2009 Lincoln MKX Performance Review

May 4, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

all-wheel drive reduces mileage by only 1 highway mpg
Edmunds

fast enough for most situations though won't stir your soul
Autoblog

freeway cruising is a confident, smooth affair
Car and Driver

Some reviewers are disappointed that the 2009 Lincoln MKX offers only one engine choice. Fortunately, it's a pretty decent one.

ConsumerGuide finds that the 3.5-liter V-6 powering the 2009 Lincoln MKX provides "smooth, linear power for good around-town response." That's high praise—especially considering how much the 2009 Lincoln MKX weighs. Kelley Blue Book agrees, claiming that they find the Lincoln MKX's "acceleration subjectively excellent from rest or almost any speed." Autoblog generally concurs, though it notes that the MKX's performance "won't stir your soul." Reviewers at Cars.com love the "six-speed automatic" linked to the engine and "have no complaints about the character of the acceleration or how quickly the transmission...responds to the demands of a fidgety right foot."

The EPA estimates that the 2009 Lincoln MKX will return 16 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway for the front-wheel-drive version, and Edmunds notes that "all-wheel drive reduces mileage by only 1 highway mpg."

There are unfortunately a few key performance areas where the 2009 Lincoln MKX leaves a lot to be desired. Cars.com is disappointed in the braking and says "the pedal is mushy and needs more pressure than it should." Edmunds refers (generously) to stopping in the Lincoln MKX 2009 as "an adventure," finding that the "MKX took 146 feet to stop from 60 mph," a distance that is "much longer than virtually every other luxury crossover."

Despite the braking problems, the Lincoln MKX 2009 redeems itself in terms of handling and driving characteristics. Autoblog also loves the 2009 Lincoln MKX here, finding that road imperfections are "soaked up very well by the Lincoln's fully independent suspension." Cars.com appreciates that "the steering feels natural and the center of gravity is low, providing a grounded feeling." ConsumerGuide credits the comfortable suspension with keeping the MKX feeling "confident and controlled," although "body lean and noseplow are evident in brisk cornering."

Conclusion

The 2009 Lincoln MKX has a gutsy powertrain and good handling but falls a bit short in braking.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:all-wheel drive reduces mileage by only 1 highway mpgEdmundsfast enough for most situations though won't stir your soulAutoblogfreeway cruising is a confident, smooth affairCar and Driver Some reviewers are disappointed that the 2009 Lincoln MKX offers only one engine choice. Fortunately, it's a pretty decent one. ConsumerGuide finds that the 3.5-liter V-6 powering the 2009 Lincoln MKX provides "smooth, linear power for good around-town response." That's high praise—especially considering how much the 2009 Lincoln MKX weighs. Kelley Blue Book agrees, claiming that they find the Lincoln MKX's "acceleration subjectively excellent from rest or almost any speed." Autoblog generally concurs, though it notes that the MKX's performance "won't stir your soul." Reviewers at Cars.com love the "six-speed automatic" linked to the engine and "have no complaints about the character of the acceleration or how quickly the transmission...responds to the demands of a fidgety right foot." The EPA estimates that the 2009 Lincoln MKX will return 16 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway for the front-wheel-drive version, and Edmunds notes that "all-wheel drive reduces mileage by only 1 highway mpg." There are unfortunately a few key performance areas where the 2009 Lincoln MKX leaves a lot to be desired. Cars.com is disappointed in the braking and says "the pedal is mushy and needs more pressure than it should." Edmunds refers (generously) to stopping in the Lincoln MKX 2009 as "an adventure," finding that the "MKX took 146 feet to stop from 60 mph," a distance that is "much longer than virtually every other luxury crossover." Despite the braking problems, the Lincoln MKX 2009 redeems itself in terms of handling and driving characteristics. Autoblog also loves the 2009 Lincoln MKX here, finding that road imperfections are "soaked up very well by the Lincoln's fully independent suspension." Cars.com appreciates that "the steering feels natural and the center of gravity is low, providing a grounded feeling." ConsumerGuide credits the comfortable suspension with keeping the MKX feeling "confident and controlled," although "body lean and noseplow are evident in brisk cornering." ConclusionThe 2009 Lincoln MKX has a gutsy powertrain and good handling but falls a bit short in braking. 2009 LINCOLN MKX STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: "interior isn't even in the same league, much less ballpark, as its luxury competition" Cars.com: "chrome cheese-grater grille is distinctive" Kelley Blue Book: "noticeably devoid of gratuitous chrome" The 2009 Lincoln MKX ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Lexus RX 350 is the bogie for Lincoln, but the RX isn’t that engaging to drive and can be tough to find in crowded mall parking lots. The 2009 Lincoln MKX is more engaging to drive, but it can't match the level of refinement achieved by the RX 350. Dynamically, the Acura MDX is a better-handling vehicle than the 2009 Lincoln MKX, as is the rear-wheel-drive Cadillac SRX. If you put a high value on performance, the SRX and BMW X5 offer optional V-8 engines.

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See the Lincoln MKX in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (1 total)

  1. By  r4i software #1, Posted: 11/12/2009

    The 2009 Lincoln MKS is a star when it comes to in-cabin entertainment and information sources, especially at its price. But you will have to be content with a comfortable, rather than sporty, ride.

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