The 2016
Lincoln MKT is a solid option for consumers shopping for a six- or seven-passenger luxury crossover or wagon, but its unusual shape puts the squeeze on third-row passenger space.
Pros
Generous standard features and high-tech options; powerful and fuel-efficient turbocharged V6 option; quiet interior.
Cons
Tight third-row headroom; base model exhibits an abundance of body roll in corners; poor rearward visibility.
What's New for 2016
The new Sync 3 infotainment system replaces the previous
MyLincoln Touch interface.
Otherwise, the 2016 Lincoln MKT is unchanged.
Full Expert
Review: 2016 Lincoln MKT
What's New for 2016
The new Sync 3 infotainment system replaces the previous MyLincoln Touch interface. Otherwise, the 2016 Lincoln MKT is unchanged.
Introduction
There are plenty of options for families looking for a three-row luxury crossover
SUV.
Lincoln's offering is the 2016
MKT.
It's essentially a range-topping variant of the
Ford Flex, upon which it is based. Mainly, buying an MKT gets you unique bodywork and more standard features. Even the most basic MKT comes loaded with features like a panoramic glass roof, adaptive xenon headlights and front seats that are heated and ventilated. In addition to its long list of features, the MKT has high-quality cabin materials that include real wood accents and supple leather. It's also a very quiet cabin thanks to double-paned front windows and heavy insulation.
Couple all that with a comfort-oriented suspension that does a good job of soaking up road irregularities and the MKT feels like a true luxury vehicle.
Even though the MKT provides a good value and a coddling ride for passengers, there are a few areas where it lags behind the competition. Third-row space is one such area, which is surprising given that the MKT is more than a foot longer than the Acura
MDX. Due to the downward-sloping roof, headroom in the third row is tight, especially compared to the second row. The cargo area is also less useful, as the stylized hatch profile cuts back on your ability to haul bulky items, especially compared to the boxy Flex.
There are several players in the three-row luxury SUV class that are more versatile options. The 2016 Acura MDX leads the pack, with ample interior storage areas, extremely comfortable seats and a superb all-wheel-drive system. The
Infiniti QX60 is another strong contender that offers a similar level of performance and features. For maximum interior space, the 2016
Buick Enclave is a better choice, while the new 2016
Volvo XC90 is a stunning three-row SUV that commands a slightly higher price. The MKT isn't our first pick here, but it might be worth considering if you want to drive something that doesn't look like every other SUV on the block.
Body Styles,
Trim Levels, and
Options
The 2016 Lincoln MKT is a large luxury crossover/wagon with three rows of seating. It's offered in two trim levels: MKT and MKT with EcoBoost. Seven-passenger seating is standard, but optional second-row captain's chairs reduce capacity to six.
Note that the base MKT is front-wheel drive only, while the MKT EcoBoost is all-wheel drive only.
Standard equipment on the base MKT includes 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, automatic high beams, foglights, automatic wipers,
LED taillights, heated side mirrors with puddle lamps, a rear spoiler, keyless ignition and entry, remote engine start, a panoramic glass roof, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and a power liftgate.
Inside you'll find ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery,
12-way power front seats (with power lumbar), heated and ventilated front seats, 60/40-split folding heated second-row seats (outboard only), 50/50-split folding third-row seats, power-adjustable pedals, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, driver memory settings, tri-zone automatic climate control, retractable manual second-row sunshades, a 110-volt power outlet and a cargo net.
Electronic features include the Sync 3 infotainment system, MyKey parental controls, an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, two
USB ports and an auxiliary audio jack. The only option on the base MKT is a set of inflatable seatbelts (with integrated airbags) for the second-row seats.
The MKT EcoBoost model adds a more powerful turbocharged V6 engine, all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension dampers with three driver-selectable modes. From there, you can add the optional
Elite package, which provides a power-folding/tumble feature for the third row of seats (including a tailgate seating feature), a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, a heated steering wheel,
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- published: 20 Apr 2016
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