Lincoln MKT History
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The Lincoln MKT is a large crossover vehicle that seats up to seven passengers. New to the Lincoln lineup for the 2010 model year, it joined the smaller MKX crossover and the truck-based Navigator SUV among the Ford brand's utility vehicles, and has not been changed substantially since it was introduced.
Though it shares most of its internal architecture with the Ford Flex, its external architecture's a whole other story. While the Flex is all angles and straight lines, the MKT riffs on the heritage of Sixties Lincolns with big bands of chrome, a kinky uptick in its sideview, and splits the air with a massive batwing grille that's easily the most daring, controversial thing the brand has sold in decades. Inside, it's much less divisive: there's a high-quality dash well tailored in wood, leather and metallic accents, lit brightly by white LEDs, and capped by a big LCD screen for ancillary controls.
Lincoln offers a choice of six-cylinder engines to buyers. The base MKT comes with a 268-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 and a six-speed automatic--a close relative of the powerplant in the Lincoln MKS sedan and even the related Mazda CX-9 crossover. The more sporty versions get a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 with 355 horsepower, channeled through a six-speed automatic. Either version can be outfitted with all-wheel drive, and turbo versions also can be fitted with paddles for shifting. It's a somewhat odd sensation, paddle-shifting a vehicle this large, but the MKT responds very well to a heavy foot and quick fingers: electric power steering is light and quick, body motions are as well-controlled as they can be for such a long vehicle, and while you wouldn't call it nimble, the MKT isn't numb or indecisive during fast-paced driving maneuvers. Fuel economy suffers just a point on the turbo "EcoBoost" MKT; it's 16/22 mpg, versus 17/23 mpg on the base version.
The MKT can be had in six- and seven-passenger versions, with bucket seats in the second row an option over the standard 60/40 split-folding bench seat. The front seats are large and cozy, even if the active headrests still push on the back of passengers' heads a little too intently. Second-row seats have copious foot- and legroom, and the third row is almost large enough for some adults, though mainly intended for children. Power "fold and tumble" second-row seats with heating, cooling, and power-assisted lumbar adjustment are also available, and third-row passengers can fold second-row seats out of the way by pressing a button-a nice touch. Cargo room behind the third row is as much as an Acura RL, at 17.3 cubic feet; fold down the second seat and it rises to 39.6 cubic feet. With both rear rows folded, the MKT has a cavernous 75.9 cubic feet of room for hauling home estate-sale finds.
While it's not ranked by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for crash safety, the MKT earns the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award. It shares the Ford Flex's safety package, and adds options like Active Park Assist, which helps drivers guide the MKT into parking spaces through sensors, cameras, and adaptive cruise control.
Other comfort and convenience features ladled on the MKT include a large, standard, fixed-panel sunroof; dual-zone climate control; the Bluetooth-and-voice-controlled SYNC system; a keyless entry pad on the door frame; high-intensity discharge headlamps with automatic high beams; and push-button start with MyKey features that allow drivers to set preferences for speed controls, radio functions, and seat/mirror memory positions. A handful of options can be specific to bring the most expensive MKTs to nearly $55,000-including a power panoramic sunroof; 20-inch polished aluminum wheels; a rear-seat DVD entertainment system; active parking assist and adaptive cruise control; a navigation system with a music hard drive and THX II-certified speakers; and last but not least, a five-quart refrigerator mounted between the middle seats.
The MKT is essentially unchanged for the 2012 model year.
