Lincoln has lagged behind competitors in the luxury car category, but the fully redesigned 2016 MKX could help turn the tide for Ford's beleaguered marque in the midsize SUV segment. A stylish new exterior, a more spacious interior, and the addition of an optional turbocharged V6 engine make the MKX a much more viable contender. A well-equipped base model and class-exclusive options like a 19-speaker Revel Ultima sound system and 22-way front seats also help it stand out in a highly competitive field. The MKX is still stuck with the old MyLincoln Touch infotainment interface, however, and some interior materials are substandard compared with those found in most competing vehicles. Still, it's a big step forward for Lincoln, and worth a look if you're in the market for a midsize luxury SUV.
Pricing and Design
The 2016 Lincoln MKX ($61,760.00 at Truecar) comes in four trim levels: Premiere, Select, Reserve, and Black Label. All trims come with a 303-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine and can be outfitted with a 335-horsepower, 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbo V6 engine as a $2,000 option. The engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration.
The Premiere trim starts at $38,260 for FWD and $40,755 for AWD and includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, automatic HID headlamps, LED taillights, chrome door handle and lower door inserts, dual exhaust chrome tips, a capless fuel filler, rear parking sensors, and power and heated body color side mirrors with integrated turn signals. It also has keyless ignition and entry, remote start, hill start assist, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, leatherette upholstery, active noise cancellation, heated 10-way front seats, driver memory functions, a leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a push-button shifter, a rearview camera, and 60/40 split second row seats with power-folding seatbacks. You also get Bluetooth for phone and audio, a configurable instrument cluster, and either the MyLincoln Touch or Sync 3 system (available in models later this year) with an 8-inch touch-screen interface, and a 10-speaker audio system with AM/FM, CD, satellite radio, an aux input, SD card slot, and two USB ports.
The Select trim starts at $41,550 for FWD and $44,045 for AWD and adds 18-inch premium painted aluminum wheels, LED daytime running lights, power-folding side mirrors, an auto-dimming driver side mirror, a hands-free power liftgate, leather upholstery, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, wood trim, ambient lighting, and a 13-speaker Revel audio system.
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The Reserve trim starts at $45,315 for FWD, and $47,650 for the AWD model we tested. It adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, ventilated front seats, remote app compatibility, a panoramic sunroof, navigation, and blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert.
Our test car also had the $2,000 Ecoboost engine, $250 inflatable second row seatbelts, and a $645 Class-II tow package option. A $4,400 Luxury Package option added LED headlights and the 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system with HD Radio. A $1,650 Drivers Assistance Package included adaptive cruise control, lane keeping alert and assistance, a driver alert system, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, brake support, and automatic emergency braking. A $1,720 Technology Package added front parking sensors, automated parking, and a 360-degree camera system. A $595 Climate package included heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and auto high beams, while a $365 Cargo Management option added a liftgate scuff plate, cargo net, chrome cargo tie down hooks, storage bins, a spare tire cover, a cargo area reversible mat, a 110-volt power outlet, and a tonneau cover. With a whopping $13,185 in options and a $925 destination and delivery charge, the final sticker came to $61,760.
2016 Lincoln MKX AWD
The top-of-the-line Black Label trim starts at $53,475 for FWD and $55,895 for AWD and is available in four different design themes—Indulgence, Modern Heritage, Muse, and Thoroughbred—that each include varying trim and upholstery, headliner, and carpeting colors. Black Label vehicles also come standard with unique 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, upgraded leather upholstery, a simulated suede headliner, and the 19-speaker Revel audio system. Owners have access to Lincoln's Black Reserve program, which includes services such as unlimited complimentary car washes, annual detailing, vehicle pickup and delivery, a shopping "liaison," and more.
With its split-wing grille and single bar taillight array, the 2016 MKX's exterior styling is more in line with other Lincoln vehicles. While its look is conservative compared with the radical redesign of the best-selling Lexus RX ($51,610.00 at Truecar) , the 2016 MKX includes a few flashy features, such as blade-like LED front headlamps and a "powerdome" integrated in the rear spoiler that houses the radio antenna.
The cabin in our Reserve trim tester was nicely appointed, with abundant soft leather, and the back seat can comfortably accomodate three adults. But the plastic adjacent to the push-button shifter and start in the center stack feels and looks substandard for a luxury SUV. The available 22-way front seats that provide an amazing array of adjustment and have an Active Motion massage feature are a highlight, however.
Connectivity, Interface, and Technology
Early production models of the 2016 MKX such as our test vehicle have the MyLincoln Touch interface instead of the new Sync 3 system. MyLincoln Touch and its MyFord Touch equivalent have come under fire for their confusing and somewhat kludgy interfaces. While the system has been considerably improved by upgrades, it's worth waiting for an MKX with Sync 3, which adds a far more user-friendly interface and apps. On the plus side, we like the MKX's configurable instrument cluster and the amount of adjustment it allows with the driver-assist systems.
The MKX's biggest tech upgrade is an optional embedded modem that enables the new MyLincoln Mobile remote apps, a first for the brand. But this is old hat for many vehicles, and the smartphone app only allows routine features such as remotely locking and unlocking the doors, locating the vehicle, and starting the engine (the latter can also be programmed for a specific time).
The legacy MyLincoln Touch system doesn't have cloud-connected apps, so we had to pipe Pandora and Spotify through Bluetooth and control them on a smartphone. On the plus side, it allows you to create an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot via a nearby network or using a smartphone's data connection.
2016 Lincoln MKX AWD
The 19-speaker Revel Ultima sound system looks great, but it's a pricey option and not the best setup we've heard in the segment. The Mark Levinson system in the Lexus RX and the ELS system in the Acura MDX easily have it beat.
Performance and Conclusions
The optional 335-horsepower, 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine in our test car is not only more powerful than the base 3.7-liter V6, it's also more refined and slightly more fuel efficient. It provides good acceleration and the 6-speed transmission is a smooth operator, but those looking for more performance should consider a German luxury SUV.
One quality that stood out in the previous MKX was its extremely quiet ride. The new model ups the ante with improved insulation and active noise cancellation, putting it on par with the Lexus RX. The MKX's ride quality is also enhanced with the available adaptive suspension on the AWD model.
While the 2016 Lincoln MKX has upped its game, the midsize luxury SUV segment is rife with attractive rivals. The aforementioned 2016 Lexus RX is also newly redesigned with sleek sheet metal, a best-in-class interior, and the flexible Lexus Enform infotainment system. The 2016 Acura MDX offers ample cargo room and third-row seating, while the BMW X5 , Audi Q5, and the new Mercedes GLE outperform the MKX in several respects, albeit at a higher price tag. The redesign of the 2016 MKX doesn't make it jump to the front of the pack, but it does put it in the running.
A complete redesign of the 2016 MKX is a big leap forward for Lincoln and puts the car in the running in the midsize luxury SUV segment.
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