08 Lincoln MKX By ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net Recently, I had the privilege to test drive a brand new Lincoln MKX.  The MKX is a smaller size SUV, handy for a lot of day to day driving tasks.  Most of all, it is still a Lincoln in every sense of the word.

My test drive model was a beautiful white color.  It was called White Chocolate TriCoat.  It had a black interior.  For all the innovative features, good looks, and luxury, I expected the MKX to be much higher priced.  Although it is not low-priced, it is positioned below many of its competitors and offers so much more for the dollar

The MKX has several items that draw the attention of the consumer as well as automotive journalists.  First of all is safety.  The MKX has done extremely well in crash tests, especially front and side crash ratings.  Consumer Reports magazine even names the MKX as one of their Top Picks as well as being on their Recommended Buy list.  Being a Top Pick was primarily due to the MKX’s safety performance.  Second on the attention list is the use of regular fuel instead of the higher octane.  Although many of us use regular all the time instead of premium, the 3.5 V-6 in the MKX is designed for regular.  It gets about 24 mpg on the highway.  That’s not really high, but it is fairly good for a Premium Luxury Crossover SUV.  Third on the attention list is the striking good looks.  The MKX has a very sporty styled appearance with smooth, flowing lines.  It is low enough to the ground to provide easy accessibility.

The MKX was powered by a 3.5 liter V-6 engine.  It was matched with a six speed automatic transmission..  Lincoln used the same engine that comes in the top-of-the-line Ford Edge.  It provides adequate performance, but is not as aggressive as many drivers would like.  Remember, this is a V-6, not a highly powered V-8.

My test model had a base MSRP of just $35,420.  That included a long list of standard equipment, such as 18 inch machined aluminum wheels, fog lamps, heated power mirrors, reverse sensing system, speed sensitive wipers, four power points, remote keyless entry, heated and cooled front seats, leather seats, and dual zone climate control.  This is still a Lincoln, known for luxury and quality.  It also featured Ford’s SYNC, which is the hands-free, voice activated music system that can pair up with a thumb drive and USB port, an MP3 player, or even a cell phone that stores songs.  Overall, I liked the interior, although some of the dashboard could have been a slight more premium oriented.

It cost extra, but if you are going to drive an attractive, luxury vehicle, it would probably be advisable to add quite a few extras.  The test model added an Elite Package which included a really nice, panoramic moonroof, a voice activated navigation system, and an enhanced audio system.  An Ultimate Package was also added that included adaptive headlamps, a power liftgate, and a cargo management system.  Then, to top it all off, this was a Limited Edition Package that upgraded the MKX to 20 inch chrome-clad wheels, special carpeted mats, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror with a built-in microphone.  That was really quite a bit of add-on, but it provided all those extra premium touches that made this MKX so attractive and a joy to drive.  Bottom sticker price jumped way up to $43,575. 

I really liked driving the MKX.  One inside the cabin and driving around, I felt like I was in a Lincoln.  It felt good, yet I had the advantages of feeling safe and secure also.  Check out the new Lincoln MKX at your Ford dealership.  It is a luxury crossover that just might get your attention also.