First Impressions

Ford marches a fresh face into the luxury crossover parade with the all-new three-row 2010 Lincoln MKT.  As the second crossover utility in the Lincoln line-up, the MKT will slot in above the mid-size MKX.

First unveiled as a concept at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the MKT is a luxury family hauler focused on comfort, space, technology, and capability.

Built on Ford’s D4 platform, the same as the Ford Flex, the MKT is the first vehicle created from scratch to use Lincoln’s new design language.

Its flowy and showy appearance is totally different than the boxy Flex, and exudes a truly premium image from front to back. Tires are 19 and 20-inchers.

The MKT provides a modern, inviting cabin for six or seven with amenities and gadgets galore.

Convenience features include push-button start, adaptive cruise control, hands-free Active Park Assist, and SYNC.

For safety there’s Collision Warning with Brake Support and a Blind Spot Information System.

The extremely roomy 2nd row offers either a bench or a pair of power fold-and-tumble seats, and the MKT provides generous cargo space for a family-size load of luggage.

For touring the American roadways, the MKT is powered by either Ford’s well-known 268-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, or the carmaker’s new 355-horsepower 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6.  The 3.5 EcoBoost sports direct fuel injection and twin-turbochargers for V8-style performance with V6-like fuel economy.

The sole transmission is a six-speed SelectShift automatic in either front or all-wheel drive.

With both, the MKT delivers a smooth, quiet ride, surprisingly agile handling characteristics, and Class III towing capacity.

The MKT is due to hit showrooms late this summer with a base price around $40,000.