Attractive crossover SUV meets redesigned luxury and it appears to be a perfect match. In this Lincoln MKX 2016 offering, Lincoln has not only given the MKX an entirely new look, but also add in plush, roomy and quiet. Even better, you get a turbocharged engine and a comfortable ride with adaptive suspension dampers that are new this year too.
It’s been almost 10 years since the Lincoln folks rolled out the MKX, and since that time, the car has seen more than a few tweaks. This second-generation, however, can live up to its reputation with not a lot of tweaks needed.
The competition for the 2016 Lincoln MKX includes a well-rounded group from the Lexus RX 350 to the Acura MDX or the BMW X5.
The Lincoln MKX seats five passengers and you can choose from four trims, or Lincoln has coined the term “Group” instead of trim. Either way, there is the Premiere, Select, Reserve and Black Label.
For the Premiere, the MKX still starts out with high marks including 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension dampers on the All Wheel Drive models, automatic xenon headlights, LED taillights, keyless ignition and entry, a remote engine start, rear parking sensors and privacy glass, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, leatherette upholstery and leather wrapped steering wheel that offers tilt and telescoping features, heated front seats and 60/40-split second-row seats with power-folding seatbacks. Also expected on this level of luxury, you get voice controls, Bluetooth phone and audio, two USB ports, 10 speakers, rearview camera and the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system that has an eight-inch touchscreen.
On the Select Group trim, you add the LED daytime running lights and power-folding side mirrors with a hands-free power liftgate, leather upholstery, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a Select Plus package that can be added. On this addition, you would then include a navigation system and several additional safety features.
For the Reserve Group, there are 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, air-conditioned front seats, large sunroof and the features from the Select Plus package.
The Black Label is the crème de la crème with all of the Reserve’s goodies. There is also the addition of special Black Label 20-inch wheels as well as LED headlights, a simulated suede headliner, upgraded leather upholstery and 19 speakers with surround-sound.
The Black Label offers design themes too so you can pick from names like Indulgence, Modern Heritage, Muse and Thoroughbred and, depending on your choice, that will determine the trim and the color of the upholstery.
There are several options package for the 2016 Lincoln MKX including a Cargo Utility package for any trim and this includes a scuff plate, cargo net and tie-downs, plastic storage bins and a 110-volt outlet. The Climate package will keep you warm with heated seats in the back as well as a heated steering wheel and automatic windshield wipers. The Technology package is only offered on the Reserve and Black Label with front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system and automatic parallel parking.
Stand alone features you can choose for the MKX are 21-inch wheels, adaptive steering, 22-way-adjustable front seats and a trailer tow package.
Under the hood the base engine is a 3.7-liter V6 with 303 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Don’t forget about the turbocharged engine that you can opt for with a 2.7-liter V6 engine giving you 335 horsepower and 380 pound feet of torque. Front wheel drive is standard as is the six-speed automatic transmission, but you can opt for all-wheel drive.
Safety on this Lincoln is impressive with the usual antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side and side curtain airbags, blind spot mirrors, rearview camera and parking sensors, but also an optional blind-spot monitoring system and parking sensors. For the package that lends itself to extra safety the Driver Assistance package is impressive. It will add the lane-departure warning and intervention if needed feature and the forward collision warning and automatic braking with pedestrian detection.
The MyKey system is also a crowd pleaser with a feature that allows parents to predetermine the vehicle speed and stereo volume for younger drivers.
Inside the 2016 Lincoln MKX, it is comfortable all over from touch to the fancy details like leather, which is a common theme. The MyLincoln Touch interface is still a part of the 2016 Lincoln MKX package and this will give you not only the two driver-selectable information screen with a touchscreen voice-control system, but the MyLincoln Touch has a reputation for being a bit slow and finicky. Car buyers will need to be patient to learn the system for a better experience. But once you learn the system, you will be fine.
With a longer body this year, the backseat easily fits three passengers and the cargo has 37.2 cubic feet or 68.8 cubic feet when the seats are folded down.
It’s certainly an easy vehicle to drive. For crossover SUV lovers, add this to your short list with noise cancellation and a comfortable ride high on the list of reasons the redesigned 2016 Lincoln MKX is turning heads.
Should You Need to Know: Take note that the Lincoln MKX is based on the Edge platform and properly equipped you can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Miles Per Gallon: EPA miles per gallon on the 2016 Lincoln MKX Black Label I drove came in at 17 in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The 2016 Lincoln MKX Black Label I drove had a price tag of $67,020.
For more auto tips and information, follow Rita @RitaCook13.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.