Chassis
The Lincoln MKT uses Ford's D4 platform, a variant of the Volvo-derived Ford D3 platform designed for SUVs and crossovers. With a 120.7-inch wheelbase, the Lincoln MKT is the longest-wheelbase D4 vehicle and the third-longest wheelbase Lincoln currently produced (only the Navigator/Navigator L are longer). While sharing no common body panels, the Lincoln MKT is mechanically related to the Ford Flex and the fifth-generation Ford Explorer (though the Explorer remains marketed as an SUV and retains a greater degree of off-road driving capability).
Sharing its powertrain with the Lincoln MKS and sixth-generation Ford Taurus, the standard engine for a Lincoln MKT is a 3.7L V6. From 2010 to 2012, the engine produced 268 hp; after 2013, the 3.7L V6 produced 303 hp. As an option, a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 is offered. Initially producing 355 hp in the MKT, in 2013, the 3.5L engine was retuned for 365 hp.[11] Both engines are mated to a Ford 6F 6-speed automatic transmission.[11] A front-wheel drive configuration is fitted to two-wheel drive versions, with all-wheel drive fitted as an option; the latter is standard on versions fitted with the 3.5L V6.
In 2013, a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 became available for the Town Car livery variant as a special-order option.
The MKT features electric power steering over more-traditional hydraulic power steering.[12] The electric steering system is combined with ultrasonic sensors to form a hands-off "Active Park Assist" system that steers the vehicle into parallel parking slots.[13] According to Lincoln's website, the MKT was discontinued for the 2020 model year.[14]
Body
In the shift from the 2008 concept to the production MKT, relatively few changes were made, with the most notable exception of larger rear quarter windows, the addition of wraparound headlamp units, and a revised lower grille. Retained from the concept, the vertically slatted split grille was a feature first introduced on the 2007 Lincoln MKR concept (along with the use of the Lincoln star emblem as fender side vents).
In the interest of fuel economy, Lincoln adapted several weight-saving measures in the construction of the MKT body. The liftgate is constructed using an inner panel of cast magnesium and an outer panel of stamped aluminum.[15][16] Other places where magnesium replace steel include the radiator support frame and the frames of the rear seatbacks and lower seat cushions.
Although sharing no external body panels with its Ford D4 counterpart Ford Flex, the MKT and the Flex offer the same two seating configurations. A seven-passenger (2-3-2) configuration is standard, with an optional six-passenger (2-2-2) configuration; a second row of bucket seats replaces the three-passenger split bench seat with a full-length center console as an option.
During its production, the Lincoln MKT saw relatively few changes, primarily limited to adjustments in color offerings and option packages. In 2013, in line with the MKZ and MKS, the front fascia of the MKT was redesigned, with the widely slatted grille replaced by a more narrowly spaced design and a redesign of the lower grille.
Trim
From 2010 to 2016 (with the exception of the Town Car livery variants) the Lincoln MKT was not sold by trim level, with examples largely identified by their engine and drivetrain configuration. To bring the MKT in line with other Lincoln vehicles, for 2017, the MKT adopted a Premiere base model, with the Reserve as the top-trim model.
For the 2019 model year, Lincoln dropped the naturally aspirated 3.7L V6 Duratec engine from the trim lineup making the Twin-Turbocharged 3.5L V6 EcoBoost the sole engine.
Safety
The MKT has a rollover risk of 15.1% for the 4-wheel drive version,[18] and 16.4% for the front-wheel drive version.[19]
- 2 strength-to-weight ratio: 4.29
