2008 Lincoln MKX Review

The competitively priced Lincoln MKX has the roominess of an SUV and more carlike ride and handling than traditional SUVs. Sales are ahead of last year, although Lincoln's major challenge is drawing more buyers of premium mid-size SUVs to check out this vehicle.

Lincoln, which has been making a comeback, once never had a problem drawing folks to its vehicles because Lincolns and Cadillacs ruled the American luxury car road.

The mid-size MKX has front- or all-wheel drive and is based on the Ford Edge SUV, with such things as the same 265-horsepower V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission. But the MKX has different styling, more upscale interior, slightly softer ride and additional standard equipment, besides 18-inch machined-aluminum Euroflange wheels.

The mid-size MKX has front- or all-wheel drive and is based on the Ford Edge SUV, with such things as the same 265-horsepower V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission. But the MKX has different styling, more upscale interior, slightly softer ride and additional standard equipment, besides 18-inch machined-aluminum Euroflange wheels.

In all, the MKX is handsomer, quieter and more upscale than the Edge. For instance, the MKX has leather upholstery, which is in a $1,675 option package for the $25,565-$32,305 Edge, which can't be had with the MKX's wood trim.

Like the Edge, the MKX uses Mazda's versatile Mazda 6 platform -- also used for the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedans.

The MKX could qualify as a crossover vehicle and the luxury SUV/crossover market is very competitive. But MKX sales for the first three months this year totaled 9,332 units, up from 7,063 in the same year-ago period despite a declining vehicle market.

One reason the $35,605-$37,355 MKX is doing well is that it costs less than rivals in a more price-conscious economy. For instance, the rival Lexus RX costs $37,400-$38,800 with a V-6, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class V-6 models are $44,00 to $45,000.

The MKX is loaded with standard comfort and convenience items, including previously optional heated/cooled power front bucket seats and a driver memory system for the driver's seat and mirrors. Also newly standard are a rear-obstacle-detection system and Ford Motor's Sync voice-activated control for cell phones and MP3 players.

The MKX has all the power accessories expected in a luxury vehicle, besides dual-zone automatic climate controls, cruise control, four power points and an AM/FM radio with an in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer -- and six speakers. You even get a full-size spare tire.

My test MKX had the new $1,095 Limited Edition Package, which contains 20-inch chrome alloy wheels, upgraded leather upholstery and unique interior and exterior trim. The wheels can be bought separately for $895, but the $1,295 Ultimate Package is needed to get them. That package contains a convenient power tailgate, steering-linked adaptive headlights that swivel around curves and a remote release for the split-folding rear seat.

Those who really want to splurge can get the $4,595 Elite Package, which features a power panoramic sunroof, voice-activated navigation system and THX sound system. Heated rear seats are $295.

Standard safety items include front-side and curtain-side air bags with rollover deployment, antilock all-disc brakes and an anti-skid system with rollover sensors.

The sophisticated dual-overhead-camshaft V-6 provides strong, linear acceleration, although the MKX is heavy at 4,350-4,550 pounds. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly. It has no manual-shift feature, although that's really not needed for a luxury vehicle with all those transmission speeds.

Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg in the city and 24 on highways with front-drive and 15 and 22 with all-wheel drive. Only regular-grade gasoline is needed.

The all-wheel-drive system is for use on slippery roads and not for challenging off-road excursions. It keeps the MKX in more-economical front-drive mode unless the front wheels lose all or some traction.

The MKX rides, handles and stops like a full-size car. It's no sports SUV, despite such items as chrome-tip dual exhausts that might indicate it is. But it can be comfortably driven fairly quickly, partly because its wheels are at the far corners of its crisply styled body for better stability -- and to allow a longer wheelbase for a more comfortable ride and roomier interior.

It's fairly easy to get in and out. Front seats are outstanding and the all-day comfortable split rear seat reclines. Occupants sit high, and there's good room for four tall occupants. Five fit if those in back are on the slender side. No third-row seat is available, but the third-seat area would be very tight if it were.

Gauges are stylish, and controls are well-marked. But drivers with shorter arms might have to stretch to reach the navigation system's touch screen controls, which activate most audio system functions.

A high rear window limits driver visibility, and no backup camera is offered. But the newly standard rear-obstacle detection system helps here.

The roomy cargo area has a low, wide opening, and the folding rear seatbacks significantly enlarge it.

The heavy hood is held open with a prop rod, instead of more convenient hydraulic struts usually found in luxury vehicles. But fluid filler areas can be easily reached.

The MKX is helping Lincoln's fortunes -- it was the automaker's second-best-selling model in the first quarter, closely behind the MKZ sedan.

2008 LINCOLN MKX
Prices: $35,605-$37,355

Likes: Luxurious. Roomy. Quick. Carlike ride and handling. Competitively priced. More standard equipment.

Dislikes: Just a prop rod for heavy hood. Long reach for some to navigation screen.