Lincoln, an established automobile brand is making a comeback. Let us take for example the 2011 Lincoln MKX a luxury midsize sports utility vehicle (SUV) that placed 10 out of 17 in recent reviews based on more than 70 published articles, test-drives specification testing and analysis.
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $39,415.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons (68 liters) | MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy |
| Length: 186.7 in. (474 cm) | Width: 76 in. (193 cm) |
| Height: 67.3 in. (170.9 cm) | Wheel Base: 111.2 in. (282 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4251 lbs (1928 kg) | Ground Clearance: 7.9 in. (20 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 32.3 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 3.7L V6 Twin independent Variable Cam (Ti-CVT) | Compression Ratio: 10.5: 1 |
| Horsepower: 305 HP | Max RPM: 6500 RPM |
| Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed SelectShift Auto |
| 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 14.9 seconds |
| Option:MKX AWD | MSRP: $41,265; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy |
Performance
Affordability is what the 2011 Lincoln MKX is all about. The MKX will only be available in one trim but will have 3 options: Premium, Elite and Limited. Like most Lincoln’s it will come standard in front wheel drive but will be available in all wheel drive.
The 2011 version of the Lincoln MKX has been outfitted with more luxurious materials, better brakes and a more powerful engine in order to better compete with Lexus, Acura and Ford. However most reviewers believe that this is still not enough, especially since better appointed midsized SUVs’ are out there with similar prices and similarly appointed SUVs’ are also available at lower prices. In general most reviewers like the overall level up of the 2011 version of the MKX but believe that Ford should have taken things a bit further in terms of affordability and features.
Exterior & Interior
The Lincoln MKX has a more mainstream appearance than its bigger brother the MKT but it still sports the huge two-winged grill, narrow headlights and muscular lines that is distinctly Lincoln but undoubtedly reinvented.
Ford got everything right inside the 2011 MKX with a more spacious cabin, more opulent interior finish, better material and high tech central console dubbed the “MyLincoln” which features three touch screens and a five-way controller.
Safety
The federal government gave five out of five stars for driver safety, four out of five stars for frontal crash test passenger safety and five out of five for side crash tests. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety gave a “Good” score in front, side impact, and an “Acceptable” score on roof strength test. Standard safety features are:
- Two stage front airbags
- Side curtain airbags,
- Front seat mounted side impact airbags,
- AdvanceTrac® paired with Roll Stability Control
- MyKey which restricts features like speed and based on the driver
Warranty
A standard 4-year bumper-to-bumper warranty covers the 2011 Lincoln MKX
Pros
- Huge cabin that offers sufficient leg and head room for all passenger
- Powerful engine that is also fuel efficient
- MyLincoln console
- A distinctly Lincoln exterior that is both handsome and masculine
Cons
- Outdated automatic transmission that hampers overall performance
- More expensive than similarly appointed models but does not compare to similarly priced competitors
The Competition
Overall the 2011 Lincoln MKX is a solid package, the problem is the competition. Take for example the Lexus RX350 (MSRP $39,075; 18 city / 25 hwy), which similarly seats five, has a comparable engine and cabin but is priced less and the Cadillac SRX (MSRP $34,615; 18 city / 25 hwy), which has the same fuel economy but is priced around $5,000 less. The cheapest contender is the Ford Edge (MSRP $27,640; 19 city / 26 hwy), which is in the same category, may not be as posh as the MKX but costs less.
Overall Rating
What others say:
“You won’t need any excuses to say you’ve chosen the 2011 Lincoln MKX; it delivers on the promise of the brand: top-notch American luxury, with some of the best luxury and tech features wrapped in.”Car Connection
“MKX is not particularly sporty or engaging to drive, but that’s not its primary mission. For a vehicle that emphasizes luxury touring, this Lincoln is more than competent. Steering feel is good on the highway, but it’s a bit too heavy in low-speed driving. Body lean in fast turns is moderate, and the brakes have decent overall stopping control despite slightly spongy pedal action.”Consumer Guide
“The ride is reasonably comfortable but handling lacks agility. Interior materials are disappointing and many buttons are difficult to read at night.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2011 Lincoln MKX is a well-equipped luxury crossover that’s now fully competitive thanks chiefly to this year’s substantial improvements in performance and interior quality.”Edmunds
“You may not like the MKX if you expect to fly completely under the radar. The MKX’s styling is nothing if not in your face, with a battering ram front fascia and a whole lot of chrome. Depending on your view, all of that could be good or bad.”KBB
