Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost, a sporty crossover with debatable looks

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost

There were quite a few years when Lincoln and the rest of the Ford family lost its appeal to the younger crowd, save for the ever-popular Ford Mustang. Over the last few years however, Ford has expended great effort, with success we might add, in redesigning, reengineering, and expanding their family of cars, with particular emphasis on the Lincoln brand. From physical design to branding strategy, Lincoln has certainly been re-invented. The MKZ and MKX have done well for the brand over the past few years, and the MKS was very well received by the public. Now, Lincoln brings to the market an all new full-size, three-row, luxury crossover that some will love and quite frankly, others will not.

Based on the chassis of the 2010 Ford Flex, the 2010 Lincoln MKT features a sharp, sleek design, that seems almost aerodynamic, and looks like a retro-styled vehicle based on an old 1930’s Lincoln or Cadillac. Aesthetics being a matter of personal taste however, join us after the jump as we see how everything between the doors and under the hood measure up.

Follow the jump to read more and to view the high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost:

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost

2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost Specifications:

Base Price: $49,200.
Price as Tested: $57,970.
Engine: 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost – 355-hp / 350 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 6-speed SelectShift Automatic with Paddle Shifters.
Curb Weight: 4,924 lbs (for AWD with EcoBoost).
0 to 60 mph: 6.3 seconds.
Fuel-Economy: 16/22 mpg (city/highway).

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost - Exterior

Exterior:

Though they share a chassis, the 2010 Ford Flex and MKT have totally different bodies, and that is unfortunate for the MKT. While the MKT does sport some very elegant lines and shaping from some angles, it comes off as an obnoxious eyesore from others; particularly the rear, and we feel that this takes away from the overall visual experience of the vehicle.

The MKT looks decidedly-Lincoln with its split-wing grille, beveled shoulder-line chamfer, and flowing cantrail, full-width horizontal tail-lamps that gracefully flow and wrap themselves around the magnesium power lift-gate. The Panoramic fixed glass Vista roof, body-color rear spoiler, HID headlamps, and heated exterior mirrors complete the look and add a rich and luxurious look. Other exterior amenities include: Lincoln’s SecuriCode invisible keypad, reverse camera and sensor.

All of this sits standard on a set of 19-inch premium painted aluminum wheels, but a 20-inch polished aluminum wheel option is available.

We just feel like Ford did its best to attract younger car shoppers, while making sure that the 50+ something crowd doesn’t shy away from the brand altogether.

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost - Interior

Interior:

Contrary to the mixed feelings we had regarding the exterior, the 2010 MKT offered one of the most comfortable and visually pleasing interiors we’ve tested to date. The design is sharp and sleek, and the materials and build quality are impeccable. Standard in the 2010 MKT are AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3 capabilities, Sirius satellite radio, Microsoft Sync, touch-screen audio and climate controls, rear-view camera, three-zone auto climate control, and 12-way power adjustable heated/cooled leather trim seats with lumbar support.

Our test-car came trimmed with the $4,000 Elite Package which includes; Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Voice-Activated Navigation System, THX II Certified 5.1 Surround audio system and panoramic Vista roof. Other options that were included in our fully-loaded test-model were the $895 second-row refrigerator, $195 woven metal trim, $1,295 Adaptive Cruise Control, and $595 Active Park Assist, which allows the car to parallel park itself.

The steeping windshield and sloping roofline moves the third-row seat forward which in turn, kills about 2.5″ of legroom for middle-row passengers. If this small space concession doesn’t cause you much concern, then we can honestly say that the interior of the MKT is without flaw.

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost - Performance

Performance:

While powerful engines are certainly always en vogue, V8s seem to be getting less and less popular. The MKT isn’t offered with a V8, but rather consumers can opt between a standard V6 and an EcoBoost V6. The standard power-source for the MKT is a 3.7L V6 24-valve Duratec engine, which produces 268-hp and a maximum torque of 267 lb.-ft. The model that we tested, however, was powered by Ford’s new 3.5L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbocharged engine which delivers 355 horses and a maximum torque of 350 lb.-ft. between 1,500 and 5,250 rpm. When mated to the 6-speed SelectShift Automatic with Paddle Shift Activation, the EcoBoost attains 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds.

That is certainly impressive power for a V6; it performs like a V8, no question about it. True to its EcoBoost moniker however, this engine does not consume the fuel that an equally powerful V8 would; the EPA estimates an average of 16/22 mpg, or 18 mpg combined. We were able to attain a combined 14 mpg throughout our week-long test.

Obviously, one shouldn’t expect the MKT to take turns like a performance vehicle would, but the ride is a substantially smooth and comfortable one nonetheless, being true to the Lincoln brand.

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost - Overall

Overall:

The starting MSRP for the ’10 Lincoln MKT is $44,995 (the EcoBoost option will add another $5,000, bringing the total to $49,995). This is slightly higher than that of the Acura MDX, which starts at $42,230, but lower than those of the Audi Q7 3.6 FSI and Mercedes-Benz R-Class crossovers which start at $46,900 and $49,300, respectively. With best-in-class fuel economy however – MDX: 16/21 mpg, Q7: 14/20 mpg, and R-Class: 15/19 mpg – and standard interior features that blow away those of the competition, the MKT is one car that ought to be seriously considered by any crossover shopper; if one can disregard and not be put off by the appearance of the vehicle’s rear-end.

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost:

– By: Omar Rana and Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.