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Why did Lincoln stop making the MKT?

Lincoln, the luxury vehicle division of Ford Motor Company, discontinued the MKT crossover SUV in 2020 after nearly a decade on the market. The decision to stop producing the MKT was driven by a combination of factors, including declining sales, shifting consumer preferences, and Lincoln's broader strategic realignment.


Declining Sales of the MKT


The MKT was introduced in 2009 as Lincoln's answer to the growing demand for luxury crossover SUVs. However, the model never gained significant traction in the market. Sales of the MKT steadily declined over the years, with just 3,009 units sold in 2019, down from a peak of 13,569 in 2010. This poor sales performance was a key factor in Lincoln's decision to discontinue the model.


Shifting Consumer Preferences


The decline of the MKT was also influenced by changing consumer preferences in the luxury vehicle market. Buyers increasingly favored more traditional SUV and crossover models, such as the Lincoln Navigator and Nautilus, over the MKT's unique, three-row design. The MKT's distinctive styling and positioning as a "crossover" rather than a traditional SUV may have contributed to its lack of appeal with luxury buyers.


Lincoln's Strategic Realignment


The discontinuation of the MKT was part of a broader strategic realignment at Lincoln, as the brand sought to refocus its lineup and better compete with other luxury automakers. Lincoln has been placing a greater emphasis on SUVs and crossovers, such as the Aviator and Nautilus, while phasing out slower-selling models like the MKT. This shift in focus aligns with the overall industry trend towards larger, more versatile vehicles, and allows Lincoln to better meet the evolving needs and preferences of its target customers.


In summary, the decision to stop producing the Lincoln MKT was driven by a combination of poor sales performance, shifting consumer preferences in the luxury vehicle market, and Lincoln's strategic realignment towards a more SUV-focused lineup. These factors ultimately led to the discontinuation of the MKT after nearly a decade on the market.

Are Lincoln MKT expensive to maintain?


According to RepairPal, it costs an average of $879 per year to maintain and repair a Lincoln model. This is lower than the average annual maintenance and repair expense for BMW ($968), Mercedes-Benz ($908), and Audi ($1,123) vehicles.



Why did Lincoln stop making pickup trucks?


Slow sales saw Ford stop selling the Lincoln Mark LT in North America after the release of the 2008 model truck, according to Edmund's Inside Line. It replaced the pick-up with a high-end Platinum trim version of the Ford F-150 in 2009. But the Mark LT was the maker's most successful pick-up in Mexico.



What is the Ford equivalent of the Lincoln MKT?


The Lincoln MKT is a luxury version of the Ford Flex, the retro-inspired three-row wagon that Lincoln's parent company sold throughout the 2010s. And that's not a bad thing. While the MKT ditches the Flex's funky styling in favor of a more upscale look, it retains its smooth and powerful EcoBoost powertrain.



What does MKT on a menu mean?


market
Traditionally throughout New England, and at many seafood restaurants"MKT" stands for "market" price. Hence, whatever the current retail price $ per pound is, that's what the establishment will charge.



What is the lifespan of the Lincoln MKT?


The Lincoln MKT has an average lifespan of 170,380 miles or about 13.1 years. The MKT's predicted lifespan is derived from over 300 million data points iSeeCars analyzed to determine this model's average lifespan.



What model replaced Lincoln MKT?


Lincoln Aviator



What year is Lincoln most reliable?


When all is considered, the most reliable Lincoln MKX model years are:

  • 2009 Lincoln MKX.
  • 2010 Lincoln MKX.
  • 2015 Lincoln MKX.
  • 2016 Lincoln MKX.
  • 2017 Lincoln MKX.
  • 2018 Lincoln MKX.



Does Lincoln MKT need premium gas?


Most Lincoln vehicles need regular unleaded fuel at the minimum, though premium fuel is recommended for every SUV for sale at our Lincoln dealership in Plymouth, MI.



Why was Lincoln MKT discontinued?


It's never been a strong seller, mainly due to its unusual exterior design. However, the MKT has sold quite well in two particular market segments: livery services and funeral hearses. Its planned successor, the upcoming Aviator, likely won't have the same appeal for livery companies.



What does MKT stand for on a Lincoln?


Touring
It is the second crossover in the Lincoln stable at the moment, positioned above the Lincoln MKX and below the full-sized Lincoln Navigator (a sports utility vehicle, not a crossover SUV). The MKT joins a list of Lincoln vehicles that start with “MK,” and the company says that the T stands for Touring.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.