2008 Lincoln MKX Review

PROS
Comfortable ride, Just the right size, First-class accommodations at a business-class rate

CONS
Noisy for the class, Flat and unsupportive seats, Clunky Transmission

Lincoln's crossover SUV gets more standard features and the SYNC voice-activated multimedia system for 2008. MKX is a five-passenger midsize wagon that competes with vehicles like the Acura MDX, Infiniti FX, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Volvo XC90. It sports front bucket seats with center console and a three-place rear bench seat. MKX shares chassis and engine with the Ford Edge.

A single model is offered with front- or all-wheel drive. Sole powertrain is a 265-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission does not offer a separate shift gate for manual operation, and the all-wheel-drive system does not include a low range and is not intended for severe off-road use.

Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, traction and stability control, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system, and front airbags, front-side, and curtain side airbags. The curtain airbags have a sensor that will trigger deployment in the event of a rollover. A back-up camera is not available.

Other standard features include air conditioning, tilt-telescope wood and leather steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated and cooled ten-way power front bucket seats, memory system, split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, Bluetooth cell phone link, SYNC voice recognition system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, and alloy wheels.

Key options include remote releases for the rear seatbacks, power lift gate, panoramic sunroof, navigation system, THX-certified sound system, rear-seat DVD-entertainment system, and remote engine start. The front-drive MKX has a base price of $35,605, while the all-wheel drive model comes in at $37,355. Both models have a destination charge of $725 and are built in Canada.

Get up and Go
Given a healthy stab on the gas pedal, MKX accelerates quickly from stoplights and offers impressive passing power. The 3.5-liter V6 engine isn't overwhelming but does offer a "kick in the pants" that luxury buyers have come to expect. Towing capacity is 3500 pounds when equipped with the towing prep package.

Sadly, the engine isn't as smooth or refined as similar V6 engines offered in many competitors. The new six-speed transmission upshifts smoothly. However, it pauses too long when downshifting and sometimes bangs between gears when trying to cope with rush-hour stop-and-go commuting. That's disconcerting because this transmission is found in many other Ford Motor Company products.

The all-wheel-drive system is not intended for extreme off-road driving. Still, around town it does an excellent job of apportioning power to wheels with the most traction. Even on slippery, rain-soaked roads and on gravel driveways there's very little wheel slip.

The all-wheel-drive MKX sports EPA ratings of 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Those numbers are slightly below the norm for a midsize crossover. In routine driving don't expect to average better than 18 mpg. Though many other luxury SUVs crave expensive premium-grade fuel for best performance and economy, Lincoln says that the MKX will run fine on regular-grade fuel.

On the Road
MKX offers a comfortable ride with enough of a sporty feel to avoid dreaded SUV bouncing and bobbing. The suspension does a good job of absorbing minor impacts and softening large bumps. For some reason, the ride isn't as smooth in the back seat. That's not uncommon among SUVs, but it's something to note if you'll regularly be carrying four adults.

Drivers will appreciate the firm and accurate steering. Before you go thinking the MKX is as sporty of BMW X5 or Acura MDX, there is too much body lean in fast turns and nosedive in hard stops to call MKX confidence inspiring. Controlled might be a better description. Brakes are strong and the pedal is easy to modulate.

MKX suffers from too much road and wind noise at highway speeds to be considered one of the quieter luxury SUVs. There's more wind rush and tire roar when cruising than the Lexus RX or Cadillac SRX, for example. In addition, the 3.5-liter V6 growls harshly when accelerating.

Behind the Wheel
Though the MKX is unlike any other Lincoln on the outside, the interior is familiar in a refreshing and contemporary way. Traditional Lincoln buyers will immediately recognize the real wood, soft leather, and brushed-aluminum-look plastics. The design is modern and there are plenty of softly padded surfaces. Adding to the airy feel is the optional panoramic sunroof. It's extra large and features a second, fixed-glass panel over the rear seats.

Speedometer is a bit small and marked in vague 20 mph increments. That makes it hard to know your exact speed without a long glance. The navigation display is also slightly smaller than those offered in most competitors. At least it is easy to read day or night and placed high in the center of the dashboard. Audio and climate controls are easy to reach and clearly marked.

The standard SYNC voice-command system works to decrease driver distraction by allowing simple phone, audio, and navigation functions to be controlled by voice. In general it works well, but it does take time to master and doesn't always work as the driver intended. Once nice feature of SYNC is full control for most personal audio players. SYNC will index your MP3 player or iPod and allow you to control its functions with voice commands.

Front seats are firm and flat--a combination that isn't comfortable on long rides and doesn't hold occupants in place when the road grows twisty. Head and leg room are adequate for most adults, though those taller than 6-foot-2 might feel a little confined. Visibility is fine to the front and sides, but the small rear window really makes you appreciate the available rear-park assist. A rear-view camera would also be welcome and is offered by most competitors.

Second-row seats offer adult room and perhaps more long-haul comfort than the front seats. They also feature a large, padded drop down center armrest, which greatly increases rear-seat comfort. Step-in height is about average for the class and the door openings are sufficiently wide at the bottom for easy egress.

Cargo space is typical for five-passenger SUVs. Second-row seats fold flat to extent load area. Interior storage is unexceptional. Many competitors offer a deep center console box and open bins--Lincoln should take note. The close button for the power lift gate is on the side cargo area. This location is much more convenient for vertically challenged people than the traditional placement on the bottom of the lift gate.

Bottom Line
Give Lincoln engineers credit, MKX is an honest competitor to well-entrenched luxury SUVs and significantly more refined and luxurious than chassis-mate Ford Edge. Like Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, MKX doesn't break new ground in terms of handling dynamics, power, features, or comfort, but it does make more sense than a traditional truck-based SUV and has the advantage of aggressively low prices.

The addition of SYNC helps Lincoln distinguish MKX from its luxury competitors. Since, Lincoln isn't exactly known as a purveyor of luxury SUVs offing features like SYNC and a panoramic sunroof are key in marketing efforts. Given MKX's price advantage over similar-sized import crossovers, value-conscious shoppers would be wise to consider Lincoln when shopping for their next luxury SUV.