The regular-length LT accelerates adequately, with enough muscle for most towing and hauling chores. But highway-speed passing power and overall responsiveness rank as mediocre. Fuel economy falls short, too. A test Mark LT averaged 14.1 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. At least, the Mark LT uses regular-grade fuel. Ride quality differs little from an F-150 SuperCrew 4WD, which means it's reasonably composed at speed and over big dips and swells. The long wheelbase and hefty weight take shocks out of pavement cracks and ridges. Nevertheless, the LT's chassis shows annoying jiggle and quiver over most bumps and ripples. Handling is ponderous in tight maneuvers, but the LT offers accurate, nicely weighted steering and good control in most changes of direction. Like all pickups, the tail hops in bumpy corners. Brakes feel strong and easily modulated, but simulated panic stops induce considerable nosedive. The Mark LT's 4WD system has low-range gearing for severe off-road duty; but unlike rivals' systems, it should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Mark LTs emit the same subdued road and wind noise as an F-150 SuperCrew, along with similar engine characteristics: quiet cruising, with slightly intrusive roar in rapid acceleration. Even so, better sound insulation is expected of a Lincoln. Main gauges are unobstructed and attractively backlit in white, though markings are too small to suit some drivers. Controls for audio and automatic climate systems are slightly undersized. The turn-signal/windshield-wiper stalk is too short. Steering wheel buttons for audio, climate, and cruise functions, are not positioned or marked for easy use. Standard leather upholstery is no more impressive than in a top-line F-150 model. LT puts slightly nicer finishes on interior panels, but they're a veneer over the same hollow feeling, hard plastic surfaces used in its Ford cousin. Glovebox and ashtray doors, and the console-mounted transmission shift lever, suffer particularly low-budget movement and feel. Front occupants get ample head and legroom. Seats are firm and flat, but comfortable. Step-in is tall, but big doors allow easy entry/exit. Still, we prefer the optional running boards. Outward visibility is unobstructed. Rear-seat riders enjoy copious headspace and good--but not great--legroom. The poorly contoured seat has stingy thigh support and an uncomfortably upright backrest. Entry/exit is awkward. The optional power sliding rear window is a welcome convenience, if one can be found. Backseat bottoms tip up to increase storage, but seat-frame corners jut into cargo space. Generously-sized map pockets are in all doors. An optional tubular bed extender would enhance cargo-box utility, but the bed itself is bare metal. A factory-standard integrated bed liner would have been appropriate for the LT's upscale aspirations.

Value for the Money
Lincoln shouldn't be faulted for taking advantage of a ready market niche with a lavishly gilded version of the solid Ford F-150 SuperCrew. However, the company could be censured for doing so little to upgrade the interior to truly premium levels of feel and functions. Lincoln disappoints most by denying the LT important features that are expected at this level: an antiskid system, head-protecting curtain side airbags, all-wheel drive, and an engine distinct from that available in an F-150.