2011 Lincoln MKT
Lincoln’s New Flagship
Lincoln is making a strong effort to regain its stature in the luxury car field. For 2010, the automaker revamped both its midsize MKZ and its larger MKS sedans, and introduced a new crossover SUV, the MKT. My review this time covers the MKT, which carries over mostly unchanged for 2011.
The MKT is derived from the popular Ford Flex, but shares no body panels with it. According to Lincoln’s design director, Pat Schiavone, its styling was inspired by Lincolns of the past. The prominent “Split Wing” grille on the MKT comes from the classic ’41 Continental. The wide taillight bar looks a lot like the one on the elegant MK8 coupe of the 1990s. Yet, the overall look of the MKT is polarizing. Some will like it; others may find it too strong.
However, most should like the look of the interior. Luxurious leather seats, handsome wood trim on the dash and doors, and jewel-like gauges that feature LED white lighting are all very appealing. A dual-panel Panoramic Vista Roof is standard, as is a lightweight magnesium tailgate. The MKT can be ordered in six, or seven passenger configurations. Either way you go there is plenty of room. Even the “way-back” seats will handle adults in a pinch. Storage space, with the rear seats folded down is a generous 75.9 cu.-ft.
High-tech options enhance the attraction of the MKT. Buyers can order goodies, like a blind spot detection system, adaptive cruise control, the SYNC voice activated communications system, and Active Parking Assist. This last device will not only parallel park your MKT for you, it will warn you of on-coming traffic when backing out in parking lots.
Ford offers a choice of a standard 3.7-liter Duratec V-6 that pumps out 268 hp, or an optional 3.5-liter Ecoboost V-6, like the one in my test car. The Ecoboost uses twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection to deliver 355 horsepower. Bret Hinds, the Ecoboost manager, describes it as “V-8 power with V-6 fuel economy.” That’s no exaggeration. This engine pulls strongly, and will average over 19 mpg of gas. Both engines are teamed to six-speed automatic transmissions with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
I drove the MKT at its introduction in 2009, and came away favorably impressed with its performance. This view was confirmed recently when I drove a 2011 Ecoboost for a week. The MKT feels solid feel on the road, and is remarkably quiet at highway speeds. I could easily converse with passengers in the backseat without raising my voice. Additionally, the MKT displays good driving dynamics. On winding roads it provides a good balance of sure-footed handling and a supple ride.
Lincoln starts the pricing for the MKT at $44,995. The Ecoboost, which comes only with all-wheel drive, starts at $49,995. My heavily optioned test car that came equipped with pricey options, like voice activated navigation and adaptive cruise control, had a bottom line of $57,775.
Snapshot Review:
Controversial Styling
Fuel-Efficient Ecoboost Engine
Confident Handling and Refined Ride
