2010 Lincoln MKT All-Wheel-Drive: Setting a New Standard for Premium Luxury Crossovers

What's New About the Lincoln MKT:

For 2010, the MKT is a new addition to the Lincoln line up, offering a number of premium class features not seen on a crossover before. With this being Lincoln’s first seven-passenger crossover, they’ve packed in every conceivable feature available except the kitchen sink. Surprisingly, the MKT, which is based off of the same platform as the boxy-looking Ford Flex, does offer an optional mini refrigerator.

Must Have Goodies:

While the MKT is equipped with standard heated and cooled front-row seats and second-row heated seats, the luxury crossover can also be outfitted with the latest technology available from Ford. In fact, as of late, the domestic automaker has led the industry – as it relates to incorporating practical and functional safety technology.

If you’re buying the premium class MKT, consider adding Ford’s exclusive Active Park Assist feature, which virtually allows hands-free parallel parking through the use of a senor-based system. This is the first domestic vehicle to offer a self-parking electronic aid. Lexus and Mercedes offers a similar parking assist feature in some of their premium price vehicles. Unfortunately, this parking aid wasn’t available on the vehicle we reviewed.

Yet, our MKT was equipped with a high-tech Adaptive Cruise Control, which allowed us to drive at a constant speed - while an internal radar system automatically aided us in keeping an appropriate distance from the vehicle in front of us incase they alter their speed.

And, if you investing in a MKT, we definitely recommend ordering the optional second-row center console, which also serves as a mini cooler. Moreover, it’s worth stepping up to the 3.5-liter twin turbocharged Ecoboost engine, which puts out as much power underneath the hood as an 8-cylinder - while also optimizing fuel economy. However, if you’re opting for Ford’s Ecoboost engine, it’s only available with the all-wheel drive configuration.

Furthermore, if you’re buying a MKT, we recommend adding the voice-activated navigational system, dual panoramic sunroof, the BLIND Spot technology with cross traffic alert, which kept us from backing into oncoming traffic and/or pulling over on other drivers, traveling in our same direction.

What Rocked:

It’s amazing how Ford’s engineers were able to differentiate the luxurious MKT from its boxy-looking sister -the Ford Flex - both inside and out! It’s just hard to believe that both crossovers are built off of the same platform. The split waterfall grille easily identifies this crossover as being a part of the luxury brand. Furthermore, the workmanship and the high-quality interior trim definitely places this vehicle in the same league as the upscale Audi A7.

Moreover, we found the MKT to be extremely comfortable and roomy, delivering a car-like ride with it standard 19-inch wheels and smooth-riding suspension system. By the way, optional 20-inch wheels are available on the vehicle, too.

We were also enamored with the infusion of the keyless push-button starter and Ford’s signature Intelligent Key, which allowed us to unlock and lock the doors without the use of a key, as long as the key was on our person.

What We Hated:

We had a love, hate relationship with Lincoln’s signature oversized wide-mouth grille and wing-like taillights on the crossover. In our personal opinion, the front and rear fascia seemed more fitting on a Lincoln car than a luxuriously appointed crossover. While it’s obvious the engineers did a phenomenal job of differentiating the exterior of the premium-class MKT from the traditional looking Flex, in our personal opinion, we wish the automaker could have created a smoother, funkier design to blend the past and present together. In fact, the rear of the vehicle seemed a little dated.

Just wondering: Is Lincoln attempting to appeal to a younger demographic with the Lincoln or do they prefer if those buyers step into a Flex? In an unscientific random survey we administered, we found that the younger generation was somewhat ambivalent of the design, while the older generation was more connected with the Lincoln heritage.

Also, like most seven-passenger vehicles on the road today, it was a tight fit to get adults into the third-row seats of this vehicle, too.

Lastly, in the future, the optional 3.5-liter with Ford’s Ecoboost technology should be a standard feature on all MKTs. (As previously tested on the Flex, the standard 268-horsepowered engine is underpowered for both the Flex and MKT).

Any Juice:

The MKT is outfitted with an optional 3.5-liter turbocharged engine. The new Lincoln adequately delivers 355 horses. For this big workhorse, we strongly recommended opting for this fuel-efficient engine.

Verdict:

If you’re looking for a three-row seven-passenger luxury crossover, the Lincoln MKT should be placed at the top of your shopping list. Besides the Buick Enclave, Lincoln is the only domestic brand to offer a seven-passenger luxury crossover. Unlike the Buick, the MKT is available with a number of high-tech must-have safety features.

And beyond the love, hate relationship we have with the exterior design, this is best Lincoln we’ve every driven. From the fit and finish to the great ride, this Lincoln definitely goes head-to-head with all of the premium-class import crossovers.

Moreover, we found the MKT easier to maneuver than the oversized and less politically-correct than its SUV big sister, the Lincoln Navigator. Added to that, the MKT is available in all-wheel drive or non all-wheel drive configuration.

Pricing for a base MKT starts out at $44,000 and when fully equipped this premium-class luxury crossover can approach $60,000. This vehicle definitely puts Lincoln back in the game of being a true luxury brand now that it offers a vehicle that can seriously go head-to-head with the high-end luxury imports.

Competition:

Audi’s Q7, Buick’s Enclave and Mercedes’ R Class

To configure a MKT or one its competitors, visit our New-Vehicle Buying Guide, which is located in the Tool box.