Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2007 Lincoln MKX Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2007 Lincoln MKX Review:
5. 
Lincoln MKX Photos

6. 
Lincoln MKX Full Review

7. 
All Lincoln MKXs

8. 
All Lincolns


2007 Lincoln MKX Review
Lincoln's first car-type SUV is a five-passenger wagon that shares its basic design and powertrain with the 2007 Ford Edge. The MKX has different styling, however, and comes with such features as leather upholstery, which is optional on the Edge, and with wood interior trim, which is unavailable on the Edge. MKX offers front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. The sole powertrain is a 265-hp V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission. ABS, an antiskid system with rollover sensors, and 18-inch wheels are standard. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags with rollover deployment are also standard. Options include a navigation system, DVD entertainment, and a panoramic glass roof with integrated sunroof. Also available are heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and steering-linked headlights.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Chrysler Aspen, and Lincoln MKX.
News
Ford Motor Company says it's developing a 3.7-liter V6 as an exclusive for future Lincoln models. The engine will premier with the 2009 midsize MKS sedan, but sources say the MKX may offer it too. Otherwise, this crossover SUV shouldn't change much through decade's end.
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Lincoln MKX Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Steering feel
Quietness
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

AWD MKX Class Average
6 6.2

AWD version only MKX made available for test so far. Smooth, linear power for good around-town response, ready highway acceleration.
Fuel Economy

AWD MKX Class Average
5 3.6

Test MKXs averaged 16.5-16.7 mpg. MKX uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

AWD MKX Class Average
6 5.7

Tires thump over sharp ridges, crevices, but most road imperfections nicely absorbed for stable, comfortable ride overall.
Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD MKX Class Average
6 5.6

Body lean, noseplow evident in brisk cornering, but MKX otherwise feels confident, controlled. Steering slightly numb, light in straightline cruising, and springs back to center with exaggerated force when completing turns.
Quietness

AWD MKX Class Average
6 6.5

Lincoln says MKX has more sound-deadening measures than Edge, seems slightly quieter overall. Engine note subdued in all but rapid acceleration. Wind-, road-noise levels well checked. Normal conversation no problem with panoramic roof open at highway speed.
Controls

AWD MKX Class Average
7 6.5

Basic interior layout same as Edge's, but more padded surfaces, real wood trim takes it upscale, if not quite to level of pacesetting Lexus RX. Gauges, switches nicely marked, unobstructed, though some drivers may stretch to reach navigation touch screen and controls. Navigation system no trouble to program, but does absorb many audio functions.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD MKX Class Average
8 7.3

Ample leg room. Taller occupants may want more head clearance beneath housing for panoramic roof. Supportive seats trimmed in soft leather spell outstanding comfort. Rear headrests partially block rearward view. Absence of rearview camera an embarrassing omission for premium-SUV class.
Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD MKX Class Average
7 6.3

Fine accommodations with firm, chair-height bench, useful center armrest. Lots of knee, foot, head room. Seatback reclines, but release lever also allows it to fold forward too readily.
Cargo Room

AWD MKX Class Average
8 7.8

Spacious with rear seats up or down. Low load deck. Rear seatbacks conveniently drop via remote releases, though don't fold completely flat. Generous interior storage space, including voluminous center console.
Value within Class

AWD MKX Class Average
5 5.9

It's not as plush as the Lexus RX or as sophisticatedly engineered as the Acura MDX, but Lincoln's first car-type SUV merits consideration. It's priced at the lower end of the premium-midsize SUV class, yet is competitive in power, size, and equipment levels. The question is whether the Lincoln brand has enough cachet to draw buyers over from the prestige imports, or up from the Ford Edge, which shares the MKX's basic design.
Total Score

AWD MKX Class Average
64 61.4
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
54
Average Score
61
High Score
82
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Lincoln MKX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/14/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Base 4-door wagon $34,120 $31,523 $675
AWD Base 4-door wagon $35,770 $33,008 $675
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, wiper-activated headlights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt/telescope wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 245/60TR18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Ultimate Pkg.
Base
$1,995
$1,676
Rear-obstacle-detection system, 10-way heated/cooled front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), remote release for split folding rear seat, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night driver-side mirror, power liftgate, steering-linked adaptive headlights, chrome alloy wheels.
Elite Pkg.
Base
$4,795
$4,028
Power panoramic sunroof, navigation system, THX sound system, satellite radio. Requires Ultimate Pkg.
Trailer Tow Prep Pkg.
Base
$295
$248
Heavy-duty cooling system and battery, Class II trailer hitch receiver, 4-pin connector.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
Base
$245
$206
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Base
$1,995
$1,676
Power panoramic sunroof
Base
$1,895
$1,592
DVD entertainment system
Base
$1,295
$1,088
NA w/power panoramic sunroof, Elite Pkg.
THX sound system
Base
$995
$836
Satellite radio
Base
$195
$164
Heated front seats
Base
$295
$248
Heated rear seats
Base
$295
$249
Requires Ultimate Pkg.
Cargo management system
Base
$65
$54
Requires Ultimate Pkg.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
Base
$495
$416
Roof rails
Base
$95
$80
NA w/power panoramic sunroof.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome alloy wheel delete
(credit)
$-300
$-252
Requires Ultimate Pkg.
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Lincoln MKX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Lincoln MKX 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 111.2
Overall Length, in. 186.5
Overall Width, in. 75.8
Overall Height, in. 67.2
Curb Weight, lbs. 4419
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 68.7
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 20.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.7
Rear Head Room, in. 39.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 39.3
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.5 /213
Horsepower @ rpm. 265 @ 6250
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 250 @ 4500
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
6-speed automatic 17/24
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Lincoln MKX 4-door wagon
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 6/70,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 6/70,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 6/70,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance 1/12,000 --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Canada
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 Lincoln MKX
Trim Level:  Base
Arrival Date:  04/05/2007
Engine:  dohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door wagon
Transmission:  6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $35,770
Price as Tested:  $43,890
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  3879
Mileage at End of Test:  4528
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  38.873 gals.
 

Major Options:  Elite Package, Reverse Sensing System, Power Leather Bucket Seats, Trailer Towing Package, Cargo Management System, Heated Rear Seats

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  16.72 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta This fully outfitted AWD MKX listed for $43,215, some $2000-$3000 less than a similarly equipped Acrua MDX or Lexus RX 350. It simply does not have the panache of either of those rivals, nor does is feel as refined or as well-built. It feels exactly like the gussied-up Ford Edge that it is. A Lincoln dealer would have to widen that breach between the MKX and the MDX and RX to $6000 before the deal would start to make sense, and even then, there's little here to compel a purchase. That's the difference between the also-ran MKX and the aspirational Acura and Lexus.

Ed Piotrowski MKX was a pleasant surprise. It compares quite favorably in most categories against the class-leading Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. It's a bit rough around the edges when it comes to powertrain sophistication and interior materials. It's possible to overlook these flaws given MKX's smart pricing. Skip the pricey Elite Package, and this SUV can undercut its rivals by a significant amount.

Jennifer Glowicki While this crossover has a superior interior and is quieter than Edge, it mirrors its Ford twin in almost every other way, including powertrain. Are its few extras worth almost $10,000 more?

Tom Appel The MKX is Lincoln's tacit confession that the marque has given up on real luxury. This is a fine truck--don't get me wrong--with the brand's best interior and an overall classy veneer. But the drivetrain lacks the polish and muscle to really challenge crossovers like the Cadillac SRX and Lexus RX350, and the ride and handling are just OK. Price is MKX's strong suit, with a starting tariff in the mid-$30s. So if Lincoln is moving down market, what's to become of Mercury?

   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2007 Lincoln MKX Review:
5. 
Lincoln MKX Photos

6. 
Lincoln MKX Full Review

7. 
All Lincoln MKXs

8. 
All Lincolns


Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car


   Locate a Dealer
    Sell Your Car
Powered by: