Lincoln Cars News

Lincoln can really boast over its EcoBoost trim to European and Japanese opponents.

The Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex can certainly be considered as relatives, both being powered by direct-injection 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 which implies already great possibilities. Both Flex and MKT make off to 60 mph in just 6 seconds, giving total 355-hp and 350 ft-lbs of torque. It should be noted that this V-8 like engine is more likely to produce V6-like 16-mpg city and 22-mpg highway gas mileage.

Both crossovers are also very much alike in their handling features. Both have nice comfortable function system, their exterior s have a bit more body lean than sporty sedans and yet they manage to look pretty solid. Dry weather is always at their side, but even winter snow can hardly deviate from firm drive with help of all-wheel drive basis. The brakes are good yet pedals need a bit more feedback.

MKT sister getting different make-up

The outside look of two sister cars has their dissimilarities, along with shape and general outfit. It’s hard to say they were constructed of same platform. Contemporary Ford and Lincoln are not just different grille and bumper treatment away.

The Flex has much more a tank-like appearance while Lincoln MKT is more elegant-looking with large chrome split waterfall grill, refined crease along the high beltline, and on the back to the tail gate with a full width horizontal tail lamp trim. The size of the cars might create illusion when you take a look. It’s weird but the fact is even though MKT is 6 inches longer than the Flex it looks being a foot shorter.

More space outside, less you get inside

The legroom in the second row seats is certainly something that was deprived of additional inches in MKT and extra 6 inches all went for the front overhang. Probably it’s not that much of a big loss as the comfortable limousine-like second row room should be enough for passengers to stretch out and enjoy the ride. The real negative feedback of sedan-like appearance might come from lack of headroom space and cargo capacity. Unless you are a basketball player, you would not even notice the inconvenience in the first and second rows, but the loss of 5 inches for the third row passengers would mean certain height limitations.

In this category of our comparison Ford Flex certainly takes a leadership by its super comfortable back row. This should be the only vehicle that could give the most pleasant feelings of sitting at the back for several hours both for legs and head. The MKT has the legroom as well, but its more applicable for kids than full sized adults.

You wouldn’t expect less comfort from Lincoln, and MKT certainly is keeping the mark at this matter. The vehicle is all-way quiet on the highway and city streets. The seats are leather material, quite chic and elegant with excellent lumbar control that both pumps up the lumbar bladder and allows the driver to fix it by finding the most comfortable position. There is a heating and cooling system for the seats, but they don’t heat up the way on the Flex cars being able to fry an egg. The central console has lots of space with USB port, a plug for MP3 players and a power plug for recharging different electronic devices.

Previously noted, the second row room has lots of space with 60/40 split bench with dual buckets available which give a go for a center console with refrigerator compartment. Due to the mobility of the buckets the legroom can be enlarged without giving any discomfort to the second row passengers. There is pretty good access to the third row with the help of seats tilting forward to provide a wide opening. The total cargo room will equal 75.9 cu-ft. The rear hatch can be electronically operated with a dash button, or key fob.

Double sized moonroof gives the passengers vast view of the sky, the front section tilts and slides while the back section is fixed. Sunshades are also part of luxurious convenience.

Standart Features

Pretty convenient Navigation system of Ford uses voice activated SYNC setup and features a large screen to display a lot of useful information such as the radio station, outside temperature and heating settings. The menu is easy to use and Ford really has the user-friendly Navigation system for driver’s convenience.

Another pleasant feature includes electrically adjustable brake and gas pedals which is so handy for short-legged drivers who don’t like to sit too close to the steering wheel. The wheel goes with cruise control, Bluetooth and audio controls built-in and paddle shifters to operate the 6-speed automatic transmission. Dash and ambient lightings around the cabin are amazing, available for second row passengers as well, who also can get use of climate controls plus 11 and 12-Volt outlets.

Standart features of MKT include: Electronic Stability Control, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive HID headlights with auto high-beam control, a reverse camera, Sync voice communication with Bluetooth, keyless access and push-button start. The title of the super-standart feature get the blind-spot monitoring side mirrors, they flash a light in the mirror each time a car comes into the drivers blind spots in the adjacent lanes. A feature every car should have in future.

Additional options

Extra feature of Adaptive Cruise control is something special you should never grudge for. This $1295 option will make your highway drive much easier, without ever making you touch the gas, brake or cruise controls on the steering wheel, maneuvering through traffic at a comfortable and safe speed.

Another very useful option on the MKT is new Active Park Assist. Don’t think you would ever want to miss the chance of demonstrating it in front of your fellows. Once you activate the system by pushing the button on the console, while driving slowly to find the parking spot and by approaching the open space, the system will at once determine if the MKT will fit. In case it does, you will see on the LED screen located on the speedometer the sign “pull forward”. So you will slowly get the front of the vehicle just ahead of the parked car on your right. You will see a signal on the screen to stop, to put the car in Reverse position and take your hands of the steering wheel. Yes, its not an easy thing to do, but once trusted here is when the miracle happens. Suddenly the wheel spans to the right and the front end moves out to the left, a second later the wheel again spans to the left and the MKT tucks neatly into the open space. The wheel turns back to near center, and by the LED screen saying “pull forward” the car is placed in the center of the parking place just 6 or 7 inches from the pavement border. You get a perfect parallel parking at only $595!

The Conclusion

The MKT is a really good offer for those who love comfort and powerful economy. This prominent large crossover with V8 power gives V6 gas mileage, coddles four or five adults plus adding 2 short people as well. Large-space cargo room and a number of technical and luxury amenities come as standart with additional well-priced options for your comfort. The base MKT with all-wheel –drive and ecoboost engine goes for $49,200. Options and delivery would add additional $6,000. Pretty reasonable price for powerful, spacious and economical drive!