The Lincoln MKX was intended as a replacement for
the slow selling Aviator; it is a mid size luxury crossover SUV. The MKX
competes with the higher end SUV Crossovers such as the Lexus RX350. The 2010
Lincoln MKX has a starting MSRP of $38,345 - $40,195 and an EPA fuel economy of
15 - 17 mpg through the city and 22 - 24 mpg on the highway. For 2010, the
MKX shares essential features such as its drivetrain and Mazda 6-based chassis
with the Ford Edge, but features a restyled exterior, more luxurious interior,
and a wider range of options to add cachet and justify its price increase over
the Edge. Options include all wheel drive (standard MKX's are front-wheel
drive), an enormous sunroof called the 'Vista Roof', a premium
THX-certified sound system with 14-speakers and 600 watts of peak power, and a
rear seat entertainment package with a second row DVD player and eight-inch
screen. Also, 20-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels are an option. For 2010,
there are several exterior color changes. Integrated blind spot mirrors are
now standard. The MKX competes with the Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX and
Volkswagen Touareg 2.
MKX Power
The MKX is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 with
variable-valve timing. The MKX produces the same 265 horsepower and 250
lb.-feet of torque that its Ford Edge cousin does--in fact they share identical
powertrains. The only transmission option is a 6-speed automatic
that shifts smoothly, but lacks a manumatic feature; front- or all-wheel
drive is available. When properly equipped, the 2010 MKX can tow up to
3,500 pounds.
2010 MKX Design
The MKX is Lincoln's entry into the tough,
ever-growing five-passenger luxury crossover segment. Looking at a 2010
Lincoln MKX, one sees a tasteful chrome grille that stretches from headlight to
headlight, a design touch that is shared with other Lincolns such as the popular
Navigator. The MKX did get some exterior updates for 2010; restyled rear
taillights and 18-inch machined aluminum wheels complete the visual
differentiation the MKX receives from the Edge. In the cabin, the MKX features a
nice full leather interior, real wood and satin-nickel accents, heated and
cooled front seats, and a six-disc in-dash CD changer. The MKX is 186.5
inches long, which is nearly 10 inches shorter than the Cadillac SRX, but almost
identical in size to the Lexus RX and the VW Touareg. It has a rounded
shape with a distinct cheese-grater grille.
Driving the MKX
One of the MKX's real benefits is in its driving
and handling. Because of its front drive unibody underpinnings, the MKX is
able to deliver car-like handling that traditional body-on-frame SUVs can't hope
to match. It's raised suspension gives drivers the high seating position
that is a major selling point in traditional SUVs.
Cabin Features for 2010
Inside the 2010 MKX all the usual luxury features
are standard, such as dual-zone auto climate control, genuine wood trim, leather
trim, heated and cooled front seats and an integrated garage door opener. For
those that want even more, optional features include a large glass-paneled
sunroof called VistaRoof, heated rear seats, navigation system, rear
entertainment system, 20 and 22-inch wheels, and a THX II certified audio
system. Other standard features include rear parking sensors, SYNC, and
tire pressure monitoring, leather upholstery, 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, and Sirius satellite radio. Cargo capacity is 32 cubic feet behind
the second row and 69 cubic feet with the rear seats folded; this is more cargo
space than the Touareg, but less space than the RX.
Summary
Safety features for the 2010 Lincoln MKX include
dual front airbags, side-impact curtain airbags for the first and second rows,
and seat mounted side impact airbags for the first row. An AdvanceTrac stability
system with Roll Stability Control is standard, as is an electronic traction
control system. Lincoln is in the midst of a styling renaissance, of which the
Ford Edge based Lincoln MKX was one of the forefathers. Now that Lincoln's corporate style is galvanizing around the split-waterfall grille, the MKX certainly
becomes part of this new generational style of Lincoln.