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Publication Date: December 18, 2009 The Scoop
Lincoln, until the last few years, has been a luxury brand in search of a new identity. The image for far too long was stodgy, old fashioned and for older buyers who maybe liked to golf. Lincoln had been loosing sales to import brands like Lexus and depending on fleet sales of the Town Car to keep the brand going. In order to revive sliding sales and reinvent the brand, the focus was firmly placed on new products that could reignite interest from buyers who have been well served by other luxury products. In order to do this, Lincoln has taken some of the very best products that Ford has in their lineup and adapting them with additional luxury touches and bold new styling. This MKT is based on the award winning Ford Flex, full sized crossover, which is build right here in Canada at Ford's Oakville plant. The MKT has three rows of seats and is perfect for a family that needs room for six or seven people but don't need the ruggedness of a traditional SUV.
The Skin
Big and bold are two good words to describe the MKT. The large "waterfall" grill looks like it is sculpted into the front sheet metal. This along with the pronounced shoulders over the rear wheels, angled rear lift gate and big rear taillights make a unique statement. The large doors have the lower rocker panel integrated into them, which makes it easier to get in and out of the MKT but it makes the doors longer than usual and they can get hung up on curbs when parking on an angle. As big as the MKT is, it doesn't have the high step in height of a traditional SUV, which makes it a perfect combination of large station wagon and utility vehicle. The MKT starts at just over $48,000 for the 3.7L V6 or $55,000 for the Ecoboost turbo version. Both models run on 20-inch wheels and feature a power lift gate, xenon headlamps, fog light and a glass roof or optional moon roof.
The Cockpit
The interior is nicely finished with a faux leather dash that looks excellent. The centre stack is simple and the optional navigation system offers a back up camera. Lincoln also has a version of the Sync system for hands free calling and text, music and entertainment interface. The computer is easy to understand, and use, and the dash has been kept to a simple minimum, with the buttons you use the most accessible but more complex interaction available on the centre screen. There is plenty of room for the front passengers and the second row is like flying business class; you can even get heated rear seats. One thing to keep in mind is the bucket seat option in the second row is not for families with small children because they will have to climb over the centre console or risk entering from the street; stick with the traditional bench seat. The second row of seats electronically tumbles forward for easy access to the third row of seats that also fold flat into the floor for a very large cargo area.
The Ride
The base engine is a 3.7L V6 pumps out a solid 268hp but it is when the EcoBoost option is chosen that this MKT takes on a different attitude. By utilizing a 3.5L V6 with twin turbo chargers and direct injection technology, the power jumps to 355hp. Both engines are matched to a 6-speed automatic that can be shifted on the steering wheel. When driving along in a relaxed manor the big MKT is a pleasure to enjoy thanks to a very quiet ride, big seats, plenty of space and a well appointed interior. It is when you put your foot into the gas that the potent turbo charged engine and solid platform reveal the true capability of this big ride. Acceleration is very brisk and the standard AWD does a good job of putting the power down. After driving the Ford Taurus SHO back to back with this MKT (both are based on the same platform), there are so many parallels and the MKT feels like a bigger, wagon version of the SHO. The same EcoBoost engine is used, same transmission and in many ways the same well dampened and solid ride is present. The seats sit low in the MKT giving a big sedan ride and not an SUV feel.
The Good, The Bad
Good: There are so many safety features in this Lincoln; in fact this vehicle received the "top safety pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Much of that is due to very advance technology like adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning system and cross traffic alert.
Bad: Because the MKT and other Lincoln products are based on the Ford models, buyers who want a similar product without the Lincoln badge can get many of the same features in a less expensive car. Many of the features found in the MKT can also be ordered in the cheaper Ford Flex.
Zack's verdict
The era of the crossover is here to stay. Crossovers offer the utility that families have come to count on with the ride, comfort, handling and power that a sedan offers. The MKT brings together all of these attributes into a stylish, luxury package that is a pleasure to drive. After spending the day driving around with my two young sons in the back seat, the best description came from my seven year old Jack, who proclaimed, "This is the perfect road trip car". Not bad for seven.
Ford and Lincoln have been rewarded with improving sales over the last year based on strong product, good quality scores and innovative styling. Lincoln might have just turned a corner with their image and the MKT is a perfect example of what they are doing right.
The Lowdown
Power: 3.7L V6 with 268 hp or 3.5L turbo V6 with 355hp
Fill-up: 13.1/9.2 L/100 km (city/highway based on V6 turbo)
Backup: 4-year/80,000km
Sticker price: $48,214
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