Lincoln MKX

2010 Detroit Auto Show

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Shopping for a 2012 Lincoln MKX? MSRP: $39,545 - $41,395

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The Lincoln MKX is a mid-size crossover luxury utility vehicle, aimed at those who want a luxurious, feature-laden vehicle for city and highway comfort. The MKX, which is closely related to the Ford Edge, does not offer a third row of seating, nor is it equipped for rock-scrambling or any tougher off-roading tasks. Top alternatives include the Lexus RX 350, Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, Buick Enclave, and Volvo XC90.

Originally slated to inherit the Aviator name, which had been applied to its slow-selling Ford Explorer-based predecessor, Lincoln's crossover instead got the MKX badge when it was introduced for the 2007 model year, fitting in with Lincoln's other MK-prefaced models like the MKZ sedan.

Aside from the different grille the MKX's similarities to the Edge are easy to see from the outside, but the Lincoln looks significantly different on the inside, with satin-nickel and wood trim and upgraded upholstery. The MKX is also significantly quieter, with more sound-deadening material and an acoustic windshield.

The MKZ has an amazing feature set, even when compared against the segment benchmark, the Lexus RX 350. In a single trim, the MKX comes with standard perforated leather heated-and-cooled seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear park assist, among many other features, and options (some of them in packages) include heated rear seats, DVD entertainment, adaptive headlamps, and a power liftgate. An EasyFold remote seat-folding feature is also on offer, and the MKX offered the long Vista Roof, as offered in the closely related Ford Edge. All MKX models have two rows of seating and decent space for five adults, though cargo space isn't quite as ample as in some other crossover models.

Power, is provided by the same V-6 engine as in the Edge, with a six-speed automatic transmission and a choice of either front- or all-wheel drive. The driving experience isn't very sporty, and there's no way to command shifts when the road turns hilly and curvy, but the MKX handles quite well for such a heavy vehicle. Ride quality is excellent as well—firm enough to yield good driver control but not so soft as to be bouncy and wallowy like many Lincolns of the past. The MKX doesn't offer the turbocharged four-cylinder that's new to the Edge, though, and fuel economy is a bit above average, at 19/26 mpg.

Ford's Sync system, which permits voice-activated interfacing with cellphones, media players, and other devices, became available in 2008. It's standard on the new MKX, which arrived for the 2011 model year with refined styling inside and out, and slightly better performance from a retuned suspension and Ford's new 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6. Also standard: the newly designed instrument panel featuring the all-new MyLincoln Touch touch-screen system, which integrates voice controls, navigation and sound system functions, and personal phones and audio devices, as well as in-car wi-fi using Ford's Sync interface. It's a controversial system and a complex one to use, if you're unaccustomed to it--but it's a tech showpiece that no other brand offers.