2019 Lincoln MKT

At the 2018 New York auto show, we finally learned of Lincoln’s plan to replace its aging and slow-selling mid-size crossover, the MKT. Taking its place next year will be the Aviator, which the company showed in concept form in New York, but for now the MKT carries on unchanged as the brand prepares to phase it out.

It’s a bit of a mystery the MKT wasn’t better received given its basis on the nicely executed Ford Flex, another old design that nonetheless looks and feels fresher than it is. We’d blame the MKT’s “interesting” styling for that.

The MKT’s competition has advanced significantly in the eight or so years since its arrival. Any vehicle you might cross-shop with this one is newer, more interesting and, yes, better-looking.

As much as it will do Lincoln good to have a more desirable offering in the three-row crossover segment, we’re also pleased to see this brand moving away from alphanumeric vehicle badges in favour of actual names. It’s a change that will make it easier for consumers to distinguish between the members of Lincoln’s four-vehicle crossover range.

MKT's sole powertrain is a 3.5L turbocharged V6 (dubbed EcoBoost by its Ford parent company) that makes 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. It's an easy engine to like whose only real demerit is thirsty fuel consumption if you're the kind of driver who appreciates low-end torque.

The six-speed automatic transmission is a couple of ratios behind the curve, as most other vehicles in this class have at least eight speeds now, or have eschewed stepped gearing altogether for continuously variable transmissions. AWD is standard.

MKT's standard features include three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, passive keyless entry, power-adjustable steering column and pedals, heated and cooled front seats, steerable HID headlights, LED taillights, 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers and a backup camera. Optional packages bring items like navigation, power-folding third-row seats, heated steering wheel, active park assist, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise and lane guidance.

Fuel consumption estimates are 15.7/11.2 L/100 km (city/highway).