2009 Lincoln MKX AWD
by J.T. Hills
SGN Contributing Writer

TOP
• Distinctive styling
• Extremely roomy
• Exceptional ride quality

BOTTOM
• Some fit and finish materials
are kind of cheap
• No cargo cover
• No rearview camera option

The 2009 MKX is Lincoln’s first foray into the luxury crossover market. Replacing the Explorer-based Aviator, the MKX is a five-passenger crossover that offers an ultra-quiet car-like ride and a spacious interior. The MKX (translation Mark 10) comes in either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive models, and it also comes with some great features such as standard stability control, roll-over control, a smooth six-speed transmission and panoramic moonroof. For 2009, Lincoln refines the MKX with more innovations including available voice-activated navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link, standard power liftgate, and universal garage door opener. After a week with the 2009 Lincoln MKX AWD, I’ve compiled a brass-tacks list of highly technical scientific data based upon observations, experimentation, tabulations, inspections and so forth. Here we go:

Remember when American luxury cars had great names like Continental, De Ville, and Imperial?
The problem with Lincoln’s new car naming system is that nobody knows what you’re talking about unless you show it to them. MKX? Oh yeah, that’s that new sedan they came out with. No, that’s the sedan formally known as the Zephyr. It’s just a symbol now. The MKX is entirely different. Different how? It’s a crossover.

Somehow the Lincoln marketing department forgot the heritage they were trying to push with retro design details of classic luxury vehicles that you could circumnavigate the globe with. Typically, Lincoln had names of cars that just sounded like they were made for adventure like Continental, Navigator, and Zephyr. Where does a couple of consonants pushed together sound like they are going to take you? I don’t think the average person on the street could tell you the difference between a TSX, CTS, MDX or an IUD is. Anyhow, enough of that talk. Where the marketing department is confusing consumers, the design department at Lincoln clearly defines. The Lincoln MKX has an appealing modern shape with a distinctive retro ‘60s Continental grill. I liked it.

Under the hood, Lincoln gives the MKX a 265-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with 240 lbs ft of torque mated to a smooth six-speed transmission. Sitting on 18” chrome wheels, the MKX has impressive ride quality without sacrificing the driver’s roadfeel. Handling on the interstate is sophisticated and crisp. While in town, driving is enhanced by a tight turning radius and a rear park assist for getting into tight spaces, although I do wish the MKX came with a backup camera. It’s an option that’s available on many of its competitors.

The interior of the MKX is surprisingly spacious, with ample room in the front seats for those above six feet tall. Amazingly enough, the rear seat is also quite spacious for tall passengers. The rear storage space again has ample room, although I do with it came with a cargo cover. The use of materials is nice, with the ‘60s retro theme again repeating itself on the dash. I wish Lincoln put a little more effort in the quality of the materials in the dash construction, though. It looked a bit out of place in a luxury brand vehicle. The MKX comes with eight-way power seats with heating and cooling features. The use of leather is exceptional. The navigation system is fairly intuitive to use, although the controls are small. The THX surround sound is amazing. My favorite option by far, though, is the panoramic roof. It brings in a lot of light and opens up almost all the way to the back seat. With the windows down it’s as good as driving a convertible – well, almost.

OK, for a before-tax price of $43,710, what do you get?
The 2009 Lincoln MKX comes with a base price of $35,770. This means there’s a lot of pricey option packages, although it’s still a value compared to the Acura MDX and the Mercedes Benz ML. A quick look at the favorites includes:

Performance
• 3.5-liter 265-hp V6
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• 18” wheels
• Independent front and rear suspension

Safety
• Dual stage front airbags
• Side curtain airbags, all rows
• Four-wheel antilock disc brakes
• Tire pressure monitor
• Reverse sensors
• Fog lamps
• Power rear lift gate

Comfort and Convenience
• AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD changer
  six-speaker audio system
• Dual zone climate control
• Universal garage door opener
• Leather-wrapped steering with
  tilt and cruise control.
• Power windows, locks and mirrors
• Privacy glass

Additional Charges
• White chocolate tri-coat ($495)
• Elite Package with panoramic
  vista roof, Sirius radio,
  DVD navigation, and
  THX audio ($4,795)
• Ultimate Package with heated/cooled
  seats, adaptive headlamps,
  18” chrome wheels, reverse sensing
  system ($1,995)
• Heated rear seats ($295)
• Tow package ($295)
• Cargo management system ($65)
• Destination charge ($675)
• Trailer tow group ($495)