2008 Lincoln MKX Review
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Overview

The Lincoln MKX is an upscale alternative to the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano, offering the features of pricier crossovers from Acura, BMW, Infiniti, and Lexus. Introduced for the 2007 model year, the MKX is a crossover utility vehicle, or CUV, meaning it has the roominess and cargo capacity of an SUV but is built like a car for improved fuel economy, a smoother ride and better handling.

The MKX seats five in spacious comfort with room left over for baggage. Rather than offering a third row, the MKX offers stretch-out room for two rows of seats. It offers heated seats, a glass moonroof, DVD rear-seat entertainment, and other luxury features. It's perfect for realtors and other professionals who need a vehicle for ferrying clients that's easy to get in and out and offers passengers good visibility. The MKX turns tighter than many sedans, making it easier to maneuver in crowded parking lots and other tight areas.

The MKX shows Lincoln heritage in ease of use. One doesn't have to climb in, familiarization with operating controls is quick, and driving characteristics are predictable. For many, the MKX is just the right blend between a luxury sedan and a full-size luxury SUV such as the Navigator.

The 2008 Lincoln MKX adds new features and equipment. Topping the list is Sync. Developed with Microsoft, Sync integrates cell phones and media players into the vehicle through Bluetooth technology and a USB interface. Sync comes standard on 2008 MKX models, along with Sirius satellite radio. Also available for 2008 are 20-inch wheels and a Limited Edition package with interior enhancements and special exterior trim.

The Lincoln MKX comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive costs about $1,700, and saps 1 EPA mile-per-gallon in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also adds slightly quicker gearing and larger brakes.

Model Lineup

The 2008 Lincoln MKX FWD ($35,605) and AWD ($37,355) models come with leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt/telescoping wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, heated and cooled 10-way power adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment, memory for the driver's seat and mirrors, 60/40 split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors with driver's side auto dimming, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, keyless keypad entry, AM/FM stereo with 6CD changer, auxiliary input jack, Sirius satellite radio, Sync entertainment and communications interface with voice recognition and dashboard controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, fog lights, and P245/60R18 tires on alloy wheels.

The Ultimate package ($1295) adds a power liftgate, remote release for split-folding rear seat, universal garage door opener, cargo management system, steering-linked adaptive headlights, and chromed alloy wheels. The Elite package ($4,595) features the Vista Roof with power sunshades and one opening and one fixed panel, a navigation system with voice recognition, and a 650-watt THX sound system with 14 speakers and dual subwoofers. The Limited Edition package has Ebony interior wood trim; premium leather seating in Charcoal Black with Medium Light Stone inserts and piping, chromed exterior door handles, and P245/50R20 tires on chromed alloy wheels. A Monochromatic version of this package adds body color front grille. A Trailer Tow Prep package ($395) has a heavy-duty cooling system and battery, a Class II trailer hitch receiver, and a four-pin connector. Standalone options include the navigation system ($1995); DVD entertainment ($1,295); the THX sound system ($995); heated rear seats ($295); remote engine starting ($295); rubber floormats ($54); White Chocolate Clearcoat paint ($495); roof rails ($95); and 20-inch chromed alloy wheels ($895).

Safety features include dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags with rollover deployment, tire-pressure monitor, rear park assist, antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control with Lincoln's Roll Stability Control rollover mitigation system.