Used 2019 Lincoln MKT

Until the 2020 Lincoln Aviator arrives next year, the 2019 Lincoln MKT soldiers on as the company’s only 7-passenger crossover SUV. Yet, despite its aging platform and dated styling (it still carries the polarizing Lincoln winged-grille), the MKT has some very attractive attributes, not the least of which is its price. Behind the modestly sized 3rd-row seat you’ll find a decent amount of cargo room, while under the hood a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 and standard Intelligent all-wheel drive guarantee rapid passing power and sure-footed grip. Although the MKT is not as stylish or sophisticated as the more upscale Audi A7 and BMW X5, it certainly stands up well when compared to the Infiniti QX60, Buick Enclave and Acura MDX.

With its standard twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, the 2019 Lincoln MKT has no problems with acceleration, passing or merging. Yet dial it back and just relax, and the MKT proves itself to be a good cruiser, with a comfortable ride, nicely weighted steering with good feedback, and strong brakes. Thanks to the standard all-wheel drive and Lincoln Drive Control (LDC), cornering is competent but not awe-inspiring. LDC also offers Sport, Comfort and Normal throttle modes, but it’s hard to tell the difference. The excellent 6-speed automatic is a good match for the MKT’s turbocharged engine, boasting quick shifts on its own or when using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Since there’s no around-view camera like you’d get on an Infiniti QX60, we strongly recommend using the rearview camera and parking sensors as best you can.

The 2019 MKT boasts a spacious interior that’s easily competitive on space with other large 3-row luxury SUVs. Front- and middle-row passengers are treated like royalty, with plenty of leg-, head- and elbow room, and a touch-screen infotainment system. The third row isn’t quite as spacious, and should be reserved for kids or smaller adults. You can replace the 2nd-row bench with heated and cooled captain’s chairs, and even outfit the MKT with a refrigerator between them. The big windows give the driver and passengers a commanding view outside, and the seats fold quickly for a flat floor and generous cargo space.

Surprisingly, the bulbous and curvy Lincoln MKT shares its underpinnings and chassis with the boxy Ford Flex. While the Lincoln is certainly eye-catching, we’ll let you decide if it’s pleasing or punishing to the eyes. Let’s just call it "distinctive," especially the massive winged grille, the squinting headlights, and the oddly kinked droop of the side-window line. The massive hatch gets gracelessly bisected by the long wide taillights. At least the hatch is powered, and we’ll admit we like the big panoramic sunroof.

ECOBOOST V6 ENGINE
Even with a full complement aboard, the MKT’s 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine has no problem pulling away from a stoplight. Standard all-wheel drive enhances the driving experience and makes all that power a bit more controllable, although fuel economy is on the low side.

INNOVATIVE INTERIOR
The 2019 Lincoln MKT’s interior couldn’t be any more opposite the car’s exterior. High-quality materials, plush seats combined with an intuitive yet technologically advanced dash and instrument cluster all make spending time inside the MKT something to look forward to.

The entry-level MKT comes pretty nicely equipped and includes 19-inch alloy wheels, Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) and Lincoln Drive Control. Other features are: HID headlights, keyless entry with push-button start, heated and cooled front seats with 12-way-power adjustment, leather seating, tri-zone automatic temperature control, a power liftgate, power-adjustable foot pedals, power-folding 3rd-row seat, a heated steering wheel with power tilt/telescopic adjustment, the Sync 3 infotainment system with voice-activated navigation, 700-watt, 14-speaker THX II audio with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, MyKey programmable key fob and the SecuriCode invisible keypad.

Moving up to the Reserve trim nets you adaptive cruise control, advanced collision warning and emergency braking, lane-departure warning and parallel-park assist. Stand-alone options include heated 2nd-row captain’s-chair seating, a 2nd-row console refrigerator, Class III trailer tow package and 20-inch wheels.

The 2019 Lincoln MKT crossover SUV derives its power from a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. With 365 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque, and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the EcoBoost works perfectly for the luxury-equals-power crowd. A 6-speed automatic with manual-shift mode is the only transmission. While it can run on 87-octane gasoline, Lincoln says you should use 91 octane in the EcoBoost for best performance. The MKT can be equipped to tow up to 4,500 pounds.

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
365 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-5,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 mpg