2010 Lincoln MKT
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
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota’s Go Anywhere Globetrotter Returns To U.S.
Every once in a while, we all need a reset. A time to get back to basics and prioritize the things that really matter. Well, for the Toyota Land Cruiser that time is now. So, let’s find out if that means bigger and better things for Toyota’s iconic off-roader.
The Toyota Land Cruiser’s status among the global off-road community is legendary, and it’s hard to imagine there’s any corner of the earth where a Land Cruiser hasn’t kicked up a little dust or mud. Well, 2024 sees the return of the Land Cruiser to the U.S. market after a 3-year hiatus, getting a major reset for the journey.
The reset comes mostly by no longer being based on the large three-row “300-series” chassis, but a new version of the smaller “200-series,” now known as the J250. As with the latest Tacoma, it uses the Tundra pickup’s full-size steel frame.
While the main Land Cruiser model, which goes by simply Land Cruiser, is packed full of luxury and convenience features, there is also a stripped-down model known as the 1958, honoring the first year the Land Cruiser made landfall here in North America. And it is that 1958 we have here, and we were glad to see it, as it also celebrates the original’s back-to-basics approach as a blank canvas for you to personalize as you tackle more and more adventures.
Not that it’s fully stripped down, as 8-inch touchscreen infotainment, a 7-inch full-color multi-information display, and automatic climate control are still standard. Plus, some seriously durable materials, and great heated cloth front seats that throw off some get serious 1990s Tacoma vibes.
But outside, there’s a definite lack of flashy trim and basic looking 18-inch wheels with Yokohama Geolander all-season tires; plus, big chunky bumpers and tilt-up back glass, which is a rarity that we appreciate. Though there is a little too much plastic in places that are sure to see some abuse if you do any significant off-roading.
It even feels a little rough around the edges, but for us it just adds to the rugged old-school utility vibe in a good way.
We did just that, both here in the Mid-Atlantic as well as in the California desert; and while there are some tech-forward driving aids, the actual hardware is in most cases plenty to get things done. That includes standard full-time dual-range four-wheel-drive, locking center and rear diffs, and 8.7-inches of ground clearance. A front stabilizer bar disconnect is also available to allow for increased articulation.
Who needs a V6 or even a V8 when you’ve got Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX setup at your disposal with 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque coming from a 2.4-liter turbo-four with an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and its eight-speed automatic transmission. Low speed torque delivery is impressive. It even feels a little rough around the edges, which may be a turn off to some, but for us it just adds to the rugged old-school utility vibe in a good way.
And it certainly feels quicker than an off roader needs to be, with an instant torque dump as soon as we eased on the throttle at our Mason Dixon test track; helping us get to 60 in 8.1 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds at 86 mph. Considering the Land Cruiser’s terrain conquering mission, it behaved quite well in our handling course; it was plenty responsive to inputs, with less body roll than we expected and plenty of grip from the tires. The steering was light and quick but as expected didn’t provide much feel. Other than significant nosedive, braking performance was exceptional. Only 107-feet to panic stop us from 60 mph.
With the shift to the smaller size, there’s no more third row available, and cargo capacity now comes in at 46.2 cubic-feet with a max of a still healthy 82.1. Now, the best part of the Land Cruiser’s return is the entry price of $57,445. That’s about 30-grand less than what the last Land Cruiser went for back in 2021.
Whether it’s over the top fashion trends, mullets, or zombies; just when you think they’re dead, they come roaring back to life. Of course, we’re much happier to see the resurrection of this 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser than any of those things. Toyota is one brand that still recognizes the value of full-framed rugged rigs and has also acknowledged that sometimes less really is more. The Godfather of Toyota off-roading is back and better than ever.