By Charles Donaldson
For the many who have large families and need flexibility, but aren’t interested in the image of a minivan and have out grown the SUV fad, Lincoln offers a fresh upscale option in the form of the all-new 2010 MKT Crossover. From its large bold split-waterfall grille to its broad rear shoulders, this Lincoln will be the envy of your neighborhood.
Being a parent with a 21-month old son, and a 20 year old daughter, we took the MKT through the paces. Even with the little guy’s car seat positioned in the middle of the back seat, there was still plenty of room for passengers on both sides. Access to the third row seat was just a matter of ‘fold and flip’. I found it to be very family friendly. Locking down the child seat was also a breeze.
The 2010 Lincoln MKT shares the basic platform with the Ford Flex, but has completely different sheet metal and interior. The large grille is a modernized reflection of the 1940’s Lincolns and the rear hatch is shaped slightly pointed. Lincoln decided to take a bold design path rather than copy what everyone else is doing.
The large grille is bright and flows into the headlamps with chrome framed fog lamps sitting below. The bodylines are soft and flow elegantly from the front to the tall rear dominate-quarter panels. The overall presence emits strength and luxury. The MKT also illuminates ‘sports sedan’ with its chrome dual exhaust, rear spoiler, and prowling-like stance.
The MKT is available in three iterations: MKT front-wheel drive ($44,995), MKT all-wheel drive ($46,990), and MKT EcoBoost all-wheel drive ($49,995). The new EcoBoost engines give you the rocket power of a V8 out of a fuel-saving V6 motor by powering up twin turbo chargers that kick in early to provide a smooth and constant flow of acceleration. It is a truly incredible engine.
The Lincoln MKT satisfies your driving expectations for those who want upscale transportation for the more aggressive driver. The MKT road habits are quiet and smooth on normal roads and confident on sharp curves. Adaptive HID headlamps rotate to the direction you are turning. Lincoln added shift paddles that allow you to take the six-speed automatic transmission and morph into manual mode.
The interior feels like a living room with the most comfortable of seats. Trimmed in real wood, the cabin is equipped with SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system and a THX sound system that trumps my home theater system. Sirius Satellite Radio is standard and here’s an attribute the kids will love - the CD Jukebox system allows you to store over one hundred CDs. The center stack houses the control screen for adjusting radio stations, interior temperatures, navigation directions, and more. Other features include a power accelerator adjustable pedal, power rear hatch, blind side awareness monitor, push button start, dual sunroofs, and a wood trimmed steering wheel.
In Summary – The 2010 Lincoln MKT offers unique styling, power, versatility, and luxurious features. The split rear and middle seats fold down to provide a flat floor for hauling family items. It is easy to get comfortable in the 12-way power front seats and tri-zone climate control. The rear camera and sensors makes backing up the MKT a breeze. If you are looking for an upscale, fun, family transport vehicle then take the All-New 2010 Lincoln MKT for a test drive. I think you will like what you find.
Specifications
2010 Lincoln
Base price: $44,995 as driven: $49,790 (with destination charges) Engine: 3.7- Liter V6
Horsepower: 268 @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 267 pound-feet @ 4250 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed Automatic with Overdrive
Drive: Front-Wheel-Drive
Seating: 7-passenger
Turning circle: 40.7 feet
Cargo space: 75.9 cubic feet
Curb weight: 4499 pounds
Fuel capacity: 18.6 gallons
EPA mileage: 23 highway, 17 city
Wheel Base: 117.9 inches
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Also consider: Audi Q7, BMW X5, Buick Enclave, Lexus GX470, Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Future changes: All-New for 2010
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