What is the Lincoln equivalent to the Ford Flex?
The Lincoln MKT was the direct Lincoln counterpart to Ford’s boxy, three-row Flex, produced from 2009 to 2019. Both models shared a family of components and a similar footprint, and both were discontinued around the same time.
In this article, we explore how the MKT served as the premium twin to the Flex, how the two models compared in terms of design and practicality, and what Lincoln offers today as the closest modern substitutes in the three-row SUV segment.
The Lincoln MKT as the direct counterpart
The MKT was introduced as Lincoln’s premium sibling to the Ford Flex, sharing most of its underlying engineering and seating layout for up to seven passengers. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking Lincoln-level luxury in a practical three-row crossover, and both models were produced during the same era before being retired by 2019.
Shared traits and notable differences
Below is a look at how the two models lined up in the market: similarities that reflected their shared roots, and differences that reflected Ford’s mass-market versus Lincoln’s luxury branding.
- Three-row seating with flexible cargo space
- Boxy, family-oriented crossover silhouette
- Premium interior and trim levels on the Lincoln that contrasted with the Ford counterpart
- Discontinued around 2019, leaving a gap in the lineup for a large, three-row crossover
Conclusion: The Lincoln MKT served as the direct Lincoln counterpart to the Ford Flex, delivering a similar formula with a premium brand emphasis, before both were retired.
Current Lincoln three-row lineup and the closest modern substitute
With the Flex and MKT out of production, Lincoln now positions its three-row vehicles with the Navigator and Aviator. The Aviator is the smaller, more affordable current Lincoln three-row that most closely resembles the old Flex in size and functionality, while the Navigator remains the larger, flagship option.
- Lincoln Aviator: a mid-size three-row luxury SUV introduced in 2020, sharing engineering with the Ford Explorer lineage while wearing Lincoln’s luxury polish
- Lincoln Navigator: full-size three-row luxury SUV with extensive interior space and power
Conclusion: The Aviator represents the closest modern Lincoln substitute in the three-row segment, while the Navigator offers the premium flagship alternative for buyers needing more space.
Summary
The Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT were siblings in design and market, thriving together for a decade before both ended production. In today’s lineup, Lincoln’s closest three-row options are the Aviator and Navigator, with the Aviator serving as the most direct contemporary parallel to the old Flex in terms of footprint and luxury orientation.
