2008 Lincoln MKX AWD Special Edition Road Test Review

MKX Photos

Lincoln's new MKX is starting to show up in better neighborhoods everywhere. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

It's a totally unique design, outside... (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

....and inside. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Cool glass roof and upscale woven fabric roofliner that extends down each pillar. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

There's no shortage of room back here. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

With optional navigation and standard Bluetooth wireless with voice activation, you're connected. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

The fastest growing luxury brand in America? Lincoln’s recent success has much to do with the new MKX premium crossover, a vehicle that’s been showing up in better neighborhoods more and more this year. And why not? It is good looking, it’s the right size to ward off fuel economy concerns, it performs well, and is priced to sell. Sounds like the ideal combination, doesn’t it?

When I first caught wind that Lincoln would be spinning a high-end CUV off of Ford’s Edge, I expected a slightly upgraded variation on the theme, and nothing as thoroughly reworked as the MKX. Not that it’s difficult to see where its lineage is derived from. The two vehicles share a similar profile, with short overhangs, an abbreviated hood, rakish rear liftgate and an athletic stance overall, but the one with the classic star emblem on front and back is pure Lincoln from these angles especially, not to mention from within.

Yes, it looks like a Lincoln inside too, or at least Lincolns of the past. I love the rectangular gauges and chrome-ringed bezels. Much of the switchgear is obviously carried over from the Edge, and I suppose that’s ok as it works efficiently and is well made, but some buttons and knobs lack the tactile quality I’ve come to appreciate from the German brands, some of the Japanese and now, one American nameplate. For that matter the levers, buttons and knobs aren’t quite up to the standards of the extremely well executed MKS either, a car that points to the future of the Lincoln brand and what we might expect for an MKX mid-cycle upgrade. Nevertheless, the leathers are of a higher grade than the Edge, and especially nice in this two-toned Special Edition, plus both inserts and side bolsters are perforated to allow cool air to flow through via three-way air conditioning integrated into the front cushions; a bonus on a hot day. They’re heated too, and you can expect to find most other top-tier features that luxury crossovers come stocked full of these days, like a superb audio system, this one THX-certified and featuring fourteen speakers, AM, FM and Sirius satellite radio, plus an input jack for an external audio device integrated into the console box under the armrest, right next to a power supply, and cloth pillars. No, not in the console box, but the long, thin pillars that divide the windows and support the roof.

I know that last item doesn’t sound like much, but I find this little detail a minimum requirement for a vehicle wearing a premium badge, or expecting to be compared to the premium set. Cloth pillars, particularly those made of higher quality woven fabric, just finish things off nicer than molded plastic, even if that molded plastic has a woven cloth-like pattern etched in.

Look up and what would normally be more high-quality woven roofliner can be replaced with two panes of glass that shed light in from above almost from front to back. Lincoln’s optional Vista Roof is like a regular glass sunroof (moonroof) up front, opening up the sky day or night, whether closed and just appreciating a little more sunlight or the twinkling of stars on a cool night, or open and allowing a little wind in the hair experience, although the pane in back is fixed so the rest of the family and the pooch in the cargo hold will have to rely on the draft from the front or the side windows for fresh air. There’s standard dual-zone automatic climate control too, of course, so the kids and the dog can be kept cool on blisteringly hot days.

And yes, there’s a lot of room for Fido (Charlie in our family), accessible via a power rear liftgate that my son would rather climb through than the dog… somehow the dog (a one-year-old armful of purebred Havanese) feels that his place is in between the kids on the back seat. Nevertheless, the MKX supplies room aplenty for what-have-you, up to 32.1 cubic feet with all seatbacks upright, or 68.7 cubic feet. While we’re talking capacities, your dog (Clifford?) can weigh up to 977 lbs or you can tow up to 3,500 lbs of trailer behind the MKX with the optional tow package, so small trailers and boats are no problem.

For that extra measure of safety when towing or hauling at night, HID (xenon) headlights are not offered, but you can get adaptive front lamps as part of an upgrade, which is a pretty good tradeoff. These swivel to show you the way around corners before you arrive, which is comforting while navigating dark back roads in the midst of a moonless night. Likewise, the optional navigation system also sheds a little light when you’re not sure of how to get where you’re going. It’s easy to use and the large screen makes choosing options on its touch-sensitive surface easy. You can also make use of the new Microsoft-developed Sync voice activation to tell the nav system where you want to go, and enter additional commands such as dialing a phone number via its integrated Bluetooth connectivity. The Lincoln also includes parking sensors that beep if you’re getting too close to something, although its time a backup camera was integrated into the nav system to make reversing onto busy streets or driveways that often double as playgrounds less stressful.

While the steering wheel is both tilt and telescopically adjustable, it’s a manual system unlike some in this class which offer power adjustment. While it all works well, the benefit to power adjustment is the ability to preset preferences via the seat memory system, handy for a vehicle that gets driven by more than one person. The memory function is there, which is nice, but without the powered steering column it’s not quite as useful as some others in this class. The steering wheel itself, mind you, is trimmed in leather and wood, plus includes the requisite cruise and audio controls within a fingertip’s reach.

There aren’t any audio controls in back however, unless the optional DVD entertainment system is purchased, but then you’ve got to make a choice between a TV and the real outdoors, as you can’t have the DVD system with the dual sunroof option. This is standard in the industry for any company offering a large sunroof option like the Vista Roof, as there’s just not enough room in a midsize SUV for both.

Expected in the luxury crossover segment are comfortable seats with some modicum of support, and to that end the MKX delivers good, supportive front seats, that is unless tackling corners at speeds we probably shouldn’t attempt in anything so tall; not that this crossover can’t handle a little side-to-side action. It’s actually quite good in the corners, albeit while feeling a tad top-heavy during dramatic lane changes or extremely tight corners, as most crossovers and SUVs do. Likewise its braking is strong with almost effortless pedal pressure needed, pulling down from highway speeds quickly and without commotion, with fade only noticeable upon repeated use during sport-oriented driving. Again, there aren’t many crossovers in the midsize class that can haul 4,000-plus pounds of vehicle down from 60 mph to 20 over and over again without some kind of brake fade this side of a Porsche Cayenne GTS, so I’m totally satisfied with the MKX’ brakes, which are enhanced by standard ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA), by the way, not to mention Dearborn’s Advance Trac engine and brake managed traction control and Roll Stability Control. While we’re talking safety, the MKX gets a Personal Safety System just like the Edge, which includes dual front and dual front side thorax airbags with front passenger weight-sensing and crash severity sensing, shutting off the system or optimizing the bag deployment rate depending on the weight of the front occupant, and side airbags dubbed “Safety Canopy” in Ford-speak for both rows of seats.

And these latter items are critically important for a vehicle that can cruise so effortlessly at highway speeds. Its ride is very good, in Lincoln tradition, and it’s ever so quiet, so you might not notice the speed you’re traveling at. The newish 3.5-liter V6 introduced with the Edge and MKX is a real jewel, and while not the most powerful in the class, feels more energetic than its 265-horsepower rating suggests. This might have much to do with the efficient six-speed automatic transmission it’s hooked up to, or its fairly robust 250 lb-ft of torque, but either way it’s a great combo that’s sure to satisfy all but the speed-addicted teenage boys in your life who’ll be borrowing the keys… not such a bad thing. And it delivers pretty decent fuel economy numbers too, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway for all-wheel drive models; front-wheel drive is standard and gives a slightly thriftier fuel consumption rating. And that’s regular unleaded, by the way, saving you even more money at the pump.

All in all Lincoln’s MKX is improved for 2008 with more standard features and this Special Edition model, and continues as a worthy contender in the midsize luxury crossover segment. It’s bolstered by a price that’s truly competitive, with further discounts available at the dealer level that just might shock you into submission, allowing you to drive home a domestic product that I’m sure will keep you happy for years to come. Certainly it doesn’t offer all of the high-end features that some of its competitors do, but then again Lincoln makes its case with a few exclusive extras that its rivals can’t battle back with. It’s probably a wash, really, although with the MKX’ strong performance, high quality, unique and attractive styling and aggressive price going for it, it’s becoming an easy choice for many luxury buyers. After all, Lincoln’s not growing so fast in today’s competitive market by chance.
Specifications (Lincoln MKX):

Price Range (MSRP):

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2007 Lincoln MKX		Tustin, CA	Price: $25,991
2007 Lincoln MKX		Naples, FL	Price: $27,997
2007 Lincoln MKX		Naples, FL	Price: $29,997
2007 Lincoln MKX		Seminole, FL	Price: $28,999
2007 Lincoln MKX		Palmyra, PA	Price: $28,990
2007 Lincoln MKX		Encino, CA	Price: $26,991
2007 Lincoln MKX		Leesburg, FL	Price: $27,500
2007 Lincoln MKX		Leesburg, FL	Price: $27,500
2007 Lincoln MKX		Leesburg, FL	Price: $27,300
2007 Lincoln MKX		Leesburg, FL	Price: $27,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Sacramento, CA	Price: $28,999
2007 Lincoln MKX		Jacksonville, FL	Price: $28,989
2007 Lincoln MKX		Saint Paul, MN	Price: $22,991
2007 Lincoln MKX		Easton, PA	Price: $26,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Circleville, OH	Price: $28,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Waukesha, WI	Price: $26,387
2007 Lincoln MKX		Brunswick, OH	Price: $23,500
2007 Lincoln MKX		Boone, NC	Price: $32,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Morton, IL	Price: $27,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Columbia, MD	Price: $23,987
2007 Lincoln MKX		Framingham, MA	Price: $23,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Red Lion, PA	Price: $26,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Union City, GA	Price: $26,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Spring, TX	Price: $27,991
2007 Lincoln MKX		Las Vegas, NV	Price: $29,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Henderson, NV	Price: $28,981
2007 Lincoln MKX		Clearwater, FL	Price: $29,593
2007 Lincoln MKX		Libertyville, IL	Price: $24,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Schaumburg, IL	Price: $26,950
2007 Lincoln MKX		Cape Girardeau, MO	Price: $27,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Minneapolis, MN	Price: $24,500
2007 Lincoln MKX		Germantown, TN	Price: $29,999
2007 Lincoln MKX		Las Vegas, NV	Price: $29,991
2007 Lincoln MKX		Fort Myers, FL	Price: $27,980
2007 Lincoln MKX		Raleigh, NC	Price: $28,488
2007 Lincoln MKX		Raleigh, NC	Price: $28,988
2007 Lincoln MKX		Savannah, GA	Price: $25,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Dallas, TX	Price: $29,855
2007 Lincoln MKX		Seminole, FL	Price: $25,999
2007 Lincoln MKX		Seminole, FL	Price: $34,999
2007 Lincoln MKX		Ballwin, MO	Price: $28,950
2007 Lincoln MKX		Santa Monica, CA	Price: $23,994
2007 Lincoln MKX		Virginia Beach, VA	Price: $25,988
2007 Lincoln MKX		Virginia Beach, VA	Price: $29,988
2007 Lincoln MKX		Virginia Beach, VA	Price: $31,988
2007 Lincoln MKX		Calhoun, GA	Price: $25,395
2007 Lincoln MKX		Dallas, TX	Price: $27,988
2007 Lincoln MKX		Dallas, TX	Price: $27,988
2007 Lincoln MKX		Dallas, TX	Price: $28,477
2007 Lincoln MKX		Dallas, TX	Price: $28,049
2007 Lincoln MKX		Wayne, NJ	Price: $29,990
2007 Lincoln MKX		Wayne, NJ	Price: $30,990
2007 Lincoln MKX		Georgetown, TX	Price: $27,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Leavenworth, KS	Price: $27,994
2007 Lincoln MKX		Leavenworth, KS	Price: $25,996
2007 Lincoln MKX		Leavenworth, KS	Price: $28,991
2007 Lincoln MKX		Leavenworth, KS	Price: $27,994
2007 Lincoln MKX		Leavenworth, KS	Price: $28,994
2007 Lincoln MKX		Leavenworth, KS	Price: $28,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Leavenworth, KS	Price: $25,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Leavenworth, KS	Price: $27,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Leavenworth, KS	Price: $27,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Mobile, AL	Price: $30,655
2007 Lincoln MKX		Jacksonville, FL	Price: $28,900
2007 Lincoln MKX		Carrollton, TX	Price: $28,565
2007 Lincoln MKX		Morrow, GA	Price: $26,792
2007 Lincoln MKX		Morrow, GA	Price: $27,991
2007 Lincoln MKX		Pittsburgh, PA	Price: $29,876
2007 Lincoln MKX		Hazelwood, MO	Price: $27,499
2007 Lincoln MKX		Guilford, CT	Price: $26,999
2007 Lincoln MKX		Weatherford, TX	Price: $25,988
2007 Lincoln MKX		Bridgeview, IL	Price: $27,750
2007 Lincoln MKX		Alexandria, VA	Price: $26,887
2007 Lincoln MKX		Winder, GA	Price: $27,675
2007 Lincoln MKX		O Fallon, IL	Price: $33,135
2007 Lincoln MKX		Tampa, FL	Price: $30,420
2007 Lincoln MKX		Southern Pines, NC	Price: $30,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Sulphur Springs, TX	Price: $29,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Costa Mesa, CA	Price: $28,875
2007 Lincoln MKX		Greer, SC	Price: $28,990
2007 Lincoln MKX		Minneapolis, MN	Price: $30,999
2007 Lincoln MKX		Minneapolis, MN	Price: $30,998
2007 Lincoln MKX		Minneapolis, MN	Price: $27,998
2007 Lincoln MKX		Chicago, IL	Price: $22,988
2007 Lincoln MKX		Janesville, WI	Price: $31,932
2007 Lincoln MKX		Lees Summit, MO	Price: $26,450
2007 Lincoln MKX		Lumberton, NC	Price: $25,977
2007 Lincoln MKX		Lumberton, NC	Price: $30,488
2007 Lincoln MKX		Lumberton, NC	Price: $29,977
2007 Lincoln MKX		Lumberton, NC	Price: $26,888
2007 Lincoln MKX		Fort Washington, PA	Price: $28,509
2007 Lincoln MKX		Plano, TX	Price: $25,988
2007 Lincoln MKX		Plano, TX	Price: $25,988
2007 Lincoln MKX		San Antonio, TX	Price: $26,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		San Antonio, TX	Price: $27,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		San Antonio, TX	Price: $28,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		San Antonio, TX	Price: $24,995
2007 Lincoln MKX		Philadelphia, PA	Price: $25,990
2007 Lincoln MKX		Ashland, VA	Price: $23,988
2007 Lincoln MKX		Colorado Springs, CO	Price: $27,980