Lincoln Discontinues 3.7-liter MKT AWD Model, Reduces EcoBoost Price

We are a big fan of Ford's EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6 engine here at CarThrottle. It does duty in a variety of cars, and ones that we've tested like the Ford Flex EcoBoost, Taurus SHO and Lincoln MKT.

We thought the MKT was an impressive and appealing entry into the luxury crossover segment for Lincoln. For the 2012 model year, the MKT is about to get even more appealing, thanks to a reduction in price.

For 2012, the all-wheel drive EcoBoost MKT starts at just $46,295. That is the same price as last year's all-wheel drive 3.7-liter V-6 model. Apparently, the take rate on the 3.7-liter with AWD was quite low. For 2012, that model has been discontinued in favor of the EcoBoost-powered car, which makes 335 horsepower.

With last year's 3.7-liter V-6 making 270 horsepower, we can see why buyers were skipping over the less-powerful option for the EcoBoost. To us, AWD and EcoBoost is a key part of the MKT's value proposition - we wouldn't have ordered it any other way.

Other buyers seem to agree large percentages spring for loaded MKTs with EcoBoost, giving it a high average selling price. This indicates the MKT has a foothold in the upper end of the crossover market.

Maybe this move will help attract more buyers to the MKT, thanks to a lower price. The 3.7-liter front-wheel drive model is still available, and it checks in at $44,300. For just $2,000 more though the EcoBoost MKT looks like a much better deal.