Virtually every item in your grocery store has a "Best If Used By" date on it. Of course we all realize that, despite those suggestions, it's not like any given product is going to suddenly go bad when that day rolls around. Well, much the same can be said for cars such as the 2017 Lincoln MKT.
To wit, this full-size luxury crossover's main flaw is simply that it's a bit past its expiration date. You see, both the MKT and the boxier Ford Flex on which it's based haven't seen a serious update for the better part of a decade, and the two are starting to show their age around the edges.
It's the little things you notice, details that aren't quite up to par with those of the latest luxury models. Interiors are comfortable and have a quality feel, but they just don't look as posh as more recently redesigned models. The all-black trim on the dash is a good example of a material that looks past its prime.
The MKT, which is offered in six- or seven-passenger seating configurations, has some practical issues as well. While leg- and headroom in the first two rows of seats is generous, the lack of both make the third row a place for preteens only. Besides cutting into headroom, that sloping rear roofline also limits cargo-carrying capacity somewhat, especially compared to the more accommodating boxy rear end of the Ford Flex.
What's under the hood is another potential issue. The stock 3.7-liter V6 provides just middling performance, which leads us to strongly recommend stepping up to the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that comes standard with all-wheel drive. It delivers more kick in everyday driving and improved cargo-carrying and towing capability. To our way of thinking, the EPA fuel economy estimates — 19 mpg combined (16 city/24 highway) for the base engine versus 17 mpg combined (15 city/21 highway) with the EcoBoost — are close enough to make the more powerful engine worth the extra cost.
Among the MKT's strongest draws is its level of standard equipment, a long list that includes such desirable features as 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats, keyless entry and ignition, and the Sync 3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen and advanced Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. The EcoBoost model is also eligible for a couple of worthwhile options, including the Elite package, which adds safety (blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert) and convenience items (a heated steering wheel, power-folding third-row seats, a navigation system and a upgraded 14-speaker audio system). When your MKT is so equipped, you can also order the Technology package, which bundles adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning system, lane departure warning and intervention, and automatic parallel-parking assist.
All that said, we feel the 2017 Lincoln MKT has reached an age where you'd be well advised to compare it carefully against fresher luxury crossover products before making up your mind. Let Edmunds help you find the right luxury crossover for your needs.
2017 Lincoln MKT Overview
The 2017 Lincoln MKT is offered in the following submodels: Wagon. Available styles include 4dr Wagon (3.7L 6cyl 6A), and 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A). MKT models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2017 MKT comes with front wheel drive or all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic. The 2017 MKT comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 6 yr./ 70000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 6 yr./ 70000 mi. powertrain warranty.
Is the 2017 Lincoln MKT a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Lincoln MKT and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 MKT featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
