Ford takes a forceful step or two in a positive direction in a couple of key areas with the 2013 Lincoln MKT when it comes to competing in the luxury crossover market.

The MKT already offered an impressive ride and handling, and the 2013 version does nothing but up the ante in that regard. The vehicle also tends to score high marks for technological and overall enhancements in its cabin and safety gear.

The 2013 Lincoln MKT moves forward but a baby step on another front, however. Reviewers assessed the MKT’s exterior styling mostly as “unique” in recent years, with the thought that the car’s big and bold look was off-putting to some. The MKT gets a freshening for 2013 with a new grille and front fascia that tone down the brash appearance a bit and give the vehicle a wider and somewhat less vertical visage from the front. Whether the new look will appeal to a broader selection of buyers remains to be seen.

What most experts seem to agree on is that car buyers who get past the looks will find plenty to like in the 2013 Lincoln MKT, a 3-row vehicle that seats 6 or 7.

Upgrades for the 2013 Lincoln MKT include a more powerful engine in the standard trim that starts a few thousand dollars short of the $50,000 mark. The 3.7L's 3.7-liter V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing gets a bump up to 300 hp, an increase of 32 ponies, with 275 lb-ft of torque. This setup rates 17 mpg city/25 highway for fuel mileage.

The second of the two trims, the 2013 Lincoln MKT 3.5 Ecoboost V6 AWD, boasts 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, mileage marks of 16/22 and all-wheel drive. The two trims utilize two versions of the 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, both of which include paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.

Keyless entry/ignition, 19-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, rear parking sensors, tri-zone automatic climate control, a rear-view camera, 12-way heated and ventilated power front seats, mobile WiFi, Bluetooth with audio streaming and an 8-speaker sound system with CD player and satellite radio come standard on the 2013 Lincoln MKT.

An Elite package for the EcoBoost version includes a blind-spot monitoring system, navigation system, heated steering wheel and a 14-speaker sound system. EcoBoost buyers can also choose 20-inch wheels, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs and a second-row refrigerator console, among other options.

Sound-deadening materials have helped make the 2013 Lincoln MKT even more quiet than previous editions, and Ford has worked to improve the MKT’s handling and ride further by making an adaptive suspension and its related Lincoln Drive Control standard in the EcoBoost trim. Drivers choose between the base Normal setting; Sport, with its firmer damping and quicker throttle response; and Comfort, which softens the dampers and reduces steering effort.

The 2013 Lincoln MKT receives a freshening inside that includes new styling and materials. An updated instrument panel, refurbished Lincoln MyTouch system, wood trim and premium leather upholstery help boost the luxury quotient of the crossover. The MyTouch, experts say, is at least somewhat improved over the previous versions, which were too sensitive and at times difficult to use.

Lincoln loads the 2013 MKT with safety features, and the crossover scored well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. The 2013 Lincoln MKT comes standard with 6 airbags and an electronic traction and stability control system, and its antilock brakes are upgraded, too. The MyKey feature, which allows parents to restrict vehicle speed and audio volume for their young drivers, is also standard. High-tech systems that watch out for blind spots and alert the driver to lane changes are available, too.