2010 Lincoln MKT
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently updated its testing regime to better reflect the outcomes of real-world accidents, namely to simulate the result of an accident between different sized vehicles. This saw ratings for many small cars revised downwards and reinforced the age old adage that size does matter when it comes to crash safety.
The new tests haven’t managed to negatively impact on the new 2010 Lincoln MKT, however, as the three-row luxury crossover has just been awarded the Institute’s Top Safety Pick award. Significant improvements in protection for people in rear crashes highlight the latest changes incorporated in the new model, with most of the praise being awarded for the vehicle’s new seat designs.
The MKT was also praised for its side air bags that are designed to deploy up to 30% earlier than traditional air bag systems, as well as a segment-first, forward collision warning system.
To qualify for the Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic stability control.
Incidentally, when it comes to safety, Ford (and its Lincoln and Mercury subsidiaries) is one of the leaders in the industry. Last year Ford topped the list of automakers with the highest number of Top Safety Pick awards, with no less than 16 titles to its name.
