The automobile brand Lincoln is an American icon known for its powerful engine, oversized construction and spacious interior. The goal of this article is to provide a brief but comprehensive review on the 2011 Lincoln MKT, categorized as a luxury midsized sports utility vehicle (SUV) that placed 5 out of 17 based on two dozen published reviews, test drives and specification analysis.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $44,300.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.6 gallons (70 liters) | MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Length: 207.6 in. (527 cm) | Width: 76 in. (193 cm) |
| Height: 67.4 in. (171 cm) | Wheel Base: 117.9 in. (299 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4637 lbs (2103 kg) | Max Towing Capacity: 4500 lbs (2041 kgs) |
| Luggage Capacity: 17.9 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 6 people |
| Engine: 3.7L Duratec V6 DOHC | Compression Ratio: 10.3: 1 |
| Horsepower: 268 HP | Max RPM: 6250 RPM |
| Torque: 267 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed SelectShift Auto |
| 0-60 mph: 6.0 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 14.5 seconds |
| Option:MKT EcoBoost | MSRP: $46,295; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy |
Performance
Reviewers approve of the 2011 Lincoln MKT especially if equipped with the V6 engine because it provides a quieter ride with power available on demand. Comparison tests with some of its rivals reveal that the 2011 Lincoln MKT performs as good as the competition if not better.
The MKT is available in two trims: Base and EcoBoost. The base model is available in front wheel driver and all wheel drive. The EcoBoost is priced a little bit above more and is equipped with a powerful twin turbo v6 engine that turns out 355 horsepower’s at a fraction of the fuel consumption.
Exterior & Interior
People either love the exterior design or hate it. The face of the MKT is almost all grills with its oversized two-winged design, narrow headlights. The mouldings on the side and the rear are handsomely made with linear highlights and emphasized curves. This model is very muscular and very handsome indeed.
The Lincoln MKT comfortably seats 8 passengers and the first two rows leave little room for improvement. The entire cabin is spacious, opulent and a full array of high tech features that will have geeks smiling from ear to ear. The only problem with the cabin is the third row that lacks legroom and headroom.
Safety
Unfortunately as of press time, the MKT has not been crash-tested. However most of the 2010 safety features are included in the 2011 model and then some. Take note the 2010 model earned a score of “Good” in crash tests for front side and rear crash tests and is named as a “Top Safety Pick” by the insurance industry. Therefore Ford is very confident the 201l MKT will rate just as high. Standard Safety features include:
- Two stage front airbags
- Side curtain airbags,
- Front seat mounted side impact airbags,
- AdvanceTrac® paired with Roll Stability Control and ABS
- MyKey which restricts features like speed and based on the driver
Warranty
A standard 4-year warranty covers the 2011 Lincoln MKT.
Pros
- Huge cabin
- Comfortable first two rows
- Powerful V6 engine that is also fuel efficient
- Extensive Technological features in the interior
Cons
- Love it or hate it exterior design
- Insufficient leg and head room on the third row for adults
The Competition
Most reviewers love the 2011 Lincoln MKT with its stellar performance, beautiful well-appointed interior, and eye-catching exterior. It seems that this vehicle is poised to take on better-known competitors like Audi, BMW, and Lexus.
Other brands to consider are the Acura MDX (MSRP $42,930; 16 city / 21 hwy), Lexus RX350 (MSRP $39,075; 18 city / 25 hwy) and Ford Flex (MSRP $29,355; 17 city / 24 hwy), all three of which offers better third row comfort. The Lexus RX even boasts better fuel economy and is $6,000 cheaper but it only seats five. However none can beat the luxury and overall features of the MKT.
Overall Rating
84 out of 100
What others say:
“The swinging style sets an audacious mood—and the 2011 Lincoln MKT backs it up with turbo V-6 thrust.”Car Connection
“MKT has direct, well-weighted steering. Body lean is well controlled for a large vehicle, although sheer size and weight keep it from being truly nimble. The brakes are strong and responsive.”Consumer Guide
“Near-useless third-row headroom, high price for twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 model, questionable exterior styling.”Edmunds
