Photo: Lincoln
In production since 2009 for the 2010 model year, the MKT slots right between the Nautilus (née MKX) and Navigator. But with the 2020 Lincoln Aviator just around the corner, does the premium division of the Ford Motor Company need the MKT any longer?
Lincoln marketing manager Robert Parker confirmed to Automotive News that the MKT won’t be discontinued, serving as a means to an end “for fleet buyers to use as hotel cabs or funeral hearses.” The mid-size luxury utility vehicle based on the Ford D4 platform “can fill that role profitabily for the company and will for the time being.”
The thing is, Lincoln might be in the wrong with this decision. Since eons ago, the MKT is the lowest-volume nameplate in the lineup. Lincoln even replaced the MKT with the Aviator under the Vehicles tab on its media website, which goes to show that even the automaker has second thoughts about it.
Through August 2018, Lincoln sold 1,653 examples of the MKT in the United States. That’s 22 percent fewer MKT vehicles from August 2017. On the other hand, Automotive News makes a case for tooling that has long paid for.
The intrigue doesn’t end here, more so if you consider the MKT is the last Lincoln with the split-wing grille design. The following model years aren’t expected to change either, which is somewhat ridiculous when you think about how much money Lincoln has spent on redesigning the lineup and Matthew McConaughey.
For the 2018 model year, “sophisticated capability” starts at $43,530 or $482 per month. Two trim levels are available (Premiere and Reserve), with two choices of V6 engines and drivetrain layouts. The 3.7-liter Ti-VCT is FWD-only while the 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 comes with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and adaptive suspension.
As for standard features, even the Premiere is nicely equipped. Highlights include tri-zone automatic climate control, panoramic fixed-glass Vista Roof with two power sunshades, leather upholstery, MyKey, Remote Keyless Entry, and heated exterior mirrors.
The thing is, Lincoln might be in the wrong with this decision. Since eons ago, the MKT is the lowest-volume nameplate in the lineup. Lincoln even replaced the MKT with the Aviator under the Vehicles tab on its media website, which goes to show that even the automaker has second thoughts about it.
Through August 2018, Lincoln sold 1,653 examples of the MKT in the United States. That’s 22 percent fewer MKT vehicles from August 2017. On the other hand, Automotive News makes a case for tooling that has long paid for.
The intrigue doesn’t end here, more so if you consider the MKT is the last Lincoln with the split-wing grille design. The following model years aren’t expected to change either, which is somewhat ridiculous when you think about how much money Lincoln has spent on redesigning the lineup and Matthew McConaughey.
For the 2018 model year, “sophisticated capability” starts at $43,530 or $482 per month. Two trim levels are available (Premiere and Reserve), with two choices of V6 engines and drivetrain layouts. The 3.7-liter Ti-VCT is FWD-only while the 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 comes with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and adaptive suspension.
As for standard features, even the Premiere is nicely equipped. Highlights include tri-zone automatic climate control, panoramic fixed-glass Vista Roof with two power sunshades, leather upholstery, MyKey, Remote Keyless Entry, and heated exterior mirrors.
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