Used 2011 Lincoln MKT

While its distinctive exterior styling might not win over everyone, a look inside and a test drive might make people realize that the 2011 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 an available 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.

Despite its large size, driving the 2011 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.

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.

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.

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.

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