Star-Telegram.com's view

The all-new 2010 MKT has arrived, giving Lincoln its first entry in the large premium crossover market, a burgeoning segment that is fast taking the place of the traditional full-size luxury SUV.

And even though the MKT is built on the same architecture as the Ford Flex, the exterior is so different that it’s hard to imagine these two vehicles are related.

The Lincoln doesn’t have the severely boxy shape of the Flex; instead, it has a sleek, curvy profile that’s more in line with many of the other newer crossovers on the market, such as the Infiniti FX, Mercedes-Benz R-class and the BMW X6.

The MKT gives consumers a six- or seven-passenger alternative to the smaller Lincoln MKX, a five-passenger model based on the Ford Edge.

There is a full-size, traditional SUV still in Lincoln’s lineup, the Navigator, which can carry up to eight people and pull large trailers. But because it is based on the chassis of the Ford F-series pickup (and is a near clone of the Ford Expedition), it’s among that breed of body-on-frame sport utilities now being replaced by the newer car-based crossover models.

The Navigator is intended to satisfy customers who need a larger, sturdier truck-style SUV for such duties as pulling heavy trailers. But the MKT is able to tow trailers weighting up to 4,500 pounds.

The MKT is about six inches longer than the Flex, at 207.6 inches, but has the same 117.9-inch wheelbase. It’s less than an inch shorter than the Navigator.

Three versions are available, the base model with a normally aspirated 3.7-liter V-6 engine and front-wheel drive ($44,200 plus $795 freight); this model with all-wheel drive ($46,195); and the top-of-the-line 3.5-liter model ($49,200), which comes with Ford’s new twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 engine and all-wheel drive.

The base 3.7-liter engine turns out 268 horsepower, while the EcoBoost V-6 cranks out 355 horsepower. Both engines are designed to use regular gas, but premium is suggested for the best performance.

Both engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual control of the gears (but without having to use a clutch).

The all-wheel-drive system is automatic, requiring no driver input, and is designed to deliver power to the front and rear wheels as needed to maintain traction.

EPA ratings are 17 mpg city/23 highway for the front-drive 3.5-liter model, and 16/22 for both of the all-wheel-drive versions.

A variety of new high-tech features is offered on the MKT, including a self-parking system that automatically guides the vehicle into a parallel parking space.

Other available gadgetry includes adaptive cruise control, which paces the vehicle to the speed of the car it is following; collision warning with brake support; and a blind-spot monitoring system.

The blind-spot system is carried over from Volvo, and uses warning lights in the outside mirrors to alert the driver when a vehicle is driving in the in the adjacent lane.

Ford calls the MKT a “three-row tourer that delivers the optimal blend of fuel economy, performance, technology and spaciousness.”

It’s available in a seven-passenger configuration, with two bucket seats up front, a middle-row bench, and two seats in the third row; or in a six-passenger setup, with two individual seats in the first and second rows, and a two-person bench in the third row – the way our tester was equipped.

For the third row, a 50/50-split power-operated folding seat is optional. The middle row on our vehicle came with a pair of power “fold and tumble” captain’s chairs.

The MKT comes with the signature Lincoln split-waterfall grille. There are practical elements as well, including a curved weight-saving magnesium tailgate that lift up in one piece to allow access to a spacious cargo area. It’s power-operated from a button on the remote-control key fob or from switches on the dash or in the rear.

Inside, the vehicle oozes luxury, with quality materials and hand-stitched leather upholstery. The interior features what Ford calls “floating armrests,” and has an available “flow-through” second- row center console.” The jewel-like acrylic instrument panel comes with LED white lighting.

Among the options is a choice of either a standard fixed-glass panoramic sunroof with power front and rear sunshades, or a power open-and-close vista roof. The vista roof was standard on our 3.5-liter EcoBoost model, as were 12-way power heated-and-cooled front seats with lumbar support.

Also available is a console-mounted refrigerator between the middle-row captain’s chairs. This was included on our tester, but we didn’t take a long trip that would have allowed us to check it out.

Fun extras include a family entertainment system with dual seven-inch LCD screens built into the backs of the front-seat headrests. Each one can play its own programming, or the two can show the same movie. The kids were disappointed that our tester did not have this option.

Ford says the MKT suspension was designed to minimize front-end lift during acceleration, and offers “stable and engaging steering and handling characteristics that provide confidence to all drivers, all while delivering a luxurious ride quality consistent with Lincoln brand character.”

Our tester’s EcoBoost engine made the MKT fun to drive, and the suspension system did a good job holding this large vehicle to the road in tight curves. I didn’t try driving it hard through those turns, however – even though it is on a car chassis, it’s not intended to corner like a sports car.

Inside at highway speeds, the vehicle was very quiet, with minimal road and wind noise. And the ride was soft and pleasant, even though the car handled as well as it did.

Standard on the base model are 19-inch painted aluminum wheels, while 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels are optional. The EcoBoost model comes with unique 20-inch aluminum wheels.

The uplevel model also has electronic power steering, which is necessary for the self-parking technology, Ford says. The system uses an ultrasonic sensing system to maneuver the vehicle into the parking space; it steers the car, but the driver has to operate the accelerator and brake.

Other features include an intelligent-key system with pushbutton start, adaptive headlights that turn slightly in the direction the steering wheel is turned, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a capless fuel tank, a keyless-entry keypad on the driver’s door, and a backup camera system.

Standard safety features include Ford’s Safety Canopy side-impact protection system, which uses side-curtain air bags on all three rows that deploy in rollovers and side-impact crashes.

Our tester came with the $4,000 Elite Package, which added a touch-screen, voice-activated navigation system with Sirius real-time traffic information; THX 5.1 Surround Sound audio system with 14 speakers and Sirius satellite radio; the blind-spot information system and accident-avoidance feature; the Vista Roof; and a digital compass.

Total sticker price was $57,775, including freight and options.

The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Star-Telegram since 1994. Contact him at 210-250-3236; chambers@star-telegram.com.

2010 Lincoln MKT

The package: Full-size, premium, six- or seven-passenger, five-door, V-6 powered, front- or all-wheel-drive crossover utility vehicle.

Highlights: This is Lincoln’s new large crossover, built on the same architecture as the Ford Flex, but with completely different exterior styling. It’s available with Ford’s optional EcoBoost turbocharged V-6 engine.

Negatives: Can get pricey with all the options – but it is a Lincoln.

Engines: 3.7-liter normally aspirated V-6; turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic.

Power/torque: 268 HP./267 foot-pounds (3.7); 355 HP./350 foot-pounds (3.5).

Length: 207.6 inches.

Curb weight: 4,680-4,924.

Cargo volume: 17.9 cubic feet (behind third seat); 39.6 cubic feet (third seat folded).

Towing capacity: 4,500 pounds.

Electronic stability control: Standard.

Side air bags: Standard front seat-mounted, and side-curtain for all rows.

Fuel capacity/type: 18.6 gallons/unleaded regular.

EPA fuel economy: 17 mpg city/23 highway (3.7, front drive); 16/22 (3.7/3.5 with AWD).

Base price range: $44,200-$49,200 plus $795 freight.

Price as tested: $57,775 (3.5-liter EcoBoost, including freight and options).

On the Road rating: 8.8 (of a possible 10).

Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.