2014 Lincoln MKT

NEW FOR 2014:

- No changes.

Remember the Mercedes-Benz R-Class? You know, the unusual, low-to-the-ground wagon-like crossover that excelled in comfort, cabin space, road manners, and amenities? It may not have been the most popular Mercedes-Benz (it was actually one of the least popular Benzes), but it was the right ticket for most modern family needs. Benz hasn’t made the R-Class in years, but you can still get a conceptually similar and equally rare vehicle in the form of the Lincoln MKT.

Although it may not look anything like the slab-sided Flex, the MKT is its corporate twin. They ride on the same platform and roll off the same assembly line in Oakville, Ontario.

Often overlooked – partly because it’s a Lincoln, and partly because of its opinion-dividing aesthetics – the MKT brings the virtues of the traditional full-size luxury crossover down to earth. A low ride height makes for easy ingress and egress, and car-like driving dynamics. Behind the wheel, it’s more MKS luxury sedan, than MKX crossover. That said this is a big vehicle – its long wheelbase and long body make it a bit unwieldy to park at low speeds. On the flip side, there’s plenty of second and third-row legroom, though the sloping roofline impedes on cargo and rear-passenger headroom.

The MKT, restyled and updated two years ago, comes equipped with one powertrain: the powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 that develops just shy of 370 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. As with the MKS, continuously adaptive damping is standard.

There are two trim levels for model-year 2014 MKTs: base (200A), and Elite (201A).

The base model come standard with a power tailgate, reverse camera, HID headlamps with automatic high beams, a full-length fixed panoramic roof, power-adjustable pedals, power tilt and telescoping steering column, leather upholstery, 12-way power heated and cooled front seats, rain-sensing wipers, heated rear seats, remote starter, push-button start with remote keyless access, 19-inch aluminum wheels, Sync, a 110-volt power outlet, and MyLincoln Touch with capacitive controls for stereo and climate. The MKT can be had with either six or seven seats at no extra cost.

Stepping up to the Elite trim adds a heated steering wheel, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, power folding third-row seats, and a premium THX II stereo system. MKT Elite customers can also spec the Driver Technology Package that includes active park assist, adaptive cruise control with collision warning, and lane-keeping assist.

Standalone options for both trim levels are a power sliding version of the panoramic roof, a Class III trailer hitch that enables the MKT to tow up to 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs), second-row console with refrigerated cooler box, ventilated second-row seats, dual headrest second-row entertainment system, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, and second-row outboard inflatable seatbelt airbags.