Cars Blog

The Lincoln MKT, the company’s latest crossover, was shown at the Detroit auto show. According to Lincoln, there has been a decline in sales of full-size SUVs and a growing sales and popularity of crossovers.

The marketers of Lincoln MKT are hoping that the crossover model will be able to compete against the current leaders of the crossovers segment such as the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, Mercedes Benz R-Class, and the Cadillac SRX. Lincoln group marketing manager Mike Crowley is confident that the MKT will be a niche player because of the company’s focus on styling, safety, and a luxurious interior.

Chief designer of the MKT, Gordon Platto, also says that the crossover model’s exterior design shows the new look that Lincoln aims for. According to Platto, the MKT shows where the company is going in terms of looks and quality. As for the interiors, there are three rows of seats covered in hand-stitched leather with soft surfaces. Consumers also have the option of getting one-touch power seats. The MKT’s second row of seats, according to Lincoln, offers top-of-the-class legroom and can house captain chairs or the standard 60:40 split bench.

Another new look for Lincoln that we see on the MKT is the sculptured body with chrome accents, as well as the “zero-offset” bumpers. The MKT also sports full-width taillights, built-in sunshade, fixed glass vista roof, and an optional power roof.

Would-be MKT owners will have two engines to choose from: the 3.7-liter V6 with 260 lb-ft of torque and 267 hp, and the 3.5-liter V6 Ecoboost with 350 lb-ft and 350 hp. The MKT will also have standard paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.

The MKT will be available in the US in late summer.