The Ford Fusion and Ford Escape will serve as the basis for two important new Lincoln crossovers coming in a few years. Though the MKZ is a strong performer for the luxury brand, the two upcoming crossovers may carry Lincoln forward in the same way Lexus relies on the RX crossover.
We've reported before on the upcoming Lincoln compact crossover, which is likely to use the Ford Escape platform as a base. Considering the Escape placed first in a recent Motor Trend comparison test and can be optioned to about $37,000 with such premium features as HID headlights, a hands-free liftgate, the Lincoln crossover should fit in well with competitors from Audi and Acura. The Lincoln-badged crossover should arrive in calendar year 2014 and may have different seat locations, glass, and powertrains from the Ford Escape, Automotive News speculates.
Also set for the 2014 calendar year is a new Lincoln MKX crossover. Though the current model is a rebadged Edge, the next-generation MKX may be based on the 2013 Ford Fusion and use the same engine options offered on the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, including an EcoBoost 2.0-liter I-4, hybrid four-cylinder, and V-6. As for the Lincoln MKT, that large crossover may see a minor boost in sales over the next year or two if the livery market accepts the MKT Town Car as a decent Town Car replacement. Sales of the MKT total 4386 units through July, just five vehicles more than the Navigator SUV, which may at last get refreshed in 2014 or 2015 with an EcoBoost V-6 engine option.