The Lincoln MKX has been fully redesigned for 2016. Its highlights include new exterior sheet metal, a roomier interior, higher-quality materials, a new turbo-charged engine option and adaptive suspension dampers for all-wheel-drive models. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO, with agency, reports writes .
When the Lincoln MKX first made its appearance in 2007, shoppers apathy towards it was obvious. To them, it lacked what others in its category excelled in. They included cabin quality and overall driving character. However, years later there were some changes to make it attractive to shoppers. But despite these significant changes in the intervening years, the first lacklustre impression remained throughout the first MKX’s long production run.
But the good news is that the fully redesigned 2016 Lincoln MKX has done more than its predecessor to distance itself from its Ford Edge underpinnings, which it tried to align with when it first came about nine years ago.
The Lincoln MKX concept may have been based on the Edge, but its 2016 Lincoln MKX is an all-new, second-generation model, and it’s good enough to soften our stance. Although the Ford’s midsize crossover had a thorough redesign of its own last year, but Lincoln’s version benefits from the new platform’s numerous enhancements. On top of that, the MKX comes very well-equipped with convenience and luxury items, and when one steps up to the higher trim levels, you can get exclusives such as 22-way front seats and a 19-speaker Revel Ultima sound system. Under the hood, a newly optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine boasts 335 horsepower and respectable fuel economy, while the available adaptive suspension delivers a smooth ride in its default mode and can be firmed up for more driver control.
There are still a few downsides to the redesigned MKX, however, such as the retention of the older MyLincoln Touch interface on some MKXs (the new and improved Sync 3 system debuts halfway through the model year) and some interior materials that do not feel as rich or premium as those found in competing vehicles. This class also happens to be stuffed full of talented rivals that work harder to earn your money.
The 2016 Lexus RX 350, for example, was also redesigned this year with an aggressive new look and a high-quality interior. If a roomy interior is what you’re after, the 2016 Acura MDX is a great choice, with abundant cargo room and a third row for the little ones. There’s also the BMW X5 and new Mercedes GLE, which outdo the Lincoln in multiple categories, but typically cost more, too. Overall, the redesigned 2016 Lincoln MKX doesn’t do much to raise the bar for midsize luxury crossover SUVs, but it certainly merits consideration alongside the segment’s best, and that counts as real progress.
Body Styles
The 2016 Lincoln MKX is a five-passenger crossover SUV. There are four trim levels (Lincoln calls them Groups): Premiere, Select, Reserve and Black Label.
A variety of options packages are available for the Lincoln MKX. The Cargo Utility package can be ordered with any equipment group, and includes a scuff plate, cargo net and tie-downs, plastic storage bins, a 110-volt outlet and a cargo cover. The climate package adds heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic windshield wipers and automatic high beams. The Reserve and Black Label versions get several unique packages, including Technology (front parking sensors, 360-degree camera system and automated parallel parking), Driver Assistance (adaptive cruise control plus additional features detailed in the Safety section, below) and Luxury (adaptive LED headlights and the Revel Ultima audio system).
Stand-alone options include 21-inch wheels, adaptive steering, 22-way-adjustable front seats, a trailer tow package, a 13-speaker Revel audio system (Select and Reserve), inflatable rear seatbelts and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual displays.
Performance
The base engine in the 2016 Lincoln MKX is a 3.7-liter V6 that generates 303 hp and 278 pound-feet of torque. A new turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 is also available; it produces a healthier 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting duties. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive offered as an option. Properly equipped, the MKX can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The powerful turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine is new for 2016.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the MKX includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, integrated blind spot mirrors, a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. Also standard is the programmable MyKey system, which allows parents to define parameters such as vehicle speed and stereo volume for teen drivers.
A blind-spot monitoring system (with rear cross-traffic alert) is optional, as are rear parking sensors. The optional Driver Assistance package includes lane-departure warning, lane-departure intervention, forward collision warning, forward collision mitigation with automatic braking (with pedestrian detection) and a driver drowsiness monitor.
Interior Design and Special Features
The 2016 Lincoln MKX’s cabin is well appointed, with plentiful soft-touch surfaces, a leather-wrapped dashboard and a carpeted cargo area. A variety of trim pieces are available, including aluminium and high-gloss or open-pore wood (providing a more textured look and feel). Amid all this luxury, though, there are a couple of items that look and feel relatively low-rent, such as the transmission shifter buttons and the plastics on the centre stack.
Materials quality is good overall, but some touch points feel less substantial than in competing vehicles.
Unfortunately, early production models of the 2016 MKX carried on with the MyLincoln Touch interface rather than the new Sync 3 system. MyLincoln Touch remains a technological tour de force, comprising two driver-selectable information screens, one elegant central touchscreen and a comprehensive voice-control system. However, many drivers will find the learning curve frustratingly steep, and the system can occasionally be slow to respond to your inputs. A better choice is finding a midyear 2016 MKX that has the new Sync 3 interface. It is much easier to use than MyLincoln Touch, with quicker response times and a more user-friendly touchscreen.
The Lincoln MKX has grown slightly longer and wider with the 2016 redesign, offering even more room than its already spacious predecessor. The backseat is notable for being able to seat three adults in reasonable comfort, thanks in part to the standard reclining rear seatbacks. The rear cargo area measures 37.2 cubic feet, and, with the rear seats flipped down, the maximum capacity expands to 68.8 cubic feet. These are respectable numbers that put the MKX in line with class standards.
