2013 Lincoln MKT — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2013 Lincoln MKT

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $30,150–$37,570
Fuel Economy 10 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $5,250/yr

Key Specifications — 2013 Lincoln MKT

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$30,150–$37,570

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2013 Lincoln MKT

With an overall Carivo score of 6.6/10, the 2013 Lincoln MKT earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.6/10, while Performance at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.3/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.6/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.1/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.1/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $30,150–$37,570, 10 MPG, seating 7, the Lincoln MKT sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.3/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2013 Lincoln MKT, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability and value and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2013 Lincoln MKT ranks #2331 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 5% of the segment. Its 6.6/10 overall score is 0.8 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $30,150 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 16%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which MKT Year Should You Buy?

Across the MKT model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2014 6.6/10$31,499 Read review →
2013 (this review) 6.6/10$30,150
2012 6.6/10$28,800 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2013 Lincoln MKT

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 10 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2013 Lincoln MKT (7 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Electrical system
24/03/2015 · 15V172000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Lincoln MKT vehicles with a limousine or hearse preparation package, manufactured March 6, 2012, to March 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the vacuum pump relay may overheat due to an…
Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump
25/08/2016 · 16V621000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel…
Fuel system, gasoline
02/12/2015 · 15V812000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel…
Steering / Electric power assist system
02/06/2015 · 15V340000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles…
Power train / Axle assembly / Axle shaft
02/07/2014 · 14V393000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013;…

Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

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