2007 Lincoln MKX Review

The new 2007 five-passenger Lincoln MKX crossover utility vehicle emphasizes on-road performance and interior space and versatility. The MKX combines a contemporary, somewhat sporty exterior look-with large chrome wheels, chrome trim, and an arched roofline-with traditional American luxury styling cues inside. The interior is trimmed in wood and "satin nickel," and there's a "cool white" theme for interior lighting.

The interior promises to be especially quiet and comfortable. The MKX has thicker sound insulation than most other vehicles in its class, and both rows of seating are sized for full-size adults. For expanded cargo space, the back seats-which can be reclined 15 degrees for comfort-fold forward easily via an Easy Fold remote switch (which comes as part of an option package). There are also several useful smaller storage areas, including a center console sized for laptops. The rear liftgate has a unique lighting system featuring LEDs inside and out, surrounding the Lincoln emblem. And overhead, an available panoramic vista roof allows a significant portion of the roof to be open to the sky.

The MKX includes front side-impact air bags and full-length side-curtain air bags as standard. The safety canopy system for the curtain bags assures protection during rollover situations, while the AdvanceTrac with roll stability control helps avoid those situations in the first place. Anti-lock brakes are also standard.

Heated and cooled seats are available in front, while heated seats are available for the back. Standout options include adaptive projector-beam headlamps that help illuminate into a corner, DVD-based navigation, a rear-seat DVD system with an 8-inch screen, and a 14-speaker, 600-watt THX II audio system.

There's only one engine available on the MKX, a 265-horsepower, 3.5L V6, paired with a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, and an all-wheel-drive system is optional. The AWD system has been tuned for all-weather on-road driving, and can reroute torque as needed even before wheel slippage occurs. Fuel economy, at 18 city, 25 highway, is good, especially compared with the truck-based Aviator it replaces.
The Lincoln MKX, which replaces the truck-based Aviator for 2007, is a completely new luxury utility vehicle, termed a crossover because it places an emphasis on carlike ride and handling and interior flexibility. The MKX is based on the Ford Edge, and this same platform is also shared with the Mazda CX-9. An efficient 3.5L V6 powers the MKX, which has an elegant, luxurious interior, increased attention to safety, and several innovative convenience options. see less