By KBB.com Editors
While its distinctive exterior styling might not win over everyone, a look inside and a test drive might make people realize that the 2010 Lincoln MKT is a formidable competitor in the luxury crossover segment, a category that's been dominated by import brands, including Lexus and Acura. With three rows of seating, a host of advanced in-cabin amenities and a new turbocharged direct-injected powertrain, the MKT proves that even if you're unsure about what's on the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts.
If you're looking for an upscale family hauler that turns heads, offers numerous in-cabin technologies and can tow when necessary, the Lincoln MKT is sure to fit the bill.
If a high-end import brand image is important to you, the Lincoln MKT might not be your first choice when shopping for a crossover. Other three-row import offerings like the Audi Q7 or Acura MDX might be more desirable.
The 2010 Lincoln MKT offers seating for up to seven, all-wheel drive and Ford's new EcoBoost V6 engine. The MKT also offers a second-row refrigerated console and Active Park Assist to help drivers fit it into parking spaces of the parallel kind.
Driving Impressions Despite its large size, driving the 2010 Lincoln MKT isn't as unwieldy as one might expect. The finely tuned electric power steering contributes to the car's ability to confidently maneuver...
around corners and there is little body roll. The optional EcoBoost V6 is impressive, as it provides a large amount of power for going up inclines and passing on the highway. We found the Lincoln MKT surprisingly quiet inside, thanks to acoustic windows and door-pillar sound baffling. Road noise was the most prevalent exterior sound in our time with the MKT, but that was due in part to the EcoBoost version's 20-inch tires.EcoBoost V6 Engine
The available EcoBoost engine is responsive, smooth and has the power of a V8 while delivering the fuel economy of a V6.
Active Park Assist
The ultimate solution for the parallel-parking challenged, the Active Park Assist feature uses ultrasonic sensors to find an appropriately-sized space and then, upon commands from the driver, automatically steers the car into the spot, making you look like a parking pro.
Interior
While the MKT's exterior may not be everyone's favorite, the interior is where it really shines, with features like an available second-row center console refrigerator, a panoramic Vista roof and leather-appointed seats that could be right at home in a Japanese or European vehicle. There is ample legroom in all three rows, but tall third-row passengers may find the sloping roofline to be neck-cramp inducing. Although the MKT's high seating position up front allows for excellent visibility for the driver, the high trunk line makes it difficult to see out the rear, a problem that is remedied by the standard rearview camera system.
Exterior
The Lincoln MKT looks very different from just about anything else on the road. Although it shares its chassis with the Ford Flex, the MKT's exterior metal is unique. Instead of the Flex's "box on wheels" look, the MKT has a more rounded, sculpted look to it. The vehicle also incorporates the brand's new signature split-wing grille and chamfered side-body line, both of which are reminiscent of the Lincolns of yesteryear. The high beltline and sloping roofline make the car look sleek, as do its 19-inch wheels (20 inches on the EcoBoost trim) and low stance.
The 2010 Lincoln MKT is well-equipped with numerous standard features, many of which come only as options on comparably priced competitors. Some of the most notable ones include a fixed glass roof with power sunshades, rearview camera system, power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control and Ford's MyKey system, which allows owners to limit the top speed and audio levels to keep new drivers in check. The MKT also comes with an AM/FM in-dash single-CD/DVD/MP3 player with 10 speakers, SYNC, a 110-volt inverter, premium leather surfaces, 12-way power front driver and passenger seats and a host of safety features, including six airbags and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control.
Options for the 2010 Lincoln MKT include the Elite Package (which comes with the Blind Spot Information System, voice-activated navigation, THX Surround Audio System and a power panoramic sunroof), a DVD headrest entertainment system, a second-row refrigerated console, Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Park Assist, which aids in parallel parking.
The Lincoln MKT comes with two different V6 engine options: A naturally-aspirated 3.7-liter and a new twin-turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5-liter, both of which are matched to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The 3.7-liter V6 provides more than enough power to motivate the nearly 5,000-pound crossover, but the EcoBoost engine is a much better performer; with the power of a V8, it's able to scoot the MKT from zero to 60 mph in less than seven seconds. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available for both trim levels.
3.7-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
267 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 (FWD), 16/22(AWD)
3.5-liter EcoBoost V6
355 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
350 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Lincoln MKT vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 35 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.
Review this carBy rita (MA) on Wednesday, May 22, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 23,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsLikely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"wonderful driving car. one problem the rear view mirror shows the lower part of window with the wipers blocking any car close up.. it is very very quiet and i am sure i will buy another one within a year"
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By NANA'S CAR (FL) on Friday, May 03, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "PRICE WAS HIGH, BUT YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR"
Cons: "NO AUTO START"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"I TEST DROVE OTHER MAKES OF VEHICLES SIMILAR TO THIS BUT THEY DROVE MORE LIKE A TRUCK OR THE COMFORT AND THE SMOOTH RIDE WAS NOT THERE."
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By ken430tx (MD) on Thursday, February 28, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 38,000
overall rating 7 of 10rating detailsPros: "Great Adaptive Cruise Control System"
Cons: "The Ford Sync system is crazy! The Pits!"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2
"The week I purchased this $60k vehicle (Sept 2010) the heater failed. It has failed intermittently ever since, failing again in Feb. 2013. Each time the dealer has replaced an electronic component and it is restored. But a basic item like heat on a $60K automobile with every option available on it, should not fail! Not even once alone multiple times! The auto-parking is nice, the adaptive cruise control works really well, as does the navigation system. I am trading it in the fall for a 2014 Lexus. It is simply unreliable to have a car without heat!"
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful
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By RedRon (SC) on Thursday, February 21, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,150
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Great price and really a great car to drive"
Cons: "I have not find any yet"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"This is one of the best Vehicle that I have really enjoy. I have always drive Fords but this Lincoln is one of the very best I keep asking my self way I did not get a Lincoln many years early."
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
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By d ira (PA) on Sunday, January 06, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,200
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "You won'y get more for 50% more cash!"
Cons: "Lincoln is nuts to not compare to J-35 Infinity."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Drives like a dream and has features and comforts way beyond the German and especially Japanese counterparts for alot less money. You'd be nuts to buy without a test drive of the MKT first."
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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By Markh (WA) on Thursday, December 27, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,821
overall rating 8 of 10rating detailsPros: "Fun to Drive, Quite on Highway"
Cons: "Choppy Roads cause poor ride qulity"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"Overall I have to say the MKT is a good quality automobile and frankly has met most of my expectations. This is a GREAT riding car on most road surfaces, especially the highway. Its, pretty darn quick, comfortable, and quite. If you haul a lot of stuff, the MKT is for you, its a large car, like 204 inches worth, and when you fold down the 3rd row seating the interior space is BIG. I opted for the THX sound system and its worth it! Great sound and I love the Jukebox feature. FYI you CANNOT retrieve the music you recorded from the Jukebox, which means you must delete ALL of your recorded music when you sell the car! The MKT handles very well in the snow. I have the 20" wheel package on mine. I have had only one minor issue, the rear passenger seat headrest was inoperable. The dealer fixed the problem pronto! My observations for improvement, 1) rear seats tend to make noise when going over bumpy roads, their anchors to the floor should be more sturdy. 2) The car is quite, but the floor boards and rear of the car could use more sound deadening material. I have a Mercedes Benz ML its quieter over rough road,it has thicker carpeting and more sound material in the fender wells. 3) rear doors sound cheap when closing them, especially the drivers side. Lincoln dealer advises not to tinker with them. They should sound like the front doors when closed, a solid thud! 4) not a great ride over choppy roads. If you live in a city where there is snow and the roads are beat up, the MKT ride can be harsh on such roads. Maybe the 2013 model with adaptive suspension solves this problem.5) the sunroof can make a creaking noise but can be resolved by keeping glass and the seals clean where they touch each other when closed. Major Problem: When the MKT is in drive DO NOT accidentally push the "Start/Stop button", the car will turn itself off. This happened to me as I inadvertently touched the start button while driving. The car went dead and could not be started again unless I came to a full stop and put the shifter in the Park mode. VERY DANGEROUS! Be sure to test this when you test drive. I have not had the problem resolved. Other than these small snipes, the MKT is a very good car and if Lincoln would focus attention to some of the smaller details this could be a great car!"
10 people out of 10 found this review helpful
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