By KBB.com Editors
With the 2006 introduction of its mid-size Zephyr (now MKZ) sedan and a nicely reworked Navigator SUV for 2007, Lincoln is on a bit of a roll. This very nice new MKX crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a welcome addition to its stable. Lincoln is far from first to the car-based "crossover" party, but this all-new entry is fresh in terms of its generally excellent blend of style, function, features and driving dynamics. One thing it does not havesomewhat surprisingly, given its fairly substantial sizeis an available third-row seat. Three-seat CUV seekers can check out Ford's less expensive and more conservatively styled Freestyle, but there is no Lincoln version of that.
If the styling appeals, the features delight, the price is right and you're ready for a credible alternative to some better-known imports, this handsome new Lincoln CUV may be an excellent choice.
If you're not yet ready to welcome a "near luxury" Lincoln onto your crossover consideration list, or if your needs absolutely require a third-row seat, there are plenty of alternatives out there.
The feature-loaded MKX, Lincoln's first-ever CUV, is designed, equipped and priced to compete very well in the crowded near-luxury crossover segment, which includes the likes of the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X3, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX35/45, Lexus RX 350, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90 and the soon-to-come Buick Enclave. Its only major disadvantages are the lack of an available third-row seat and, arguably, its unfortunate contribution to the market's confusing hodge-podge of alpha-numeric names.
Driving Impressions We found the MKX's acceleration subjectively excellent from rest or almost any speed, though no manu-matic feature is provided for those who sometimes like to select their own gears. The...
MacPherson strut front suspension uses ride-smoothing hydro bushings on an isolated subframe. The four-link independent rear suspension has outboard rear shocks for improved wheel control. The available "intelligent" all-wheel drive monitors and predicts traction at all four wheels and delivers torque to those with the best grip. It all works surprisingly well to deliver a near-car-like ride and agile handling despite its 4,220-pound base curb weight. This may be the quietest Lincoln ever built, but (partly to accommodate the huge Vista Roof) there's no front passenger assist handle.Adaptive Front Lighting
The MKX's projector-beam headlights pivot with the steering to illuminate as much as 36 more feet of road during cornering.
Panoramic Vista Roof
A giant 27.3- by 29.4-inch optional forward sunroof slides open fully or tilts to vent at the touch of a switch, while a 15.75- by 31.3-inch fixed rear moon roof gives rear-seat passengers an overhead sky view. Dual power sunshades operate concurrently to block out glare when desired.
Interior
The ultra-quiet cabin features large, legible gauges and a well-organized center stack housing the audio and optional DVD navigation systems. Accents are satin nickel or optional wood, and interior lighting is cool white. The large, deep console box has adjustable inserts that can accommodate CDs, purses or laptop computers. The 60/40-split second-row seat provides impressive roominess in all dimensions and can fold forward into a level floor or recline up to 15 degrees with the same easy-to-use handle. The large rear liftgate opens to 31.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row or 68.7 with it folded.
Exterior
The MKX (unlike its full-size SUV big brother Navigator) is noticeably devoid of gratuitous chrome, or "bling." Its handsome look begins with a heritage Lincoln grille, integrated fog lamps and a steeply-sloped windshield, extends along its high-shouldered, flare-fendered flanks with blacked-out rocker panels and finishes with a fast-sloping rear window under an integrated roof spoiler, wrap-around taillights connected by edge-to-edge LEDs across the liftgate and sporty dual exhausts. To enhance its stance and optimize interior room, the standard 18-inch wheels are pushed as far as possible toward the corners.
The nicely-equipped Lincoln MKX comes with automatic headlamps, leather seating, eight-way power front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, dual air conditioning with particulate filter, six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, power rack-and-pinion steering, 18-inch machined-aluminum wheels, power heated mirrors, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry with keypad, premium MP3-capable audio with six-CD changer and three 12-volt outlets. Standard safety features include four-wheel disc four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control with Roll Stability Control (RSC) and six air bags: Dual-stage fronts, seat-mounted side bags and a Safety Canopy air-curtain system with rollover detection.
Among the many MKX options are chromed wheels, adaptive front lighting, a panoramic Vista Roof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, three choices of wood interior trim, a 600-watt, 14-speaker THX Certified audio system and DVD navigation with voice technology that can read turn-by-turn directions in three languages, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with an eight-inch drop-down screen, an Easy Fold remote switch that drops the second-row seats flat, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, an MP3 input jack and a fourth 12-volt outlet inside the console box for your iPod, cell phone, laptop or PDA.
The MKX's all-new 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve aluminum Duratec 35 V6 delivers 265 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque through a new six-speed multiple-clutch automatic transmission. It boasts variable intake cam timing, a dual-plenum intake manifold and a relatively high 10.3:1 compression ratio to optimize its balance of performance and efficiency.
3.5-liter V6
265 horsepower @ 6250 rpm
250 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 (FWD), 17/24 (AWD)
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Lincoln MKX vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 156 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.
Review this carBy Paul 25 (NY) on Friday, May 03, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 42,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Nice Ride"
Cons: "Better gas milage"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I have had many cars over my 54 years and have been driving since 17. This car is a must see and must drive. You cannot get a more complete vehicle."
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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By melrob (NC) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 130,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "great ride, great price, great value"
Cons: "no 3rd row seat"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"This car drives like a luxury vehicle. Is wider than the RX, about same as MDX. Drives/rides so smooth. Handles very nicely and feels roomy in front as well as the back seat. Have not had any issues with it at all during the past 6 years of owning and have over 130,000 miles. Easy to maintain."
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By Gerry (CA) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Great Vehicle for the money"
Cons: "None at this time.."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I have driven this car to another State and has given no problem or shown likelyhood of problems mechanically or electronically. Car is smooth, excellen breaking control with abs and has real positive steering wheel guidance. Firs american car I've learn to trust and love. Ride is smooth and quiet; comfortable seats and lots of leg space. All amenities installed in this car continue to perform excellently.. In my opinion, LINCOLN MKX is worth the investment I have so far expended. I have driven this car for almost two years, trouble free since I purchased the car.."
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful
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By carlover (IA) on Saturday, March 23, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "The price was right and yes I would recommend it."
Cons: "None"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I purchased the 2013 MKX after purchasing a 2013 Ford Explorer Limited and have no regrets at all. Every time I look at the Lincoln I know I made the right decesion. The MKX for me is the right vehicle because the Explorer seats 7 and I don't require that big vehicle and I like the 5 passenger style better. The MKX is great in all aspects so far and I have people turning heads often. There is not one thing I can say I don't like about the MKX. I wish it got 35 mpg but I knew the possible mpg when I bought the MKX so can't complain. Great car and fun to drive."
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful
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By Jo (AR) on Saturday, March 16, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,700
overall rating 3 of 10rating detailsPros: "Looks Good"
Cons: "The Ride"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1
"I have owned the 2013 MKX for six months now. This is by far the worse car purchases I have ever made (and I trade every 3 years)!!!! The gas mileage is horrible. I am only getting 20 miles HWY. Not to mention the gas tank is tiny so you will have to fill up twice a week. The ride is worse than my husband 4WD truck. You feel every bump, crack or dimple in the road. For a luxury car the engine is loud but is muffled by the horrible road noise. The air and radio controls are a pain to work. To increase the heat or air you have to push a SMALL button over and over and over again. The My Lincoln Touch has malfunctioned several times stating the "sims" card has been removed. When I get in to start the car and the seat adjusts it rubs on the seatbelt clip and makes a horrible noise. My driver side window has come loose so it raddles when I raise it up or down(yet another reason to go to the shop). Lets just say I could go on. Good part: I like the look of the car inside and out. Unfortunately I can't just stare at it all day, I have to drive it."
8 people out of 12 found this review helpful
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By speedy on Thursday, January 24, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000
overall rating 8 of 10rating detailsPros: "Adaptive cruise control . best car for the price"
Cons: "Sync should not even be on car"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5
"Great Car! Ford SYNC system stinks! It doesn't work with all carriers and doesn't work with all phones.They don,t say a word about that when they tell you how great it is on the car.That is because Ford doesn't tell their dealers."
14 people out of 15 found this review helpful
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