2016 Lincoln MKT Road Test and Review

The 2016 Lincoln MKT is a full-size, three-row, luxury crossover with a very distinctive design. In fact, it might have proven to be too distinctive for the majority of premium customers, who aren’t always the most daring when it comes to design. The MKT also shows off a wide range of Lincoln’s top luxury cues and the kind of commanding road presence that’s missing from most of its shorter rivals. Speaking of which, the MKT’s competitive set is surprisingly small in terms of numbers, too; not all luxury brands even offer dedicated three-row crossovers. For example, BMW, Cadillac, and Lexus are prominently absent from the segment. 

This road test and review, however, features the MKT's many benefits in order of what we feel are the most notable.

The MSRP of the 2016 Lincoln MKT is $43,370, and while that is noticeably more than the Buick Enclave, it’s the MKT that’s noticeably better equipped. It additionally serves up content and comfort advantages against vehicles like the Infiniti QX60 and Acura MDX, off-setting the Lincoln’s slight pricing premium as compared to those crossovers. As just one example, albeit an important one, the MKT furnishes climate-controlled front seating with supple leather trim as standard—that’s all optional for the QX60 ($42,600) and MDX ($43,015), and again, those are shorter vehicles. The three-row crossover SUVs from the German brands are different beasts, as should be obvious by their carnivorous approach to bank accounts: the Audi Q7 starts at $54,800, and the Mercedes-Benz GLS at $67,050.

The 2016 Lincoln MKT doesn’t have “trim levels” exactly. Instead, the brand breaks the lineup into models based on the customer’s engine choice. The entry model is kitted out with a standard “100A” package that provides a highly luxurious and comfortable cabin environment right out of the box. Thus, along with its standard heated and cooled front seating, the MKT also has standard heating for the second-row outboard passengers. And all MKT owners enjoy a standard panoramic Vista Roof, Lincoln’s latest infotainment technology, and a power rear tailgate as well.

EcoBoosted MKTs can be configured with the same content and the expected powertrain enhancements, with the “200A” package, or graduate to the “201A Elite” setup, for yet higher-end audio and tech upgrades.

The 2016 Lincoln MKT also leverages more power than its closest rivals, and not just with its available EcoBoost engine. The Lincoln’s naturally aspirated, 3.7-liter V6, the standard unit for the MKT, makes 303 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft of torque. That’s more standard output than delivered by Buick, Infiniti or Acura, including a particularly wide lead over the QX60’s 265 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft of torque. The MKT’s EPA grades of 16 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 19 mpg combined also best those of the Buick by 1 mpg / 2 mpg / 1 mpg.

For drivers who select the twin-turbo, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, the tale of the tape runs to 365 horses and 350 lb.-ft of torque—with all-wheel drive available.

The 2016 Lincoln MKT may not be on the market much longer, since it’s expected to be replaced next year by a new Lincoln Aviator, but it is much longer than the current competition. In fact, with an overall length of 207.6 inches, it’s literally the longest crossover in the country. True, some big body-on-frame vehicles may be bigger—though the Cadillac Escalade, for one, isn’t—yet except for the Buick Enclave, those other rivals are all under 200 inches. The Acura MDX squeezes its three rows into a mere 193.6 inches. The Lincoln length also plays a part in its appearance, visually enhancing its streamlined shape and relatively low stance. Up front, adaptive HID headlights smoothly merge with a subtle split-wing grille.

Although the actual interior design of the 2016 Lincoln MKT is rather restrained, the craftsmanship and comfort are both impressive. A highlight: Lincoln designers sourced the MKT’s premium leather trim from Scotland’s Bridge of Weir, and paired that with real wood trim for a confident and sophisticated appearance. For premium functionality, a refrigerated second-row console can keep snacks and beverages cool, while a power-folding third-row makes it easy to take advantage of the MKT’s cargo space. Here, owners will find 17.9 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, 39.6 behind the second, and 75.9 in total. As for passengers, they’ll find an extra five inches of second-row legroom versus the Buick Enclave.

The 2016 Lincoln MKT has been updated with the next-generation SYNC 3 infotainment and navigation technology, which is faster, more accurate and easier to use—regardless of whether you rely on the system’s improved voice recognition or the new touchscreen that’s now capable of recognizing tablet-style control gestures. Also available with the 2016 MKT are two premium entertainment options, including a THX II certified audio system backed by a 14-channel amplifier. With 700 watts of power feeding 14 speakers, each positioned specifically for optimum audio performance, it ensures truly Lincoln-like levels of listening enjoyment. The MKT offers a dual-display DVD entertainment system, too, to help fulfill its expected role as a family-friendly three-row crossover.

The 2016 Lincoln MKT also supplies high-tech driver-assistance features missing from rivals, including inflatable second-row seatbelts for outboard passengers, and a parallel-parking system that can determine if a spot is big enough for the MKT, then automatically steer the vehicle into it if it is. Typical safety technologies—like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with brake support, blind-spot monitoring, and a rearview camera—are available as well.

It’s also worth pointing out that, even though the Lincoln MKT has not been tested by the IIHS, the Ford Flex, with which it shares a platform, has. And the Flex did pass all of the Top Safety Pick crashworthiness tests (although not the evaluation for front crash-prevention technology).

Impeccable road manners are vital to the luxury driving experience, so the 2016 Lincoln MKT serves up highly capable stability-control technology as standard equipment, and it also showcases Lincoln Drive Control for custom-tuned ride-and-handling modes. The continuously controlled damping can monitor up to 46 different inputs every two milliseconds, then adjust the MKT suspension to maintain the vehicle’s composure in response. Meanwhile, the Lincoln Drive Control electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system can tailor steering response and performance in a similar way. For instance, it can help compensate for the effect of crosswinds, to reduce driver effort and fatigue.

The 2016 Lincoln MKT is so far under most folks’ radar that it’s just about fallen off the screen. But for savvy luxury shoppers who need a larger vehicle—and won’t be satisfied by a mainstream crossover—the Lincoln has some unique advantages to go with its unique styling. Among them: EcoBoost engine power, SYNC 3 technology and an especially rich leather seating trim. Moreover, that unmistakable MKT design, when combined with its low sales numbers, means that owners looking to stand out from the crowd certainly will have no problems doing so.