Used 2013 Lincoln MKT

The 2013 Lincoln MKT proves you can’t always judge a car by its sheetmetal. This big SUV’s exterior is highly stylized, maybe too much so, but inside, this 3-row people-hauler offers excellent accommodations that can seat up to seven in supreme comfort. Factor in the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD), a twin-turbo engine and adaptive suspension, and the Lincoln MKT represents an unquestionably attractive package. It faces strong competition from luxurious and handsome rivals such as the Infiniti JX, Acura MDX and Audi Q7. The Lincoln MKT counters with roominess those more-compact SUVs can’t match, especially when it comes to third-row seating.

For a big vehicle, the 2013 Lincoln MKT runs and handles quite responsively. Especially when equipped with the powerful EcoBoost V6 engine, the SUV gets up to speed in a hurry and cruises in a relaxed – and relaxing – manner. The AWD system provides good grip on a variety of road surfaces. Befitting the MKT’s comfortable and quiet interior is a plush, controlled ride. The Lincoln Drive Control and Continuously Controlled Damping on the EcoBoost model provide adaptive suspension damping and give the driver the option of Drive or Sport modes. The Lincoln’s 6-speed automatic transmission is another high point, seamlessly changing up and down through the gears and, via paddle shifters, allowing the driver to do the shifting when desired. Available blind-spot monitoring and park assist are good ideas as the MKT’s styling encumbers rearward sightlines.

The 2013 Lincoln MKT’s interior is something to behold. Spacious, luxurious and versatile, it’s available in 6- or 7-passenger configurations. In the former arrangement, the two big captain’s chairs in the second row have available heating and cooling. The power-foldable third-row seat, meanwhile, offers nearly as much legroom as that of the back seat of a smaller sedan. Up front, the driver and front passenger are treated to a commanding seating position. The touch-screen telematics system controls navigation, climate and audio functions, and its formerly complicated controls have been improved this year.

Though this Lincoln SUV shares its chassis with the Ford Flex, the 2013 MKT’s bulbous body couldn’t look more different from its boxy cousin. Lincoln’s split-wing grille is more prominent now, with a stark cleanliness that suggests a concept or show car. Muscular bulges protrude from the sides along a high beltline and, in back, the big MKT finishes off with a full-width taillamp that includes the familiar Lincoln logo. For convenience, the MKT’s big liftgate opens or closes at the touch of a button. The front-drive MKT rolls on 19-inch wheels while the AWD EcoBoost model has 20-inchers.

ECOBOOST V6 ENGINE
The 2013 MKT’s up-power engine is the same one in the high-performance Ford Taurus SHO. With 365 horsepower, it makes the big Lincoln SUV surprisingly quick.

INNOVATIVE INTERIOR
The 2013 MKT features an available refrigerator between the second-row seats and third-row seats that can flip and face backward when the liftgate is raised to create the ultimate tailgating setup.

The 2013 Lincoln MKT comes well-equipped with features and conveniences including a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers and tri-zone climate control. Standard base-model equipment also includes perforated leather seating, 12-way power heated and cooled front seats, AM/FM/CD/satellite audio system with 10 speakers, rearview camera, 8-inch touch-screen display and power-adjustable pedals and steering wheel. Choosing the higher-power EcoBoost model adds AWD, adaptive suspension damping, a power-folding third-row seat and blind-spot monitoring system.

The 2013 Lincoln MKT can be upgraded with Active Park Assist, which helps with parallel parking, and a blind-spot-monitoring system. Other options include heated and cooled second-row seats, a THX II-certified Surround Sound audio system, voice-activated navigation, DVD headrest video system, Adaptive Cruise Control, second-row refrigerated console and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The two 2013 Lincoln MKT models are distinguished by the choice of V6 engine: A naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 powers the base MKT while the MKT EcoBoost uses a smaller but more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. The base version supplies ample power to move the big and heavy MKT, while the direct-injection EcoBoost engine provides enough gusto to hustle from zero to 60 mph in less than seven seconds. Driveline is also model-dependent: The base version has front-wheel drive (FWD) and the EcoBoost comes with AWD. Fuel economy for both versions has improved slightly from past years. Both engines can run on 87-octane gasoline, though Lincoln recommends 91-octane for best performance with the EcoBoost model.

3.7-liter V6
303 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
278 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg

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: 16/23 mpg