2010 Lincoln MKT at 2009 Detroit Auto Show

• Competes with: Mazda CX-9, Buick Enclave, Acura MDX
• Looks like: Lincoln has a monster of a family wagon coming
• Drivetrain: 268-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 or 355-hp, turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Summer 2009

The three-row crossover segment has exploded in recent years, with nearly every automaker releasing a family-hauler that’s neither an SUV nor a minivan. Lincoln’s all-new MKT is neither of those things, and it sure doesn’t look like it wants to play nice, with a giant grille that's less Cheshire cat and more snarling lion.

The radical looks don’t end there. The MKT has a single, thin taillight breaking up the rear hatch, which is surprisingly elegant. Overall, the shape is much more SUV than the Ford Flex’s boxy, minivan-ish look. If you can’t tell, the MKT and Flex share a platform and many features, like the optional second-row dual seats with a fridge between them.

The interior reminds us a lot of the new Lincoln MKS, from the similar buttons to the cushy seats. There are also a lot of high-tech options, like a navigation system with live weather, sports scores and traffic information. Ford’s new automated parking system and MyKey nanny device will also be optional, as will be a blind spot warning system.

There’s a lot of power under the hood, too. While the base engine is a not-too shabby 268-hp V-6, Ford is offering its new 355-hp, EcoBoost turbo V-6 in it as well. That model will come standard with all-wheel drive, while that will be optional on the base model. Both powertrains will be available at launch this summer.

We’re pretty impressed with the looks of the MKT and can’t wait to see it in person later today (Monday). Hopefully Lincoln will bring out another color, because we bet the MKT looks great in black. More photos below.

Comments

Wow....I like it. The exterior and interior are spot on. The grille and tailights look very good. Especially the front, it has a fierce and viscious look to it. It doesn't look like a Ford Flex and it isn't boxy either, despite being built on the same platform. Ford's done well with another of its models. They seem to be going in the right direction. Keep it up.

Impressive... good work...

Out of the Detroit 3, it looks like Ford has the most potential. Mulally is doing a great job turning the company around.

Ford has great stuff coming out but I dont like this much. Grille is too much and I dont like the kink in the rear fender. Interior is great as is the hp from the turbo engine though. Its likely to be faster and cheaper than the Q7.

I rank this lower than the Taurus and Fusion.

Pass, the front looks like a blue whale.

Fourth picture of all pictures shown reminds me of VW Passat Estate. Overall I like it.

Just to let you know, all these new Fords and Lincolns have similar styling to Ford Australias FG Falcon with curved styling, so maybe its a lead up to a replacement for the Town Car, Crown Vic, and Grand Marquis.

Overall, very nice! I'm not sure Ford made the right decision in adding the third row of seats. The exterior would look better if a bit shorter. The people most likely to buy the MKT are probably middle-aged and older, eliminating, for the most part, the need for the third row.

This is not exactly a hot looking car/wagon. I doubt it’ll be on the market for long seeing how the Flex isn’t doing so well. That grille will turn off conservative buyers, and the overall size and appearance of the vehicle will not attract “Entertainers” & “Athletes”; therefore, it’s not a gotta have for those that aspire.

I see Mazda CX-9 DNA all over this thing. Why pay more for a pimped put version?

Cliff, if people want a 2-row alternative, Lincoln already has the MKX. I can't see how it would make sense to have two 2-row crossover vehicles in the Lincoln line.

Peter, I'm well familiar with the MKX. My wife drives one. To my eye, the MKT is a bit long. It is also in a different class than the MKX. If it were a bit shorter, with lots of room, front and back, and without the third row of seats, I think it would come closer to being a sportier, high-end crossover, much like the upcoming 2010 Cadillac SRX. The way it looks now, it appears it doesn't quite know what it is or what it's supposed to do. More of a people hauler than a luxury crossover. But, to each his own. That's what makes new models so interesting.

As the article suggests, I think Ford is aiming at the former minivanners here, so it's got to seat 6-8 to compete in this segment. That said, unfortunately the Freestyle/Taurus X/Flex haven't sold all that well, so maybe it's a solution in search of a problem. We sure like our Freestyle, though, and use the cargo/people space all the time.