• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / New Car Reviews / Lincoln MKX: Masseuse on the Go

Lincoln MKX: Masseuse on the Go

June 15, 2016 by admin 5 Comments

Four utility vehicles drive the Lincoln brand, including the all-new MKX.

napa-roadside-assistance-kit

2016 Lincoln MKX.
2016 Lincoln MKX.

If the standout feature for an SUV is its nifty massaging capabilities, what does that tell you about the rest of the vehicle? Maybe not as much as you think, especially if your week-long obsession was with the 22-way power driver’s seat offering cooling and heating capabilities as well as a rubbing-down feature that might have you terminating your masseuse’s service.

But the Lincoln MKX is much more than that, a five-passenger midsize luxury SUV now in its second generation. As before, the MKX shares its mechanical underpinnings with the Ford Edge, but there are important differences here too, including in sheet metal, fascias, engine choices, and the interiors.

Here a Name, There a Name

What hasn’t changed is the vehicle naming convention as most Lincoln models persist with the three-letter nomenclature introduced in 2007. The first two letters of such models begin with MK, leaving the third letter to define the specific model. In this case, the “X” stands for crossover, although “C” and “T” are used for two other crossover models.

Happily, the Lincoln Navigator hasn’t undergone a naming transition and mostly likely won’t. And with the introduction of the 2017 Lincoln Continental this year — itself replacing the MKS — reverting to a traditional nomenclature across the Lincoln line seems likely.

No matter, the Lincoln MKX offers standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, competing in a sphere dominated by the Lexus RX. Other models in this segment include the Cadillac XT5, Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Infiniti QX70, and the BMW X5.

2016 Lincoln MKX AWD Reserve

My test model was a 2016 Lincoln MKX AWD. The base price for a front-wheel drive model begins at $38,260. Choose all-wheel drive and your MKX will start at $40,755.

As tested, my Reserve model came with a $47,650 base price and topped out at $63,535. Lincoln doesn’t offer official trim levels, calling them “equipment groups” instead. Standard, Premiere and Reserve groups are offered; a special high-end Black Label package is also available.

Instead of the standard 3.7-liter, naturally aspired V-6 engine, the test model received the available 2.7-liter, turbocharged V-6 engine, an option that immediately adds $2,000 to your cost.

Reaching the final price point came through still more upgrades, including the special bronze fire metallic paint ($495), a cargo utility package ($395), climate package ($595), technology package ($1,720), driver assist package ($1,650), luxury package ($4,400), second-row inflatable seat belts ($250), 21-inch polished aluminum wheels ($1,300), and adaptive steering ($625). The 22-way power driver’s seat was yet another option, this one coming in at $1,500. All told, Lincoln added nearly $15,000 in options to a model that already presented a $7,500 premium over the standard all-wheel drive issue.

Exterior Highlights

The first-generation Lincoln MKX underwent a significant mid-product cycle update to give it a fresh look. But the visage was too polarizing for some, thus the designers reworked the current model to deliver a more relaxed, but elegant expression. The Lincoln split-wing grille represents the current design iteration, although that’s likely to change in a few years once again.

From stem to stern, the MKX has a polished countenance. Its front fascia offers a pleasant and modern display with LED accent lighting drawing attention. The lower grille opening is hemmed in by large embrasures housing the fog lamps. The hood offers multiple creases, seemingly connecting the front to the rest of the SUV.

The MKX’s profile is athletic with a sweeping roofline, a rising belt line, and body sculpting evident. Cladding surrounds the lower portion of the car at least in some models. Fashionable alloy wheels, huge wraparound rear combination lamps connected by a reflector light, spoiler treatments and embedded exhaust ports are present.

With the key fob on your person, the Lincoln senses your presence and the exterior lights come on. That makes for a nice safety and security touch, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area. This model also provides hands-free access to the lift gate — perform a kicking motion underneath the rear bumper and the hatch disengages and slowly rises. That is, when it successfully detects your presence — unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Interior Highlights

The Lincoln MKX is sized right, especially if you have five adults in mind. The layout is designed to optimize interior space with nearly 40 inches of rear legroom. Head, shoulder, and hip room is superior all around with very comfortable seats provided. Soft touch seats are standard on the base model with extra comfortable Bridge of Weir leather-trimmed seats offered elsewhere.

Throughout the interior, the cabin projects an open and airy feeling. Soft touch materials, leather, aluminum trim and touches of wood are present. The instrument panel is sensibly laid out with large, bright displays. There is nothing especially noteworthy here other than it is uncomplicated.

The center stack is the prize up front as it replaces a much more complicated system previously offered. SYNC 3 is here — the third and best generation of the automaker’s voice-activated technology system. Along with MyLincoln Touch, the system allows hands-free calling, music search and control, voice-controlled climate control, and available navigation.

Previous Lincoln systems were a catastrophe as there were no attendant buttons or knobs to override the infotainment system. Knobs and switches are now present and are sensibly placed. The navigation system works as promised and is relatively easy to comprehend. It took the automaker much longer than it should have to fix what many consumers said was a niggling problem, delivering a system that is now entirely usable.

As equipped, the 22-way power seats were simply awesome. At the same time, I doubt I used half the settings. I did discover the little button that activates the massage feature which then triggers the display screen to list the settings. When switched on, both the driver and front passenger are treated to various pressings and rollings, as if small, but firm hands are at work. Because it was hot outside, I also activated the seat cooling feature — and what a fine fusion of kneading and ventilating it offered!

One drawback of having a technologically laden vehicle as was this Lincoln, was not having enough time to try every single feature, or at least for any suitable length of time. I’ve used “active park assist” in other Ford/Lincoln vehicles, finding it does a stellar job of parallel parking. Since its introduction, the system has been upgraded as it now includes perpendicular park assist.

The various package options offered were not always easy to decipher or at least determine which line item belongs to what package. In any case, the test model offered several crowd-pleasing features, including a vista roof with a power sunshade, heated side mirrors, leather upgrade, voice-activated navigation, and much more.

Something new Lincoln is pushing is its Black Label plan, what combines concierge services with a designer collection of proprietary materials. The service features personalized attention, including a mobile showroom, in-home delivery, complimentary car washes and detailing, even a culinary collection of recommended restaurants. Various special themes are offered and are not available elsewhere. Exclusivity meets culture in the MKX design of your choice.

Powertrain Choices and the Drive

Two engine choices are available with the 2016 MKX. A 3.7-liter, V-6 makes 303 horsepower and 278 foot-pounds of torque. The available turbocharged (EcoBoost) V-6 makes 335 horsepower and 380 foot-pounds of torque. To get the optimum performance ratings, you’ll need to fuel your MKX with premium grade gasoline.

Both engines come paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities. That means there are steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters present, allowing you to move up and down the gear range as you please.

With the smaller, but more powerful engine under the hood, I expected to tap all the energy this boosted motor had to offer. I wasn’t disappointed.

What I did notice was plenty of turbo lag even in this design where the twin boosters are attached to the exhaust manifold. Not all twinned systems are the same — for instance, BMW places its turbos in the “V” section of the block, rather than on the outboard sides of the cylinder banks notes WardsAuto. Apparently, that layout mitigates lag while optimizing performance.

Once full power kicks in, there is no stopping the MKX. Get past the initial hesitation and this SUV roars down the road. I’m glad that all-wheel drive was present in the test model — yes, you can order the turbo with the front-wheel drive version. Torque steer, anyone?

Lincoln calls it “intelligent all-wheel drive,” what automatically redirects power to the wheel with the best traction. Along with the available adaptive steering system, drivers should find a more connected feel to the road when traveling at higher speeds. You can also adjust a dial to go from normal to comfort and on to sport steering modes, in an effort to find the feedback setting right for you.

Another available feature (included with the test model) was Lincoln Drive Control with continuously controlled damping. It oversees the SUV’s suspension system by controlling body movement, steering, and braking. Put all these features together and you have a composed SUV ride at the ready.

Safety Features Galore

The 2016 MKX achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a level reached previously in 2013. The IIHS says this model achieved top scores in all five crashworthiness categories. It also scored a “superior” rating for the optional front crash prevention equipment.

All models are equipped with a rearview camera, a suite of airbags, and an automatic post-crash alert system. The inflatable rear outboard safety belts are unique amongst luxury vehicles and were offered in the test model. My wife buckled in with one in place, not knowing what protection it served until I provided an explanation.

Concluding Thoughts

Customers are taking to the Lincoln MKX in a big way. Through the first five months of 2016, sales are up 85.3 percent, essentially accounting for the entire increase in Lincoln sales this year. Indeed, overall sales for the brand are up 14.7 percent. Meanwhile, rival Cadillac sales are off by 12.5 percent for the same period. Both marques are in the midst of a revival.

Price creep can provide a shocker for any model and the MKX is no exception. But I must warn you that once you drive a more opulent model, it is difficult to settle for a simpler version. Dealer inventories likely skew to better-equipped vehicles, so if you want a certain model, particularly one with Black Label trim, then custom ordering means waiting perhaps weeks for your delivery.


 

 2016 Lincoln MKX AWD

 

  • Sticker price from $47,650
  • Price as tested: $63,535
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.7-liter 24-valve turbocharged V-6 gasoline engine
  • 335 horsepower @ 5,500 RPM
  • 380 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,000 RPM
  • 3.27 inches bore by 3.27 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.0-to-1
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
  • Length: 190 inches
  • Width: 76.1 inches
  • Height: 66.2 inches
  • Passenger volume: 100.1 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 37.2/68.8 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
  • EPA: 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline recommended
  • Fuel tank: 18 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 4,387 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Oakville, Ontario Canada

See Also — The Full-Bodied 2016 Toyota Tundra Pickup Truck

2016 Lincoln MKX photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.


Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2016 SUVs, all-wheel drive, Ford Motor Company, Lincoln MKX, luxury, SUV

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Ford Explorer Platinum Offers Lincoln Touches says:
    November 19, 2016 at 6:48 pm

    […] Ford delivered an Explorer outfitted with the larger turbo engine. I found the 2.7-liter turbo in MKX sufficient, but the lag was also more apparent. I wonder how much “oomph” you achieve with the […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. Jaguar XF: Rock Star Saloon says:
    November 26, 2016 at 5:30 pm

    […] See Also — Lincoln MKX: Masseuse on the Go […]

    Log in to Reply
  3. Lincoln Brand Expands its Concierge Services says:
    April 9, 2017 at 4:39 pm

    […] See Also — Lincoln MKX: Masseuse on the Go […]

    Log in to Reply
  4. Branding: What’s In a Model Name? says:
    April 17, 2017 at 9:07 am

    […] for the Navigator) start with an MK and are followed by a third letter as in MKZ, MKS, MKT and MKX. For 2014, Infiniti changed its naming convention with “Q” followed by two numbers now […]

    Log in to Reply
  5. Redemption: Lincoln MKZ is a Hit — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    August 22, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    […] owners, have the MKS (large sedan) and MKT (utility vehicle/wagon) to consider as well as the MKX, a crossover model that was Lincoln’s best seller before the MKZ sales surge took […]

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover

Recent Comments

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Kia Telluride: Opulent, Large Crossover
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Class Act: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Highlights of the 2020 Toyota Sienna
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand — Auto Trends Magazine on Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
  • Jim Farley Appointed Ford President and CEO
  • 12 Things We LOVE About the Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack
June 2016
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
« May   Jul »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in