Used 2017 Lincoln MKT

Providing that the 2017 Lincoln MKT luxury SUV’s bulbous proportions, old-style Lincoln winged grille and unique rear styling aren’t turnoffs, you might actually find quite a bit to like in this 7-passenger crossover SUV. There’s plenty of room inside the MKT’s well-appointed cabin, although the 3rd-row seat can be a bit snug for adults. Under the hood Lincoln offers a choice of two V6 powertrains, one of which includes the lauded 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine. All-wheel drive is available and though not a serious threat to true off-road-capable SUVs like the Land Rover Discovery or Lexus GX, this big Lincoln compares well when stacked up against such competitors as the Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60 and Buick Enclave.

With the potent twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 onboard, Lincoln’s MKT for 2017 has no issues with passing, merging and flat-out balls-to-the-wall acceleration. On the open road, the MKT cruises effortlessly, returning a very comfortable ride, good feedback from the nicely weighted steering and strong brakes. Base trims display a good degree of lean in the curves, but the EcoBoost MKT with all-wheel drive (AWD) includes Lincoln Drive Control, which firms things up considerably. LDC features settings for Sport, Comfort and Normal throttle modes, but we were hard-pressed to feel that much of a difference among them. Lincoln’s excellent 6-speed automatic transmission delivers quick shifts when asked and can be manually controlled via a set of steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Lacking the Infiniti QX60’s 360-degree-style monitor, parking the MKT can be a bit of a chore, which is why we highly recommend opting for the parking sensors and Active Park Assist.

The 2017 Lincoln MKT offers a spacious and comfortable interior that’s right in line with other large 3-row luxury SUVs. Front- and middle-row passengers get plenty of room, and there’s enough room in the third row for smaller adults. Two comfortable captain’s chairs replace the 2nd-row bench in 6-passenger models, and they can be heated and cooled, and even outfitted with a refrigerator between them. The large glass gives the driver and front passenger a commanding view, with a touch-screen infotainment system controlling navigation, climate and audio functions. Folding the 2nd- and 3rd-row seatbacks quickly expands the already generous cargo space.

It’s surprising to know that the big, bulbous Lincoln MKT shares its structure with the sleek-but-boxy Ford Flex. In its own way this Lincoln SUV is just as eye-catching, although we’ll leave it up to you whether it’s pleasing or punishing to the eyes. Distinctive features include the massive grille, which splits into two wings and blends into the headlights, and the odd kink-then-droop of the side-window line. The hunched-over rear hatch is somewhat gracelessly bisected by the long, wide taillight display. We do like the panoramic sunroof, and the power hatch is also convenient.

ECOBOOST V6 ENGINE
With 365 willing horses on tap, the twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 is the perfect match to the 2017 MKT’s luxury SUV’s size and stature. For an additional $4,500 over the base model, the EcoBoost MKT also comes standard with AWD, more luxury features and almost no penalty at the pump.

INNOVATIVE INTERIOR
Lincoln’s MKT for 2017 may be stylistically awkward on the outside, but its interior is to die for. Handsome seats and door panels complement an easy-to-operate dash and control layout. Options include a 2nd -row console refrigerator and power-folding 3rd-row seats.

Order even a base-model 2017 Lincoln MKT and you get leather upholstery on the first and second rows, 3-zone climate control, heated and cooled driver and front-passenger seats, heated 2nd-row seats, a rearview camera and a power tailgate. There’s also a power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, which combines with power-adjustable pedals to let drivers find a comfortable driving position. The standard audio system offers 10 speakers and AM/FM/CD/aux inputs, all controlled via the touch-based Sync 3 system and 8-inch screen. EcoBoost models get standard all-wheel drive and Lincoln Drive Control adjustable chassis dynamics, plus other standard equipment.

The 2017 MKT can be loaded up with luxury trim simply by moving up to the EcoBoost-equipped model. Items such as a heated steering wheel, navigation system, THX II audio, and a dual-screen DVD rear-seat entertainment system are all present. Also available are 2nd-row bucket seats and a refrigerator to go between them, a panoramic vista roof and a power-folding third row. One particularly cool tech feature is Lincoln’s Active Park Assist, which performs the bulk of parallel parking for the driver. Safety options include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot monitoring system and inflatable seatbelts in the second row.

Standard on the 2017 MKT SUV is a naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 powering the front wheels (FWD). Its 303 horsepower is adequate for accelerating this heavy SUV, and although it has enough in reserve for passing, it’s not particularly exciting. A better choice is the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. With 365 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque, and standard AWD, this is the perfect choice for the luxury-equals-power crowd. Both engines come with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode, and although both engines can run on 87-octane gasoline, Lincoln recommends 91 octane for best performance with the EcoBoost model. EcoBoost versions can be equipped to tow up to 4,500 pounds.

3.7-liter V6
303 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
278 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 mpg (FWD)

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 (AWD)

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.