"The base MKT's acceleration is underwhelming. We prefer the stronger power and more buttoned-down feel of the MKT Reserve. The turbocharged V6 has plenty of grunt for passing, and the Reserve's exclusive adaptive suspension improves this big wagon's agility without degrading ride quality"- Edmunds
The base MKT is mated to a 303-horsepower V-6 engine which has ample power for daily commute and to satisfy most drivers. You get more power out of the Reserve trim as it comes with a turbocharged 365-horsepower V-6. It accelerates quick and you will feel the power difference when you hit the pedal. Mileage is subpar when compared to rivals and there is noticeable body roll around turns.
Engine and Transmission
In the two engine options, you get a 3.7-liter V-6 engine which is standard on the base trim. It churns out 303- horsepower and 278-pound-feet of torque and comes mated to front-wheel drive only. A 3.5-liter V-6 engine standard on Reserve trim gets you 365-horsepower and 350-pound-feet of torque and comes with all-wheel drive. Both the engines use a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly despite being a couple of gears down as compared to rivals.
Models
|
Lincoln MKT (Premier)
|
Acura MDX (Standard)
|
Lexus RX 350
|
Volvo XC90 Momentum (T5 FWD)
|
MSRP
|
$43,530
|
$44,200
|
$43,270
|
$46,900
|
Engine
|
3.7-liter Ti-VCT 24-valve V6 engine
|
3.5L 24V SOHC i-VTEC V6 engine
|
3.5L V6 DOHC 24V VVT engine
|
2.0L DOHC inline 4 engine
|
Transmission
|
6-speed automatic
|
9-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
Power
|
303 hp
|
290 hp
|
295 hp
|
250 hp
|
Torque
|
279 lb-ft.
|
267 lb-ft.
|
267 lb-ft.
|
258 lb-ft.
|
The MKT is priced the same as its rivals while delivering more power. The 303 hp is the best in the lot right now followed by the likes of Lexus RX 350 and the Acura MDX. The Volvo XC90 was the potential lagger with its 250 hp power.
Acceleration
The Lincoln MKT rides well and the turbocharges V-6 engine furnishes impressive acceleration. This engine impresses you even during strenuous task like climbing hills or merging into traffic on the highway. The MKT makes a sprint to 60mph in 7.6 seconds which is good considering its size and what rivals make. It is also the fastest when it comes to covering a quarter mile as it takes only 14.5 seconds to cover the distance.
Models
|
Lincoln MKT (Premier)
|
Acura MDX Standard
|
Lexus RX 350
|
Volvo XC90 Momentum (T5 FWD)
|
0-60 MPH
|
6.3 sec
|
6.2 sec
|
6.8 sec
|
6.4 sec
|
Quarter mile
|
14.5 sec @ 97 mph
|
14.7 sec @ 94.6 mph
|
15.1 sec @ 92.7 mph
|
15.5 sec @ 86.1 mph
|
Engine
|
3.7L
|
3.5L
|
3.5L
|
2.0L
|
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
9.2
|
8.0
|
7.7
|
7.0
|
The Lincoln MKT was just a hair away from the Acura MDX to be crowned the victor in acceleration. The Lexus RX300 was left behind with a split second margin.
Braking and Handling
The base Lincoln MKT comes standard with front-wheel drive and delivers a cushioned ride but it is not suitable for winding roads and there is noticeable body roll around turns. The MKT Reserve however with all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension hugs the road well and also minimizes the body roll while cornering. There are three driving modes-Sport, Comfort and Normal but there is not much difference between them. Brakes are strong and there is not much nose dive while hard braking.
Model
|
Lincoln MKT (Premier)
|
Acura MDX Standard
|
Lexus RX 350
|
Volvo XC90 Momentum (T5 FWD)
|
Brake Front(in)
|
13.9
|
12.6
|
13.3
|
13.2
|
Brake Rear(in)
|
13.6
|
13.0
|
12.9
|
12.1
|
Curb weight(lbs)
|
4702
|
4001
|
4222
|
4394
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
N/A
|
121
|
123
|
124
|
The MKT is the heaviest wagon in the segment. All the other cars are way too light and which gives then edge ion the braking regime. The heavyweight is compensated with big rotors. However, their braking distance was not available for the MKT.
Towing Capacity
The Lincoln MKT might not come to your mind as a towing vehicle but it does have a good towing capacity. When properly equipped it can haul up to 4,500-pounds which is enough to pull a small boat or jet skis. These numbers are impressive as compared to rivals like Acura MDX or even the Volvo XC90.
Model
|
Lincoln MKT (Premier)
|
Acura MDX Standard
|
Lexus RX 350
|
Volvo XC90 Momentum (T5 FWD)
|
Weight (lbs)
|
4500
|
3500
|
3500
|
4000
|
Drive Train
|
FWD
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
FWD
|
Engine
|
3.7L
|
3.5L
|
3.5L
|
2.0L
|
The MKT is the king of the hill when it comes to towing. Other cars showed a same towing prowess however, they were nowhere near to what the MKT promises.