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Lincoln MKS - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Lincoln MKS ranks 11 out of 12 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 15 published reviews and test drives of the Lincoln MKS, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Lincoln MKS has been an underwhelming performer but a comfortable luxury cruiser since its introduction last year. A more powerful engine option for 2010 may make the MKS a more competitive choice for luxury car shoppers.

The MKS was intended to bring the Lincoln brand up to date after the aging Town Car gave the brand a poor reputation.  It looks like something that would be at home in the Lexus or Infiniti stable, and comes with a long list of standard features. These include the Ford SYNC system, which allows drivers to control Bluetooth-enabled devices with voice commands through the car's stereo system.

But the MKS of 2009 was underpowered -- a fact that contributes to its relatively low ranking here. Reviewers were forced to compare it with similarly priced cars, nearly all of which outperformed it easil.

The big news this year, then, is the introduction of a new, more powerful engine. The EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 may make the MKS more competitive with imported luxury cars.  Last year, many reviewers advised buyers to wait for it.  It's here, and the few reviewers who have tested the new powerplant say it's a drastic improvement over the base engine, which is too sluggish to compete in this class.  But most reviewers haven't driven the EcoBoost version of the car, so its scores here still largely reflect the base model's lack of power.

The MKS is a front-wheel-drive car in a class filled with rear-wheel-drive cars.  If you are accustomed to the ride of past Lincolns, the MKS will feel athletic.  The Cadillac DTS is the only other true front-wheel-drive luxury sedan, and the last car to offer the gentle, stately ride of older American luxury sedans.  But if you're accustomed to the rides of imported luxury cars, or even of newer rear-wheel-drive domestics like the Cadillac STS, Lincoln's big car will probably feel spongy. 

The 2010 MKS comes in two trim levels, front- and all-wheel-drive, but the two boast virtually identical feature lists.  Ford's voice-controlled SYNC infotainment system, a pricey option on most Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products, is standard.  Other impressive touches that come at no extra charge include ventilated, heated and cooled front seats and even heated rear seats.

• "The MKS falls short of being a class leader, but it is a solid effort on Lincoln's part and offers plenty to attract those who are looking for a roomy, comfortable, luxurious, and very well-equipped sedan with classic yet modern styling."  -- Automobile Magazine
• "Lincoln's new flagship aims for a contemporary spin on traditional American luxury while still focusing on serene comfort instead of invigorating performance. Despite a generous list of standard luxury features and some unique high-tech gadgetry, MKS's overall refinement trails luxury-class leaders" -- Consumer Guide
• "A mix of modern features and accessories puts the 2009 Lincoln MKS a step ahead of some rivals, but subpar performance and a steep MSRP make it hard to say where this new model fits in." -- Edmunds
• "The MKS's competitors? Think Lexus GS, think Acura RL, think Cadillac CTS, and to some extent, the Volvo S80." -- Motor Trend
• "It's the kind of car Lincoln should be doing, a king-size, no-apologies American luxury sedan. The same approach served Chrysler well with its 300, a big hit just four years ago." -- New York Times
• "Lincoln aimed for a base hit here, and by God they got one." -- The Truth About Cars

MKS Performance - 7.1 (Good)

Reviewers of the 2009 MKS repeatedly said its engine was just too weak for its class.  This year, many say a more powerful twin-turbo V6 corrects that flaw, but it still trails most of its class in our performance ratings because its handling is not particularly sharp.  The New York Times explains, "The MKS excuses itself from backroad competition, preferring to focus on space, smoothness and amenities." Read More

MKS Exterior - 8.6 (Very Good)

Reviewers can't seem to discuss the sheetmetal of the 2010 MKS without mentioning the ancient Lincoln Town Car it replaced.  The MKS, they say, proves that the brand is serious about updating its image.  Many compare its lines with those of a Lexus, and while that doesn't put it at the cutting edge of luxury car design (there is no Cadillac brashness or BMW swagger here), it means the MKS is conservatively handsome and doesn't look dated. Read More

MKS Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)

Lincoln advertises the 2010 MKS as a showpiece for the latest in automotive technology.  Reviewers say that's true, provided that you spring for some option packages.  The ergonomics also earn a lot of praise - but auto writers cite some below-grade switches and hard plastics. Consumer Guide comments, "Rich-looking leather and soft-touch surfaces abound...however, the upscale ambiance is compromised by some obvious hard plastic trim pieces." Read More

MKS Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Lincoln MKS receives near-perfect scores in government crash tests, and the mechanically-similar 2009 model earned a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Read More

MKS Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Lincoln MKS reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Lincoln offers a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on all its cars. Read More