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Christopher Jackson | 9/7/2007 | Lincoln
What's an MKX? Now that the Lincoln brand has changed the names of almost all of its products to alphanumerics, it's a bit hard to tell which is which, on paper.
To clear up that possible confusion, think of the 2007 MKX as the replacement for the Aviator SUV. It isn't a replacement, exactly (though at one point the MKX was going to be called "Aviator"); it's more of a lateral jump into the gray area between sedans and SUVs--that's right, the 2007 Lincoln MKX is what they call a crossover vehicle. It offers the best of both worlds--the smooth ride and comfort of a luxury sedan and the tall interior packaging and visibility of a suburban SUV. It's not a full-fledged SUV because the MKX has no aspersions to go off-road. This is an upscale do-all in the tradition of Buick's Rendezvous.
Multitasking looks pretty good, from Lincoln's perspective. The 2007 Lincoln MKX is a handsome, if slightly bulbous, vehicle. The new family grille, first seen on the updated 2007 Navigator, makes its second appearance. The tight chrome grid, with its secondary elements, was inspired by the look of classic Lincolns from the 1960s, and it doesn't look bad on a modern vehicle either. Some observers find it jarring, but others think that it gives the MKX an elegant look that enables it to stand out from the crowd. At the rear, the optional Vista Roof's glass panels give this vehicle a two-tone look as it drops down to terminate in wall-to-wall LED taillamps. The 2007 Lincoln MKX is relatively bling-free, with only a touch of chrome here and there to add drama. Unadorned flanks emphasize the chunkiness of the tall body, and big 18" chrome wheels impart a slightly sporty look. Adaptive headlamps can turn with the front wheels to illuminate the road ahead while turning.
Inside, there's nothing sporty about the MKX, and that's a good thing. In keeping with Lincoln's modus operandi, it looks best in light colors, with real wood and satin nickel garnish to spruce things up. The center stack is tall and flat, not unlike the 2007 Lincoln MKX itself, and the square-framed instrument panel is an Eighties flashback. Tall leather seats are comfortable front and rear, and there's a wealth of sound deadening to keep things quiet on the road. Since the MKX will be serving a lot of suburban commuter duty, the large console features several removable dividers, so a variety of items, up to laptop computer-size, can be carried. Drop the power-folding rear seat and the MKX offers 68.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Other common Lincoln luxury traits include heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, an available THX sound system and DVD-based navigation system.
The unibody construction offers a more refined ride than the average body-on-frame SUV can, and a four-wheel independent suspension offers carlike handling. Many crossovers appeal to buyers who don't feel safe in larger vehicles, which tend to be unstable, and the 2007 Lincoln MKX assuages those fears with standard AdvanceTrac stability control that includes Ford's Roll Stability Control system. It drives like a tall-ish car on the road, with excellent isolation from irregular road surfaces that doesn't numb-up the handling too badly. Seat-mounted side airbags and four-wheel anti-lock brakes are also standard. It's not a nimble handler by any stretch, but the MKX will compare favorably with most luxury crossovers. It's a great deal more sensible than Cadillac's expansive SRX in crowded urban environments. It also offers almost as much cargo room as the larger Caddy, and what it gives up to the SRX in performance it more than makes up for in ease of driving.
You might expect a V8, because it's a Lincoln, but the 2007 Lincoln MKX is powered by an all-new 3.5 liter DOHC V6. This 250-horsepower, all aluminum engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that allows for decent fuel economy around town. It still feels like it weighs two tons, which it does, but the MKX isn't a slug either. We drove a front-wheel drive model, and keeping up with freeway traffic was no problem. The 2007 Lincoln MKX is available with front- or all-wheel drive, and will tow up to 3500 pounds properly equipped.
It's a very different kind of luxury vehicle--we hate to say it's a completely new concept, since Buick's Rendezvous has been successfully mining similar territory. Compared to the Rendezvous, the 2007 Lincoln MKX feels nimbler and offers a greater dose of luxury at similar pricing. It looks a lot better, too. Compared to the average luxury SUV, Lincoln's newest gives similar levels of comfort, visibility and cargo capability while offering a smoother ride and somewhat better fuel economy. It's a pretty good compromise. The MKX goes on sale this fall, with pricing starting at $34,795 for the front-wheel drive model. All-wheel drive starts at $36,445.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2007 Lincoln MKX
Length: 186.2 in.
Width: 75.8 in.
Height: 67.2 in.
Wheelbase: 111.2 in.
Curb weight: 4220-4420 lb.
Cargo space: 68.7 cu.ft.
Base price: $34,795
Engine: 3.5 liter DOHC 24-valve V6
Drivetrain: six-speed automatic, front- or all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 250 @6250
Torque: 240 @ 4500
Fuel capacity: 19.0 gal. (FWD)
Est. mileage: 19/27
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