2007 Lincoln MKX Review
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By G.R. Whale

Overview

The Lincoln MKX is an all-new crossover SUV. Sharing its car-like structure with the Ford Edge, the new Lincoln MKX offers many of the features of pricier SUVs for less cash, and serves as a step up from generic, high-volume SUVs. It offers a smoother ride and better handling than traditional truck-based SUVs and gets better fuel economy. The tight turning radius of the MKX makes maneuvering in crowded areas easy.

MKX is a five-passenger vehicle. Lincoln eschewed cramming in a third row where it doesn't belong, prioritizing spacious comfort for five and their baggage. Sure, a third row could have been shoehorned in, and four or five people would be squished and luggage left behind as a result. Better to provide Lincoln's stretch-out room front and rear, along with features like heated seats and a glass roof or DVD entertainment so rear passengers don't feel like second-class citizens. Realtors and other service professionals may find this new Lincoln ideal for ferrying clients, especially those who appreciate a good view out.

The MKX shows Lincoln heritage in ease of use. Getting in and out is easy, familiarization with operating controls is quick, and the driving characteristics are predictable. In terms of cargo carrying ability, the MKX can carry more stuff than a luxury sedan though not as much as a full-size SUV such as the Navigator.

The new Lincoln MKX competes with the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX, and Lexus RX. However, the Lincoln MKX may represent a better value than many of those competitors, as even fully loaded with all-wheel drive, navigation, big sound and so on, it doesn't top $45,000.

Model Lineup

The Lincoln MKX comes with front-wheel drive ($34,120) or all-wheel drive ($35,770). MKX comes well-equipped with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, wood-and-leather steering wheel, and lots of chrome trim.

Options include Panoramic Vista Roof with power shades ($1,895); Sirius Satellite Radio ($195); DVD navigation system ($1,995) which includes THX-certified sound system (650 watts, 14 speakers with dual subwoofers), rear-seat entertainment system with eight-inch screen, remote control and second-row wireless headphones; heated front seats ($295); heated rear seats ($295); roof rack and rails; adaptive headlights; power liftgate; reverse proximity sensors ($245); Class II tow package ($295) with 3,500 pound rating. The rear-seat entertainment system cannot be combined with the Vista Roof.

Safety features include frontal airbags, side-impact airbags and curtain airbags. ABS and electronic stability control come standard on AWD models and are available on FWD models.