Lincoln MKX is a crossover but exudes a high-end car's frills
The new Lincoln MKX crossover vehicle isn't a car, but it strikes me as being more reminiscent of luxurious old Lincolns than the also-new Lincoln MKZ sedan. That's partly because the MKX has larger dimensions than the MKZ.
That's partly because the MKX has larger dimensions than the MKZ (Jan. 8 AutoTimes), besides lots of room and a carefully tailored interior with leather upholstery and wood trim.
As with the best crossover vehicles, the MKX has nearly carlike ride and handling because it's loosely based on the sporty Mazda 6 sedan. (Ford owns a good chunk of Japan's Mazda.)
Front-wheel drive is on the standard $34,120 MKX, while all-wheel drive is on the $35,770 version. That puts it at the lower end of the premium midsize crossover class.
The all-wheel drive system is for use on slippery roads, not for rugged off-road excursions. It remains in more-economical front-drive mode until front wheels lose some or all traction.
The MKX shares a new 3.5-liter, 265-horsepower V-6 with the new Ford Edge crossover (Nov. 20 AutoTimes), but it provides enough power for strong acceleration despite the fact that the MKX has hefty curb weights ranging from about 4,200 to 4,450 pounds.
All that weight doesn't allow sparkling fuel economy, but economy numbers aren't bad: The MKX provides an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway with front-drive and 17 and 24 with all-wheel drive. Only regular-grade fuel is needed.
The dual-overhead-camshaft engine works with an advanced six-speed automatic transmission. It upshifts smoothly and downshifts quickly for fast passing maneuvers. It has no manual shift feature, but that isn't really needed for a luxury vehicle with all those gears.
Lots of sound insulation makes the V-6 in the MKX quieter than in the Edge during hard acceleration. In fact, this new Lincoln is exceptionally quiet in all respects -- as were older Lincolns.
Besides the V-6, the MKX is similar in many respects to the Edge. But it has different styling, a more upscale interior, slightly softer ride and more standard equipment. For instance, leather upholstery is optional for the Edge, and you can't get that Ford model with wood interior trim.
Lincolns had especially crisp styling in the 1960s, and so does the MKX. Its wheels are pulled to the far corners of its body for better stability and allow a longer wheelbase (distance between axles) for a more comfortable ride and a roomier interior.
There is no third-row seat -- and thank goodness for that because it would have created a seating area best suited to kids. Besides, Ford Motor offers a good number of vehicles with third-row seats.
There is comfortable room for four adults, and five occupants fit if the three in back are fairly slender. The middle of the third seat usually is too firm for comfort in most vehicles, but not in the MKX.
The power front bucket seats are comfortable, providing good all-around support. It's fairly easy to slide in and out, and occupants sit high. The stylish gauges can be quickly read, and controls are well-marked. But some drivers might have to stretch to reach the $1,995 navigation system's touch screen controls, which activate some audio system functions.
The roomy cargo area has a low, wide opening and folding rear seatbacks enlarge it. And there are plenty of cabin storage areas. A power rear hatch that's part of a $1,995 option package comes in handy when you have your arms full of groceries, although that package also contains handsome chrome alloy wheels not suited to the Chicago area's messy, salted winter roads.
The MKX isn't a sports crossover. It prefers conventional luxury vehicle-style driving, but its surprising how hard it can be driven comfortably. Big 18-inch tires on attractive alloy wheels help roadability, as does a suspension that doesn't get sloppy. However, the 60-series tires are designed more for ride comfort than sporty handling with their generally tall sidewalls.
Steering is direct, and the anti-lock all-disc brakes provide short, sure stops in normal driving.
Standard is an anti-skid system with rollover sensors, along with front side air bags and curtain side air bags with rollover deployment.
Also standard are air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate controls, cruise control, AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, rear privacy glass and a full-size spare tire. There also are the usual power accessories and remote keyless entry, besides heated power mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Options include heated/ cooled front seats and heated rear seats. There's also a $1,895 power panoramic glass roof that covers the entire seating area and has a sliding front sunroof.
Music lovers should appreciate the upscale $995 THX sound system. And every MKX driver should appreciate the $245 rear-obstacle detection system. Sirius satellite radio is $195.
Such an upscale vehicle should have hydraulic struts, not an old-fashioned hood prop, to keep its heavy hood open when, say, one is checking the engine oil level. However, all fluid filler areas can be easily reached without soiling clothes in messy weather.
One problem for the MKX is attracting folks to check it out because it's questionable if the Lincoln brand has sufficient cache to draw people from prestigious foreign crossovers. It'd be a shame if they didn't give the MKX a try.
2007 Lincoln MKX PRICE: $34,120-$35,770
LIKES: Strong V-6. Smooth. Roomy. Quiet. Posh interior. Well-equipped.
DISLIKES: A stretch to reach navigation touch screen and controls. Only a prop rod for heavy hood.