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New car reviews » 2010 Lincoln MKT

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Better than: the Ford Explorer
But not as good as: the Ford Flex
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 45.75  

During just the last few years, we have watched the SUV evolve. It has gone from something more akin to a pickup truck with an enclosed bed to a jacked-up version of the traditional station wagon. Carlike underpinnings have more or less become the norm.

Today’s SUV can be fancy, too, and Lincoln recently added the MKT to their lineup. Highlights include three rows of seats, hard-to-miss styling, and available Ecoboost power.

The SUV can also include just about every possible convenience. In addition to the twin-turbo Ecoboost engine and all-wheel drive, our test vehicle sported a full roster of options. The $4000 Elite Package added a THX II 5.1 sound system, huge power sunroof and voice-activated navigation. Other options included adaptive cruise control ($1295), active park assist ($595) and second-row bucket seats ($995). It even had a refrigerator—an $895 option that we didn’t discover until reading the window sticker.

Other staff views:

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

It’s a good highway vehicle. A down-and-back trip to Grandma’s was smooth and comfortable. The sound system was great, the seats comfortable, and the power smooth. The various switches and levers all had a nice feel to them.

Once off the highway, however, it felt a little big and numb. I know it’s a big vehicle, but I wouldn’t label braking, turning or acceleration as crisp. I don’t remember the MKT’s cousin, the Ford Flex, feeling like this.

Tom Suddard SonDork:

While the Lincoln was comfortable on the highway, it wasn’t very good for anything else. Its biggest issue is the lack of any visibility out any of the windows. Instead of counting the blind spots, I counted the seeing spots. I liked to think of them as little portholes to the outside world, while I was driving a submarine. To offset the lack of visibility, Lincoln added lots of electronic nannies. When you’re driving, it beeps and lights up like a sub, too.

However, not being able to see the outside world had its merits. The MKT has some of the best seats I’ve ever sat in, and the stereo was great. You could even hit a button on the radio to do the THX demo sound (the one from the movie theaters). The interior wasn’t perfect, though. Presumably because of all the luxury, there wasn’t very much room inside the car. When you’re sitting in it, it feels like you have your own little pod, separated from the other passengers. You couldn’t fit much in back, either.

This vehicles redeeming quality, though, is its fantastic engine. The same Ecoboost power plant that shines in the Flex makes this Lincoln fairly fun to drive. It reminds me vaguely of the Edsel, only instead of a V8 rumble you get fun turbo noises.

Overall, it’s not a bad car, and appears to be well built. It just isn’t for me.

Reader comments:

1. nderwater: — May 11, 2010 1:11 p.m.
   

   I’m curious to know how well these are selling. If Lincoln and Mercury are more expensive than their Ford badge-mates, but not better, how are these brands going to continue to exist?

2. pinchvalve: — May 11, 2010 2:42 p.m.
   

   Whether you love or hate the styling, I have to take my hat off to Lincoln for committing to it. Too often we see the bold styling of show cars watered down or even eliminates once they hit production. I think that the front end is very unique, identifiable, and unlike anything else on the road. I love the Ford Flex and if I had even more money, I would step up to the Lincoln.

3. alfadriver: — May 20, 2010 12:49 p.m.
   

   Nice to hear the comments about the enigne. It was fun to work on.

4. MadScientistMatt: — May 25, 2010 10:25 a.m.
   

   I can’t be the only one who wants to pronounce the name the Lincoln Market.

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