By contributing editor David Colman
Hits:
- Impressive power from EcoBoost V6 engine
- Heavy hauler will tow 4,500 lbs.
- Twin sunroof adds to spaciousness
Misses:
- Poor rear vision
- Annoying center console lid design
- Shortage of storage compartments
The Lincoln MKT makes optimal use of Ford’s sweet EcoBoost motor which is twin-turbocharged to produce 355 hp from just 3.5 liter of V6 displacement. This relatively small and efficient engine, also used in Ford’s Flex, returns good gas mileage figures (16 city/21 highway) considering its bus-like application in this spacious (6 or 7 passenger), heavy (4,680 pound) people mover. If you opt for the standard seating package of two front buckets and two rows of benches, you’ll be able to squeeze seven aboard, with just a footlocker at the back for belongings. The MKT provides a convenient power assist for opening the rear hatchback either via the key fob remote or a switch located under the dash. Unfortunately, there is no source of power provided to slam the hatch closed other than your own wrist.
Our test MKT eliminated the 7th seat in the second row in favor of an $895 “Refrigerator Console” that converts this Lincoln into a mini-motorhome for six. In this configuration, the 2 second row seats look identical to those in the front row, but lack the fronts’ 12-way adjustability, and heating and cooling. The twin occasional seats in the far back are best left for small children, or folded flat (via the nice power fold and tumble feature) to make room for more storage. If you do need those rearmost seats for passengers, you’ll have to flip the folded headrests up. This will preclude any rear vision, which is already severely limited due to the MKT’s tapered aft and small back window.
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