2010 Lincoln MKT


Price: $44,200-$49,200


You can’t miss noticing Lincoln’s new flagship MKT full-size SUV because of its large “split-waterfall” grille reminiscent of the one on the classic, elegant 1941 Lincoln Continental.

But the highlight of the MKT is Ford Motor’s dynamic twin-turbocharged “EcoBoost” fuel-injected, high-compression V-6, which gives hot V-8 performance and six-cylinder fuel economy.

The EcoBoost produces 355 horsepower and provides dynamic acceleration (0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds) for such a big fella And it makes merging into fast traffic and quick passing on highways a breeze.

The new engine pumps out a whopping 350 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 rpm through 5,250 rpm. A few hundred rpm over idle speed are needed to move quickly off the line, but a driver will hardly notice because peak torque kicks in quickly.

The impressive, well-mannered EcoBoost also is in Lincoln’s MKS sedan and Ford’s hot rod Taurus SHO. The engine comes with standard all-wheel drive in the MKT and provides an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 22 on highways. 

Standard for the MKT is a 3.7-liter V-6 with 268 horsepower that delivers decent—but not soul-stirring--acceleration (0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds). It  provides 17 mpg in the city and 23 on highways with standard front-wheel drive and 16 and 22 with optional all-wheel drive.

While all are far from economy car figures, consider that the big, roomy MKT weighs approximately 4,700-4,900 pounds.

Both engines can use regular-grade fuel and work with a smooth, responsive six-speed automatic transmission. A driver can use paddle shifters integrated into the steering wheel spokes for manual transmission control. But the paddles are confusing to use in the middle of a turn. It’s best to leave the alert automatic in Drive mode nearly all the time.

The MKT lists at $44,200 with the 3.7 V-6 and front-drive and at $46,195 with that engine and all-wheel drive. The MKT with EcoBoost and all-wheel drive costs $49,200.

Based on the Ford Flex mid-size crossover vehicle, the MKT is  precisely built, inside and out.

Helping roadability are 19-inch tires with the 3.7 V-6 version, which has optional 20-inchers. The latter are standard for the MKT  EcoBoost V-6 model, which has stiffer front and rear springs. Also helping stability for MKTs is an AdvanceTrac roll stability control system.

Safety items include Ford Motor’s Safety Canopy side impact protection system, which utilizes side curtain air bags in rollover and side-impact crashes.

Roadability of the MKT EcoBoost model I tested was sharp, and the ride was firm but supple. The power steering was quick, but had a rather “springy” feel that took getting used to. The brake pedal had a linear action, and stopping power under average driving conditions was good.  

The upscale interior is graveyard quiet, due to such items as an acoustic windshield and dual-layer front side glass to specifically reduce windshield pillar wind noise. It has precision stitching, leather-trimmed seats and genuine wood trim.

Outside door handles are large, but getting in and out calls for a little extra effort. The jewel-like acrylic instrument cluster with LED white lighting can be read at a glance. Audio climate and audio system controls are small, but a good dashboard screen helps out here.

Plenty of room is provided in the first two seating rows, although the front console occupies lots of space. Cabin storage areas include a deep covered console bin, large glovebox and storage pockets in all doors.

The $595 third-row seat is for kids—or short adults—because of its lack of leg and head room. But it isn’t hard to reach and has handy power reclining split seatbacks.

Cargo room with third-row seatbacks in place is OK for a week’s worth or groceries or some soft luggage. There’s lots of cargo space when the seatbacks are folded forward. The standard two-row seat setup has rear folding seatbacks.

The cargo opening is wide, but rather high. A power feature allows easy operation of the tailgate.

The new Lincoln has plenty of standard comfort and convenience features.

High-tech extras include Active Park Assist for remarkably easy hands-free parallel parking (even in uphill parking situations), adaptive cruise control that helps prevent rear-end collisions, push-button engine start/stop and adaptive headlights that follow the road better for increased vision. There’s also a blind spot information system with cross traffic alert.

The styling creates rear blind spots for a driver, but large outside rearview mirrors help out here. Front seats are supportive, console cupholders are nicely located and even the visor vanity mirrors each have two lights.  

Available are a glass Panoramic Vista roof with power-assisted front and rear sunshades or a power  Panoramic Vista Roof. Also offered are a voice-activated navigation system,
reverse camera system and dual headrest DVD family entertainment system with twin 7-inch playback DVD screens that provide individual or simultaneous programming. 
 
You can even get a rear console-mounted five-quart-capacity refrigerator with the six-passenger seating configuration.

The hood easily glides up on twin hydraulic struts, revealing a large plastic engine cover but easily reached fluid filler areas.

Ford Motor and other automakers are designing smaller vehicles to meet stricter emissions and economy standards. But a good number of folks still will want spacious ones such as the MKT that deliver good performance and decent fuel economy for their size. They promise to be available, thanks to advanced engines such as the EcoBoost.