2009 Lincoln MKX Philadelphia

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2009 Lincoln MKX Overview

The Lincoln MKX is a big crossover SUV. Based on the superb Ford Edge, the luxurious MKX offers features of pricier crossovers from Acura, BMW, Infiniti, and Lexus. The MKX is a crossover utility vehicle, 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 was designed for adults. 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.

Introduced for the 2007 model year, the Lincoln MKX has mostly added new convenience features since then. 2008 brought Sync, a system developed with Microsoft to integrate cell phones and media players through Bluetooth technology and a USB interface.

2009 Lincoln MKX Lineup

The 2009 Lincoln MKX and MKX AWD 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 P245/60HR18 tires on alloy wheels.

The Ultimate Package adds 18-inch, eight-spoke chrome-clad wheels; adaptive lighting; a new ambient interior lighting feature; a remote release for the split-folding second-row seats; premium leather seats with contrast piping; and a below-floor cargo management system.

Available with the Ultimate Package, at no additional cost, is the Ebony Interior Package, with Charcoal Black leather and ebony wood appliques. Also available only with the Ultimate Package is the Elite Package, which adds a Panoramic Vista Roof with power sunshades, and a navigation system with voice recognition and THX II certified audio; and the Limited Edition package , combining Ebony interior wood trim; premium leather seating in Charcoal Black with Medium Light Stone inserts and piping, chromed exterior door handles, a chromed grille, and P245/50R20 tires on chromed alloy wheels. Color choices are limited to Brilliant Silver, Vivid Red, White Platinum Tri-Coat and Black Clearcoat. A Monochromatic version of this package is offered with Black Clearcoat only and adds a black front grille.

Interior of the 2009 Lincoln MKX

The MKX cabin blends traditional Lincoln shapes with contemporary materials and colors. The soft-touch dash uses complementary color cues, dark wood trim right out of a Chicago chophouse, and pewter-colored trim pieces that carry over to the steering wheel and door switch panels. The bright plastic center panel on the dash looks a little out of place to us. The lower door panels are also obviously plastic, but that just makes it easier to clean off shoe scuffs and mud. Overall, the ambience is upscale, but it doesn't impart the feeling of quality you'll get in a Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, or Acura.

The wood-and-leather steering wheel tilts and telescopes and features redundant controls for sound and climate functions; many of those can be done through the intuitive navigation and thundering THX-certified audio system, but the steering wheel controls are sometimes easier to use when driving.

The new ambient lighting feature, which comes with the Ultimate Package, offers seven lighting color options to illuminate foot wells and cupholders.

The Sync communications and entertainment system can recognize Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, access their phonebooks, and play calls and read text messages through the speakers. It also has a USB interface to connect with iPods and other MP3 players (it will charge an iPod). Voice commands and/or steering wheel buttons can be used to control all functions. It's even possible to tell the system to play a specific artist, album or track stored on your MP3 player. While this system is nicely integrated, it takes some time to learn the voice commands.

Handling of the 2009 Lincoln MKX

The Lincoln MKX is about relaxation, comfort, and style. We found the MKX brings all the cornering grip and stability most drivers need while riding smoothly enough to keep from spilling coffee on the morning commute.

The 3.5-liter four-cam V6 has enough oomph for easy merging onto busy freeways or to carry a full load to the slopes. We found the six-speed automatic reluctant to downshift unless we flattened the carpet under the gas pedal. It doesn't offer the manual controls found in other transmissions, limiting the driver to Park, Reverse, and Drive; then again, those are the selections we usually make.

The suspension is tuned for ride comfort. As a result, the handling isn't as crisp as that of some other vehicles in this class, but nor is it as isolated and rubbery as others. It doesn't roll over and squeal its tires in protest. It is controlled and competent, neither fast nor slow, and won't upset anyone with bad manners like wallowing or weaving. The MKX handles potholed pavement better than more firmly sprung SUVs with low-profile tires.

Conclusion

The Lincoln MKX serves its purpose well. It is nicely balanced all around, a worthy addition to the midsize luxury crossover utility class. It offers a smooth ride for drivers who commute on rough streets. It's easy to operate, roomy, comfortable, and quiet. And it's loaded with technology.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com