashboard is hard to access while on the move because of its small virtual buttons, and the system is slow to respond. Thankfully, there are many redundant buttons for the car's key functions on the steering wheel, which allow users to bypass the touchscreen if they want to. Plus, the two LCDs on either side of the speedometer minimize distraction.
Budget
Efficiency
The most fuel-efficient engine in the lineup is the standard 3.7-liter V6 mated to a SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission. In front-wheel drive configuration, it returns 20 mpg combined (17 mpg city/26 mpg highway) while adding all-wheel drive reduces its efficiency to 19 mpg combined (17 mpg city/24 mpg highway). The optional 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine (offered exclusively with all-wheel drive) delivers almost the same mileage as the 3.7-liter unit (19 mpg combined/16 mpg city/24 mpg highway). It's the one to have if you need an AWD Lincoln MKS.
Equipment
The Lincoln MKS comes with just two trim levels, the base MKS, and the MKS EcoBoost, with both offering plenty of standard features. MKS brings adaptive xenon headlights with automatic high beams, fog lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, adjustable suspension dampers, rear parking sensors and more. Interior features include leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats with driver memory settings, a rearview camera, and a 10-speaker sound system, among other things. MKS EcoBoost adds the twin-turbo V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and 20-inch alloys.
Acquisition
Given that the 2016 Lincoln MKS has reached the end of its lifecycle, it is affordable compared to rivals. The base model has an MSRP of $39,010 (excluding destination), but dealers offer significant discounts that can go as high as $3,000 or even higher. The MKS 3.7L with AWD starts from $41,000 while the MKS EcoBoost AWD retails for $46,000. Unless you get a very good price for a 2016 MKS, our advice is to wait until fall 2016 when the MKS-replacing 2017 Continental goes on sale.