2013 Lincoln MKT 3.5 V6 Ecoboost AWD 6AT (365 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Lincoln updated the MKT lineup for the 2013 model year, and besides some exterior design changes, it also improved the onboard technology and the drivetrain.

When Lincoln launched the MKT crossover in 2009, the world financial crisis was damaging automakers’ finances. Ford considered launching an upscale crossover under the Lincoln badge to be a smart idea. As a result, it produced the three-row vehicle based on the Ford Flex. While sales were not stellar, customers appreciated the vehicle. Furthermore, since the car shared its platform with the Lincoln MKS and the Ford Taurus, its production costs were not significantly high. However, during the introduction of the vehicle in 2012, the market started to rise again, and technology was improved. As a result, Lincoln updated the MKT lineup to match customers’ requirements. However, sales continued to drop, and in 2019, the automaker pulled the plug on the model, replacing it with the Aviator.

Like its MKS brother, the 2013 Lincoln MKT had a fresh new look. Its front fascia abandoned the waterfall grille styling and adopted the split-wing design theme inspired by the 1936 Lincoln Zephyr, with thinner oblique slats. Furthermore, the swept-back headlights were new and featured high-intensity discharge bulbs, greatly improving nighttime driving. Furthermore, the bumper was redesigned and sported chromed trims around the fog lamps’ clusters.

From its profile, there were almost no changes. While the same 19-inch polished aluminum wheels were standard across the range, Lincoln introduced an option for a set of 20-inch ones with ten double-spoke design. Like its non-facelifted version, the 2013 Lincoln MKT had black lower areas for the side sills and the bumpers that emphasized the car’s ability to tackle unpaved roads, especially if fitted with traction in all corners. Out back, the broad taillights crossed the tailgate and had a sharper look.

Inside, the automaker introduced a completely new design for the instrument panel. The 2013 Lincoln MKT had a center-mounted speedometer flanked by configurable TFT displays. This setup was also seen on other Lincoln models. The center stack received a new infotainment system with an available touchscreen navigation unit. Unfortunately, the touch buttons available for the MKS were not applied to the MKT lineup. In standard configuration, Lincoln’s full-size luxury crossover offered seating for seven. Still, customers could order the vehicle with six individual seats. However, the rearmost row of seats was mostly kids-friendly since legroom and headroom were limited.

Under its skin, the 2013 Lincoln MKT came with a significant improvement in the suspension department. The crossover received a new electronically-controlled damping system named CDC. Thanks to it, the crossover provided improved ride comfort and, at the same time, allowed higher cornering speeds. Under the hood, the automaker installed the same engines as on the non-facelifted version, albeit improved. The 3.7-liter V6 unit gained 33 ponies, for a total of 303 hp (307 PS), while the 3.5L 24-valve EcoBoost V6 twin-turbocharged unit developed 365 hp (370 PS), ten more than on the 2009 model year.