2017 Lincoln MKT

Lincoln is Ford’s luxury brand, and most Lincoln models are fancier, quieter versions of existing Ford SUVs. The Lincoln Navigator, for example, is based on the Ford Expedition, and the Lincoln Corsair is based on the Ford Escape. Some models are available as hybrids. Lincoln SUVs tend to come with standard leather seating surfaces, large screens, and sound deadening. That interior quality paired with lively powertrains have earned some models Consumer Reports’ recommendation. Lincoln stopped building sedans when it discontinued the Continental and MKZ in 2020. As a brand, for new and used car reliability, road-test scores, and owner satisfaction ratings, Lincoln tends to be average.

The 2013 update brought the addition of variable cam timing to the 3.5-liter V6. This bumps horsepower from 262 to 287. A self-parking system is offered as an option. Overall, MKT rides well, is commendably quiet and second-row legroom is abundant. Though the third-row seat is modest, cargo space is generous. A by-product of the Lincoln's size and soft ride, handling is clumsy.  For the 2016 model year, Sync 3 replaced the much-maligned MyLincoln Touch. The 2019 model year was the MKT's swan song; it was replaced by the 2020 Aviator.