With its newest lineup, Lincoln has officially redeemed itself after a few big busts from the last decade, such as the Aviator, the Blackwood, and the LS. The 2010 Lincoln MKT is one of these models that offer improved packaging, comfort and efficiency of a car-based crossover.

The MKT shares its platform and powertrains with the boxier Ford Flex. To distinguish the two CUVs, Ford is employing a “differentiated top-hat strategy.” That means precisely zero sheet metal and fewer interior parts are shared between the two models. The front end rounds nicely into the MKT’s overtly chiseled belt line, which moves across the profile undisturbed until it ramps up at the rear wheel. When viewed from behind, the smooth transition from the roof to the minimalist bumper and interesting, if over-the-top, tail lamps shows that this Lincoln looks best when it’s ahead of you. The rear was forged with magnesium and aluminum, shaving 22 pounds from the MKT’s 5,000-pound curb weight. Inside high quality leather and soft touch materials abound, with truly impressive blond wood accents that add plenty of visual pop. With all rows upright, there is 17.9 cubic feet of space aft of the third row, but available cubes jumps all the way up to 75.9 when the second and third row seats are stowed. The general largesse of the MKT is also evident in the cockpit, as both leg room and hip clearance is plentiful.

The MKT starts with a touch of a button. The twin turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 boasts 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 RPM all the way to 5,250 RPM, resulting in healthy, lag-free acceleration in almost any situation. Ford’s claim of the EcoBoost V6 delivering the power of a V8 with the fuel economy of a six-pot are born out through the numbers, returning an EPA-tested 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The EcoBoost V6 sounds good, too, with a quiet roar on heavy acceleration, and the MKT doesn’t just win in terms of power, either, as the large crossover proved to be more agile in the curves while sporting a more impressive, quieter cabin. The MKT is most certainly a fine entry in the large luxury crossover market, though, and that might be all that’s needed to keep Lincoln buyers in the family when the time comes to trade in their aging Navigator.

The 2010 Lincoln Navigator combines classic Lincoln design and amenities with the functionality full-size SUV customers demand. The new Navigator has gotten safety technology upgrades that bring it to a new level of safety, and a leader in the luxury SUV market. For 2010, the Lincoln Navigator and Navigator L come with the convenience of standard SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment. SYNC brings hands free cell phone use, 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Reports, and Traffic, Directions & Information services to the Navigator.

Another innovative feature is MyKey. To help encourage safer teen driving, MyKey allows parents to program the key through the vehicle message center to incorporate features such as alimited top speed, an audio system volume limited to 44 percent of maximum volume, and a speed alert chime at 45, 55 and 65 mph.

For 2010, Navigator’s exclusive AdvanceTrac with RSC is joined by standard Trailer Sway Control.  Trailer Sway Control is a technology that has brought the Navigator to new levels of safety.  It works in conjunction with AdvanceTrac with RSC to determine from the yaw motion of the vehicle if the trailer is swaying and takes measures – such as applying precise braking or reduced engine torque – to help bring both vehicle and trailer under control.  AdvanceTrac with RSC utilizes a second gyroscopic roll rate sensor to determine the vehicle’s body roll angle and roll rate. If the unique roll rate sensor detects a significant roll angle, the system applies additional countermeasures – such as applying brakes to one or more wheels or reducing engine power – to enhance vehicle rollover resistance.

Another safety technology that the Navigator is equipped with is the SOS Post-Crash Alert System, where the horn and emergency flashers are activated in an airbag deployment event. Other safety features include Safety Canopy side-curtain air bags with rollover detection and dual-stage front air bags that deploy with varying power based on crash severity, the driver’s seat position and safety-belt usage. Front seat-mounted side air bags provide enhanced protection in the event of a side impact, while SYNC with 911 Assist can call for help.

Other standard features include the Easy Fuel capless fuel-filler system, anti-theft perimeter alarm system, second-row heated seats and rain sensing wipers that use an advanced optical sensing system to detect how hard rain or snow is falling, then determine when to activate windshield wipers and how fast to run the wiper motor.