Learn more about the Lincoln MKX
 Build & Price your Lincoln MKX

For many consumers, today's sport-utility vehicles have grown too large and uneconomical, but traditional sedans are too small and inflexible. The Lincoln MKX offers an excellent middle ground between the two. The Lincoln MKX is an easily maneuverable size, but it provides the higher seating position many enjoy in an SUV. Also, it has the ability to accept bulky items, tow a small trailer and haul a significant amount of stuff. Imagine a luxury sedan that easily transforms into a small van. That's the Lincoln MKX, the brand's first crossover.

While the Lincoln MKX is notably smaller than its Navigator sibling, the second-row seatbacks in the Lincoln MKX fold forward to accept large items: more than 68 cubic feet worth. Few owners will exceed the 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity (when properly equipped) or the 950- pound payload rating of the Lincoln MKX. The Lincoln MKX gets an EPA rating for the front-wheel drive version of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. The optional all-wheel-drive system is appealing for those who regularly battle snowy conditions.

Changes for 2009 are limited. A new option is a voice-activated navigation system that has SIRIUS Travel Link. This feature provides real-time weather, fuel prices and traffic updates and suggests alternate routes around traffic jams. The SYNC system, which allows voice operation of sound system and mobile phone, became a Lincoln MKX standard starting with the 2008 model.

Also for 2009, a power-operated rear liftgate becomes standard, as does a universal garage door opener. Other new additions include a front passenger grab handle, exterior chrome door handles, cargo net and two utility hooks in the cargo area. Other standard features on the Lincoln MKX include heated and cooled front seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and the Reverse Sensing System that can alert the driver of certain objects directly behind the vehicle when backing up. A panoramic Vista Roof with dual power sunshades, ambient lighting and heated rear seats are available.

The Lincoln MKX is powered by a potent 265-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™), anti-lock brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags and the Safety Canopy® System with side curtain airbags for front and rear outboard passengers and rollover sensor. Available sound systems include a 600-watt THX II system that features 14 speakers.

The Lincoln MKX, which is assembled in Oakville, Ontario, was introduced as a 2007 model. In the U.S. government's crash tests, the 2009 Lincoln MKX scored a five-star rating?the best available?in these categories: driver frontal impact, front seat side impact and rear seat side impact. Also, the Lincoln MKX earned four out of five stars in front passenger frontal impact and rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2009 Lincoln MKX Top Safety Pick honors, giving it a Good performance in front, side, and rear tests and standard electronic stability control.

The Lincoln MKX offers a more refined ride with improved isolation from powertrain, road and wind noise than its fraternal twin, the Ford Edge. This is accomplished with revised suspension tuning, acoustic laminated windshield, and additional sound-deadening materials.

The Lincoln MKX interior is crisp and clean with attractive wood accents on the dash, door and other locations. The near full-length panoramic Vista Roof option allows rear passengers to pass their time watching the sky. If passengers prefer, they can close the dual power sunshades to block out the sun and keep the cabin cool. While the Lincoln MKX lacks third row seats, its 60/40-split second row seats fold forward at the touch of a button with the available EasyFoldTM seatback release system. The center rear seatback folds forward to convert into an armrest with cupholders.

Our tester came with 18-inch wheels fitted with P245/60R18 all-season tires. We think these fit better with the Lincoln MKX styling. Optional are more fashionable 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.

The '09 Lincoln MKX starts at about $37,500 in front-drive trim and $39,000 for the all-wheeldrive version. A fully optioned Lincoln MKX comes in at around $46,000. The Lincoln MKX is an excellent choice for those with or without children. It's perfect for two-person getaways, fourperson trips to dinner, serious shopping, "antiquing," daily commuting and more. If you're looking for a luxury vehicle that's not to big for easy maneuvering, but not too small to carry your load, take the Lincoln MKX for a test drive. It might be just right.