“I love my MKT. It's roomy, ride is smooth and has all the bells and whistles I want.”
Lincoln MKT: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Lincoln MKT is a three-row luxury crossover SUV known for its quiet, roomy cabin, strong V6 power, and lower, wagon-like shape. It focuses more on passenger comfort and long-distance travel than rugged capability or sporty handling.
From 2010 through 2019, the MKT followed one consistent idea: give families three rows and luxury comfort in a long-roof shape that feels more like a large wagon than a tall SUV. Its roomy first two rows, calm cabin, panoramic roof, and V6 power made it especially suited to road trips. Updates refreshed the styling, touchscreen, and performance, but the people-first mission stayed the same throughout its single generation.
Strengths
- The cabin stays quiet and relaxed, which makes the MKT well suited to long highway trips.
- The first two rows put passenger comfort first, with especially generous space in the second row.
- The twin-turbo V6 delivers strong power, and it became standard with all-wheel drive for the final model year.
- Its lower, long-roof shape gives it a more car-like feel and appearance than many three-row SUVs.
- In 2019, the MKT was rated to tow up to 4,500 pounds.
Who it's for
The MKT fits families who need three rows but care most about a quiet ride, generous space in the first two rows, and comfort on long drives. It also suits shoppers who prefer a lower, more car-like luxury crossover instead of a tall or rugged-looking SUV.
Lincoln MKT lineup
For most of the MKT’s run, the key choice was between the base model and the EcoBoost version. The base model paired a 3.7-liter V6 with front-wheel drive, while EcoBoost or GTDI models brought the stronger twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and all-wheel drive. Later naming shifted to Premiere or Standard at the entry point and Reserve at the top, so the lower trim suits shoppers who want the MKT’s core luxury experience while Reserve represents the upper-trim choice. In 2019, both Standard and Reserve used the twin-turbo V6 and all-wheel drive, making the decision more about trim level than performance.
Lincoln MKT generations
From 2010 to 2019, the MKT spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2010.
1st Generation (2010–2019)
The MKT debuted as a three-row luxury crossover with six- or seven-passenger seating and a choice of V6 engines. A substantial 2013 refresh revised the front and cabin, added power, and updated the technology, but the basic body and layout continued through the final 2019 model year.
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2019Trim changes
The retail lineup shifted to Standard and Reserve trims. The twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and AWD became standard, replacing the previous base 3.7-liter setup.
2018Trim changes
The retail trim names changed to Premiere and Reserve. The engines, cabin layout, and core features carried over.
2017Trim changes
The two-engine lineup and core equipment carried over from 2016.
2016
The newer SYNC 3 touchscreen system became standard across the lineup.
2015
The two-trim lineup, engine choices, and core equipment carried over.
2014
The two retail versions and their front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive layouts carried over from 2013.
2013Mid-cycle update
Lincoln refreshed the front styling and cabin, increased engine power, and made the updated touchscreen system standard. Steering, brakes, suspension, and driver-assistance features were also revised.
2012
The styling, cabin layout, engines, and core equipment carried over from 2011.
2011
The original styling, two V6 engines, and core features carried over from the launch year.
2010New generation
The all-new MKT launched as a three-row luxury crossover with six- or seven-passenger seating, a standard V6, and an upper twin-turbo V6 model.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Lincoln MKT.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lincoln MKT an SUV or more like a wagon?
The Lincoln MKT is a three-row luxury crossover, but it feels more like a long-roof wagon than a tall, truck-like SUV. Its low shape and roomy cabin favor quiet family travel over rugged use.
How many people does the Lincoln MKT seat?
Most retail Lincoln MKT models seat six or seven people, depending on whether the second row has separate seats or a bench. The third row makes it family-friendly, though the first two rows are the main comfort focus.
Does the Lincoln MKT come as a hybrid?
No. The Lincoln MKT uses gasoline V6 engines throughout its 2010–2019 run. Earlier models used either a 3.7-liter V6 or a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, while the final retail lineup used the turbo engine.
Is every Lincoln MKT all-wheel drive?
No. Earlier standard models generally paired a 3.7-liter V6 with front-wheel drive, while EcoBoost versions used all-wheel drive. In the final retail lineup, the twin-turbo V6 and all-wheel drive became standard.
What engines are found in a used Lincoln MKT?
Used MKTs mainly have a 3.7-liter V6 or a stronger twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. The turbo engine is paired with all-wheel drive and became standard across the retail lineup near the end of production.
Who is the Lincoln MKT a good fit for?
The MKT suits families and frequent road-trippers who put quietness, first- and second-row room, and comfort ahead of rugged ability or sporty handling. It also works well for shoppers who prefer a lower wagon-like shape.
Was the Lincoln MKT ever fully redesigned?
No. The MKT stayed in one generation from 2010 through 2019. A major 2013 refresh changed the front end, dashboard, engines, steering, and suspension, while a newer touchscreen system became standard later in the run.
How much can a Lincoln MKT tow?
The later Lincoln MKT is rated to tow up to 4,500 pounds. The exact limit depends on the model year and equipment, so the specific vehicle’s manual and installed towing hardware should be checked.
Lincoln MKT Reviews
What owners are saying about the Lincoln MKT.
4.1
Lincoln MKT
(184 reviews)
“This vehicle is built great all around. The only drawback is the 3rd row is not built for adults. Great options and interior materials!”
“It is quiet and has a lot of leg room. The backseat has its own temperature control. The cargo area is very large. It has a very smooth ride. I love my Lincoln!”
“I was so happy with my 2010 MKT that when I was ready for a new vehicle I bought another. I love it so much. It handles so well in our mountains. Lots of room for people and or cargo.”
“Tweak technology. Driver info lacking in some areas. Driver interface could be expanded; i.e., TPMS should give air pressure and location, RR 35. Options for automatic door lock should include all doors lock when vehicle put in gear and unlock when vehicle placed in park. Outside mirrors should be powered.”
“It is a great vehicle & a lot of fun to drive. It is great when the family comes to visit & we have the 3rd row seat for comfort.”