2010 Lincoln MKT

2010 Lincoln MKT

Episode 2918
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

The new management at Ford has pledged to rebuild Lincoln to its former glory as a top-flight luxury brand.  Given how far down Lincoln’s status has fallen, that will be no small feat.  But, Lincoln is making progress.  On the heels of the well received MKS sedan comes this MKT, their first full size crossover utility.  So, let’s see if the MKT is indeed another step in the right direction.

The three-row 2010 Lincoln MKT takes its showroom place one slot above the midsize, two-row MKX crossover. First seen as a concept at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the MKT is a decidedly luxurious people-mover that still targets common family concerns. But, being an upscale CUV, it also boasts a lot of technology.

Sharing a platform with the capable Ford Flex, the MKT is the first ground-up vehicle using Lincoln’s latest design language. Still, at first glance, the MKT takes on a lumbering and overstated appearance, with its overdone reincarnation of the classic Lincoln Zephyr grille. Adaptive HID headlights are standard. The look is much improved in profile with far more flow and show than the boxy Flex. Well-sculpted body surfaces and large 19 or 20-inch wheels give the MKT a truly premium image. Likewise, the brawny rear end with roof spoiler, jewel-like taillights, and dual chrome exhausts.

Securicode keyless entry opens a modern and inviting cabin that seats six or seven. Handsome wood trim and upscale amenities abound. Gauges and controls are smart, sophisticated, but more intuitive than import rivals. Deeply padded, leather-trimmed 12-way power front seating includes heating, cooling, and driver’s side memory. Optional is adaptive cruise with collision warning, and Active Park Assist. Rather than radar, it uses ultrasonic sensors to allow hands-free parallel parking. It’s the easiest to use self-park system yet.

Atop the broad center stack is an eight-inch touch screen that displays audio and tri-zone climate controls, as well as standard back-up camera image. The optional nav system has real time traffic, weather, and local gasoline pricing. A 10-speaker hard drive audio system is standard, as is voice-prompted Ford SYNC with new 911 Assist.

Like Flex, the second row has limo-like legroom. Standard is a three-passenger split bench, with a pair of fold-and-tumble heated and cooled bucket seats optional. They allow for an available rear console-mounted refrigerator. The two-person, split-third row bench is tight for adults, but is ideal for children. Raise the standard power liftgate for plenty of cargo room: 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 75.9 cubic feet with all seats down.

Raise the MKT’s hood for a choice of two engines. Standard is Ford’s familiar 3.7-liter V6, with 268 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Our MKT housed Ford’s new 3.5-liter Ecoboost twin-turbo direct-injected V6. It yields a V8-like 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. A front-drive six-speed automatic with manual mode is standard. EcoBoost adds all-wheel drive.

Even with V8 power, Ecoboost also claims V6 fuel economy. Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 16 city/22 highway. Unfortunately, our test loop of 18.7 miles per gallon of regular is the best we could do. Our MKT’s Energy Impact Score is a pretty high at 19 barrels of oil consumed per year, with a Carbon Footprint that measures 10.2 annual tons of C02. The EcoBoost really showed its stuff at the track: 0 to 60 in only 6.1 seconds—that’s three seconds faster than a Buick Enclave—and the quarter mile in 14.7 seconds at 97 miles per hour.

We were further blown away by the MKT’s ability to handle its two-and-a-half-ton weight in corners.  Armed with electronic stability, traction, and roll control, it doesn’t feel nearly so massive in the midst of a slalom exercise.  Yes, there is still some body roll, but it’s less than most vehicles this size. Stopping power comes from four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist. Halts averaged a reasonable 130 feet from 60 to 0. On everyday roads, the MKT provides the comfort and quiet necessary for carting the family around town or away on long road trips.

MKT prices range from $44,995 in front-wheel drive, to $49,995 for all-wheel drive EcoBoost. The 2010 Lincoln MKT is indeed another step in the right direction in restoring the luster of this fabled American luxury brand. The MKT may be Lincoln’s first full-size crossover, but it delivers like a veteran.

Specifications

  • Engine: 3.5-Liter Ecoboost Twin-turbo Direct-injected V6
  • Horsepower: 355
  • Torque: 350 Lb Feet
  • 0-60 MPH: 6.1 Seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 14.7 Seconds @ 97 MPH
  • 60-0 MPH: 130 Feet
  • EPA: 16 MPG City/ 22 MPG Highway
  • Mixed Loop: 18.7 MPG
  • Energy Impact: 19.0 Barrels Oil/Yr
  • CO2 Emissions: 10.2 Tons/Yr
Honda Prologue Reinvigorates Brand’s Electric Efforts

2024 Honda Prologue

Honda Shows Up Late To EV Party, Brings Best Appetizer

Episode 4329
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Except for some very limited run vehicles over the years, Honda has largely been sitting out the EV revolution. But that all changes now their first high volume effort, the Prologue. So, let’s find out if it is indeed the start of a great run for Honda.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is not only the brand’s first serious battery electric effort, but it’s also a substantial midsize five-passenger SUV, coming in about 3-inches longer than the internal combustion Passport. Though it’s worth noting, they got here with the help of General Motors and their Ultium EV platform.

So, Honda came to play, both with ultra-competitive pricing and segment leading 296 miles of range. That’s with the standard single-motor front-wheel drive EX rated for 212 horsepower, but top Elite doesn’t sacrifice all that much, coming in at 273 miles. The additional rear motor raises total output to 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft torque.

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Relatively low output numbers in the EV game, but the Elite’s all-wheel drive setup delivered plenty enough acceleration to get our blood pumping during some early and very wet drive time through the recent historic downpours in Northern California.

And while Honda did get here with the help of GM and their Ultium chassis, the multi-link suspension bolted to it has been optimized by Honda for a “dynamic driving experience.” It was indeed plenty of fun to drive, nimble for its size with responsive steering, though we were also happy to find it comfortable and safe feeling in those weather conditions. It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

Comprehensive drive modes address just about every aspect of the driving experience, from power delivery to steering response and even braking power; but also changes things up inside with lighting and displays as well as active sound control.

For now, all Prologues come with an 85-kWh battery that will accept up to 150-kW fast charging for 65 miles of range for every 10 minutes on charge.

It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

As we’ve come to expect from Honda, the Prologue’s interior is minimalistic and practical, though not fully simplistic as there is plenty of tech on display, including the very high-mounted 11.3-inch touchscreen display. It has a Google-based operating system built into it like in the latest Accord Touring, and you can still use your Apple Carplay and Android Auto phones, both of which connect wirelessly.

Just below that display is some refreshingly easy to use traditional climate controls, and behind the steering wheel is a hoodless 11-inch tablet-style gauge display. Honda worked with Bose to develop an EV-specific sound system with 12 speakers. The standard EX’s system works with six speakers.

Being an EV means more space inside for both front and rear passengers than a vehicle built around a conventional drivetrain. Though with a substantial dual-level center console it doesn’t have the open floorplan of some EVs. The top layer of that console houses dedicated cell phone storage, mega-sized cupholders and Honda’s first use of a pocket-type wireless phone charger, which is standard. There’s space in back for 23.7 cubic-feet of cargo; 54.5 cubic-feet with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded; plus, more space under the cargo floor.

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And while length and ground clearance are in the ballpark with the Passport, the Prologue’s wheelbase is nearly a foot longer, and it sits much lower, with a design theme that Honda calls “neo-rugged.” Its slick shape and smooth body panels are clearly designed for enhancing aerodynamics, yet the overall design doesn’t necessarily shout it from the rooftops. Aero-optimized 19-inch wheels are standard, with Elite rolling on 21s, a first for Honda. Roof rails, panoramic roof, and power liftgate are standard on all but the base EX.
With the launch of this new generation of Honda comes new badging that looks to the past with throwback-looking Honda script now spelled out across the back. The Prologue and future Honda EVs also get a new “e” series logo.

Comprehensive Honda Sensing safety features are included on most Prologues, with just rear pedestrian alert and a Surround Vision camera system reserved for Elite.

Pricing starts, before incentives, at just $48,795 for a front-wheel-drive EX, top Elite comes with all-wheel drive and starts at $59,295.

Like most brands, Honda has big plans to deliver a full array of battery electrics in the near future, making significant investments here in the U.S. to make it happen. It may have taken a little help from General Motors to get them started, but Honda is in the EV game for real now, and it arrives at a great time when competition in the midsize SUV EV ranks is getting serious. So, the 2024 Honda Prologue does indeed look like the start of something special for Honda, and for all of us.

Specifications

As Tested

  • Motor Setup: Dual Motor
  • Horsepower: 288
  • Range: 273 miles
  • Battery Size: 85-kWh
  • Torque: 333 lb-ft
  • Peak Charging Rate: 150-kW