2010 Lincoln MKT Auto Review: The Ultimate Mom Test Drive

I have to admit, when I first saw the Lincoln MKT I thought it looked, well, weird. Kinda shark-like mixed with a bit of a throwback to the old station wagon days. Even when I got inside, the thing seemed very long. The optional 3rd row of seats was way at the back of the bus. Honestly? My first impression was a bit lukewarm.

However, this car totally won me over. This vehicle was put to the ultimate mom-test; a weekend hockey tournament road trip and major outlet shopping with a car full of girls! This vehicle was more than up to the task with tons of space and all the creature comforts. Plus, the drive was a dream. We commented many times how we felt like we were cruising the freeways in a bubble. Yes, it was that smooth.
Model Tested: 2010 Lincoln MKT with Eco Boost

Key Competitors: 2010 Lexus RX-350, 2010 Volvo XC90, 2010 Cadillac SRX

Price: starting at $51,500, Eco Boost starting at $54,900

Urban Mom’s Rating:

Urban Mom Tester’s Topline: These girls can shop. We really put the MKT’s storage and seating to the test. We were full of passengers which meant we had to count on the storage space left behind the optional 3rd row seating to hold all of our purchases. As you can see from the picture, it didn’t disappoint! Having a crossover vehicle of my own and having test driven many others I was shocked.

Those of us who took the MKT on a 5 hour road trip were also not disappointed. We enjoyed a smooth and comfortable ride, depended on the fabulous voice navigation system, and took full advantage of the amazing optional fridge console in the backseat perfect for long road-trips. But it was also the exceptional safety features that impressed and made us feel confident during our journey south of the border.

I was the dedicated driver for this road trip so I got to experience the whole package. I loved the adaptive cruise control. I am always afraid that I am going to get distracted when on cruise because I am not required to actively think about the gas and break, but no worries now. This feature monitors traffic ahead and adjusts speed automatically if necessary. Another great feature is the collision breaking which warns you if there is slow moving traffic ahead and prepares the breaks for a sudden stop. Of course, I can’t forget to mention the blind spot monitoring and active park assist. These options are a huge asset.

Urban Kid’s Tester Topline: We had kids in and out of this vehicle all week. They, of course, loved the fridge and the rear cup holders were great when they pulled out a cold drink. This car was cool and comfortable and truly “gangsta” according to the 10 year-old boy passengers. The SIRIUS satellite was a hit with all of the latest at your finger tips. My 6 year-old daughter had no troubles with buckling in her booster seat and there was plenty of leg room for everyone in both the back and the very-back seats.

But the kid’s favourite feature? The keyless entry and ignition. All you need is your fob and a pre-programmed code and you can start the car with the push of a button. Totally cool.

Exterior Features and Style: The exterior design was definitely something I had to get used to. It is not even that I didn’t like it but more that it just seemed odd. It looked sleek and luxurious and the automatic open and closing trunk feature is any busy moms dream.

Interior Comfort and Style: I have already said that I loved this car. The seats were comfortable and the dash was easy to understand and use. There was plenty of room and all of the extras that make for a great ride including optional DVD players in the headrests, front and back seat warmers, the fridge console in the back and plenty of leg room.

Storage: With the third row of seats down this car had tons of storage. Plenty of room for hockey bags, groceries and anything else you need to cart around. But what really surprised me was the amount of space when the third row of seating was up. I still fit two hockey bags back there and, of course, we managed to fit all of our shopping bags! Throughout the vehicle storage has been considered as well and their are plenty of options for all items to be stored.

Drive: Ahhh, yes. The drive. This car was truly one of the nicest vehicles I’ve driven yet. We know that Lincoln is known for the big luxury vehicle but this was comfortable and smooth without seeming big and bulky. The Eco-Boost option also insured that we had that little extra oomph needed on occasion for acceleration without compromising fuel economy.

Bells and Whistles: This car was chalk full of bells and whistles. The unique ones include the fridge console, the keyless ignition, and Eco-Boost. Of course, we thoroughly enjoyed all of the others and felt much more comfortable and safe on our road trip thanks to these and the well thought out safety features.