Lincoln MKT Review - 2010

For the 2010 model year, Lincoln adds a three-row luxury crossover to its lineup with the debut of the new MKT. With seating for up to seven people, the MKT shares its platform with the Ford Flex, but has significantly different exterior styling and a more luxurious interior.  The MKT offers well balanced blend of fuel economy, performance, technology and spaciousness. The MKT is available with front- or all-wheel drive and is offered with a choice of V-6 engines. It hits dealerships in summer 2009, and competitors include the Buick Enclave and Acura MDX.

MKT Features

The Lincoln MKT is loaded with convenience features: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set and maintain vehicle speed, while radar monitors traffic ahead of the Lincoln MKT; Intelligent Access with Push Button Start allows the driver to enter the Lincoln MKT and start the engine without using the key;  SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad allows access to Lincoln MKT by unlocking the driver's door by entering a pre-set five-digit code in the flush-mounted, backlit keypad integrated into the B-pillar; Adaptive Headlamps with Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps enhance nighttime visibility; Auto High Beams coupled with Adaptive Headlamps enhance nighttime visibility by switching to high intensity when no other vehicles are in range; Rain-Sensing Wipers use an optical sensing system to gauge precipitation and automatically activate and adjust the wipers; EasyFuel Capless Fuel-Filler System self seals when refueling is complete; MyKey allows parent or other concerned owners to restrict certain Lincoln MKT features when in the hands of a MyKey driver; Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) comes into play when a turn signal is activated. A radar sensor on the outboard rear quarter panel monitors the traditional blind spot area and can notify the driver with a warning indicator light in the corresponding side view mirror if the sensors in this optional system detect a vehicle in the blind spot; Cross Traffic Alert uses BLIS sensors to help detect traffic when backing out of a parking space. When the vehicle is in reverse and it senses traffic, mirror warning lights illuminate and audible signals sound; Lincoln SYNC is standard on Lincoln MKT

Power for the MKT

MKT buyers have a choice of two V-6 engines. The base 3.7-liter V-6 produces 268 horsepower and teams with a six-speed automatic transmission. The EcoBoost engine is also offered.  This engine provides the power of a normally-aspirated V-8 with V-6 fuel economy. Combining gasoline direct injection with twin turbochargers and a smaller-displacement engine, EcoBoost can match the power output of larger, naturally aspirated engines while yielding torque and fuel economy gains.  This advanced engine delivers a class-leading estimated 355 horsepower at 5,700 RPM, while generating 350 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 RPM.  It also drives a six-speed automatic.  A two-speed fuel pump and Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (ADFSO), combined with optimized transmission and final drive gearing, are designed to help this engine to deliver segment-leading fuel economy of an estimated 24 mpg highway, besting both the Acura MDX and Audi Q7 by 4 mpg.  The Lincoln MKT is equipped with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The sophisticated AWD system is fully automatic, using an advanced array of internal electro-mechanical clutches to efficiently distribute torque between front and rear wheels as needed. AWD is standard in the Lincoln MKT with the EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6. When properly equipped with a Class III trailer hitch, the MKT is rated to tow up to 4,500 pounds.

Driving and Handling

The MKT comes with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for when the driver wants to control gear changes. This capability makes the Lincoln MKT driving experien ce sporty, yet smooth.  The Lincoln MKT strikes a balance between capable and driver-engaging handling, while simultaneously delivering a smooth quiet ride in all three rows.   Lincoln MKT with EcoBoost features advanced Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), which enables the optional Active Park Assist. This innovative Lincoln-exclusive technology employs an ultrasonic-based sensing system, as opposed to video camera-reliant competitive offerings, making hands-free parallel parking a breeze.  Key elements of Lincoln MKT suspension development and tuning included minimizing front end lift on acceleration, offering stable and engaging steering and handling characteristics that provide confidence to all drivers, all while delivering a luxurious ride quality.  The 2010 Lincoln MKT delivers a new level of confidence that delivers best-in-class levels of NVH control.

Lincoln MKT Cabin

The MKT's interior is a big improvement in terms of materials quality when compared to the two-row MKX crossover.  The use of soft-touch dash materials and an intricately designed gauge cluster contribute to the luxurious space. Leather-covered seats are standard.  The MKT makes no compromises in material quality, with hand cut leathers and a selection of high gloss wood trim covering virtually every surface. The seven-person seating configuration features front bucket seats, a second-row bench seat and a two-person third row. The second row has lots of legroom and comfortable seats. The third row, meanwhile, suffers from a lack of headroom that makes it impossible for tall passengers to sit with their heads straight.  A standard 60/ 40 split folding rear bench seat features heated outboard seating positions. With all the seats upright, the MKT has 17.9 cubic feet of cargo room. With the third row folded there's 39.6 cubic feet of space. The second row also folds, yielding a maximum cargo volume of 75.9 cubic feet.

MKT Style and Design

The MKT's exterior features a flowing design. The MKT has a version of Lincoln's chrome grille that dominates its face.  Standard features include adaptive xenon headlights with an automatic high-beam feature and keypad entry. The rear of the MKT sports a distinctive forward-swept liftgate that incorporates a large horizontal brake light that spans its width. Nineteen-inch aluminum wheels are standard and 20-inch aluminum rims are optional. A fixed glass roof is standard.

Safety Features

The Lincoln MKT features many technologies aimed at helping make driving safer. Standard safety features includes antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for all three rows, an electronic stability system with Roll Stability Control, rear parking sensors and a backup camera. Optional features include Collision Warning with Brake Support that can alert the driver to vehicles ahead and ready the brakes, and there's also a blind spot warning system. The Lincoln MKT also features an advanced structural safety system that combines octagona l front frame rails, tunnel rails, and support members that are designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. Lincoln MKT also features Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE) Architecture incorporated to optimize side-impact occupant protection. The SPACE system integrates a hydroformed high strength steel tube embedded in the floor that runs the width of the vehicle from

B-pillar to B-pillar and along the rocker panels to form a safety cage to help protect passengers in side impact incidents.  Lincoln MKT also features Ford's enhanced Personal Safety System, combining multiple technologies to tailor the air bag package and safety belt functions to the individual passenger and the accident circumstances. The system can identify variables, such as severity o f the crash, weight of the individual passenger and safety belt usage to adjust air bag deployment force.


The 2010 Lincoln MKT is all about technology, features, and design that delivers a comfortable, luxurious, safe, and powerful SUV. Ease of use and intuitive operation were key objectives in developing the MKT. The Lincoln MKT will be built at Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada, and will be in dealer showrooms in late summer 2009. The new Lincoln MKT is intended as a full embrace of the future direction for the Lincoln brand. It sets the standards for interior quality, exterior design refinement, and performance for all products going forward.  The MKT will have an MSRP Invoice of $44,200 and a National Base Price of $40,605. To get a closer look, view a Lincoln MKT picture gallery.