2010 Lincoln MKX

The Lincoln MKX was intended as a replacement for the slow selling Aviator and 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, and integrated blind spot mirrors are now standard.  The MKX competes with the Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX and Volkswagen Touareg 2.

MKX Power

The MKX's 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; and 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, while it's raised suspension gives drivers the high seating position that is 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,  come with 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. That's 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 cor porate style is galvanizing around the split-waterfall grille, the MKX certainly becomes part of this new generational style of Lincoln. For more research read a  Lincoln MKX review by myride.com.