2016 Lincoln MKX

The all-new 2016 Lincoln MKX is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine or an optional 2.7-liter turbocharged Ecoboost V6 engine. Both powerplants are connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyer can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.

The MKX is available in four trim levels, each with either engine and drive type, for a total of sixteen price points.

• The base Premiere with the 3.7-liter V6 and front-wheel drive starts at $39,025. The top Premiere MKX with the 2.7-liter Ecoboost and all-wheel drive starts at $43,520.
• Select trim models have base prices that range from $42,315 to $44,810.
• Reserve trim models start at $46,080 to $50,575.
• Lincoln’s top-trimmed, highly configurable Black Label MKX models begin at $54,240.

Prices include delivery and destination charges.

The 2016 Lincoln MKX is powered by a 303-horsepower 3.7-liter engine that makes 278 pound-feet of torque and mates to a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged Ecoboost V6 engine produces 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque.

• All MKXs utilize a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual gear selection.
• Front-wheel drive is standard and an intelligent all-wheel drive system is available, a great option for owners living in climates prone to inclement weather.
• Fuel economy ranges from 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for both 3.7-liter and 2.7-liter front-wheel drive models to 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway with the 3.7-liter and all-wheel drive. The 2.7 rewards all-wheel drive buyers with an additional mile per gallon city and highway at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

Lincoln’s approach is to isolate the driver from the worries of the outside world by providing a plush, quiet and uneventful driving environment. That said, the MKX is a nice vehicle on the road that actually responds well to driver input and provides excellent acceleration and handling along the way. Steering is accurate and the suspension is tuned for comfort—but keeps the MKX well behaved through more aggressive twists and turns.

• The six-speed transmission works well enough, but could use a couple more gears to keep step with today’s competitors.
• As much as Lincoln dresses the MKX up, it still shares more than a few mechanicals with the lowlier Ford Edge, which is actually quicker to 60 mph in its top trim.

The MKX’s finely-appointed interior provides a comfortable experience for all five passengers. Standard front seats—heated and ten-way adjustable—feature soft-touch leatherette that looks great and wears well. Higher trim levels get genuine leather seats.

• Dual-zone climate control, power one-touch windows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and LED map lights add to the cabin’s luxury.
• A premium 10-speaker sound system is standard, while the range-topping Black Label features a 19-speaker Revel Ultima system.
• Lincoln’s SYNC infotainment system with MyLincoln Touch and an 8-inch screen have been greatly improved for the 2016 model year.
• Black Label models take the MKX formula to a higher level with highly-configurable interiors in exclusive designer themes.

While the Black Label trim level is certainly lovely, it is also incredibly expensive. Pricing pushes the MKX into competition with more accomplished luxury crossovers.

Lincoln has somehow managed to keep the MKX's twin-turbocharged engines running on regular fuel, something that the majority of competitors cannot figure out how to do. The fact that the MKX delivers optimum performance with 87 octane adds significantly to the fuel economy savings.

As nice as the MKX is, it is hard to ignore the fact that the Ford Edge is significantly less expensive and shares a significant amount of MKX DNA.

The 2016 Lincoln MKX is an attractive midsize crossover with plenty of comfy cabin space for five passengers and their luggage. Lincoln’s attention to detail have yielded a very nice vehicle that does a lot to contend with vehicles like the strong-selling Lexus RX and the highly-praised BMW X3. If decent fuel economy and excellent power are top priorities, the 2016 Lincoln MKX certainly deserves a test-drive.