You’re probably thinking that we don’t need yet another big SUV crowding our streets, and you’re arguably right. But the new MKT might not be a bad idea, since it could convince luxury SUV buyers that a Navigator is no longer required. Ford probably doesn’t want this to happen, as they would rather see the
MKT steal sales away from its rivals, and I would think the same. But it could happen.
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| The MKT is a big stylish SUV that distinguishes itself from the rest of the crowd. |
You see, the MKT is big; it’s almost as long, almost as wide and rides on a wheelbase that’s within a few millimetres of the Navigator. Inside, it also seats seven passengers, and interior space is more or less than same except for the third-row seat. And honestly, the MKT should look good with 22-inch chrome wheels. The Navigator’s towing capacity is far superior, however.
V8-like power
Ford claims their new
EcoBoost engine provides V8 power with V6 fuel consumption. They’re right.
Yes, the 3.5-litre V6 force-fed by two small turbochargers produces 355 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed automatic with manual mode and paddle shifters, the MKT can accelerate to 100 km/h, love handles and all, in just 6.1 seconds. That’s pretty quick for a 4,924-lb (2233-kg) SUV.
Our
fuel consumption average of 12.9 L/100 km isn’t extraordinary, but if Ford equipped the MKT with a V8 of similar output to the EcoBoost—say, their 5.4-litre unit—we’d be looking at 15 or 16 L/100 km. So their claim is true. Now, how about a turbo 4-cylinder that can generate as much power as the base 270-hp engine and consume 11 L/100 km? I’d be more impressed with that.
But North Americans want power, need power and live for power. So EcoBoost V6 it is. And you can still use regular unleaded with it.
Handling is what you’d expect from a mid-size luxury SUV; a supple ride, but don’t push it too much on 270-degree highway off-ramps. Around town, however, the fat, low-profile 20-inch tires produce some harshness in areas where the asphalt is deteriorating badly. The MKT is more agile than a Navigator, obviously.
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| The 3.5-litre V6 force-fed by two small turbochargers produces 355 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 rpm. |
