Used 2017 Lincoln MKX

In order to regain its premier luxury-car-manufacturer status, Lincoln has been distancing itself from the Ford vehicles upon which most of its products are based. A prime example is the 2017 Lincoln MKX, a luxury SUV that shares its basic architecture with the Ford Edge, but that now has enough presence and gravitas to make Lexus RX and Audi Q5 buyers give it a second look. With room for only five people Lincoln’s MKX isn’t designed for large families. Instead, the MKX provides a more personal mode of transportation, one backed by an available 335-horsepower EcoBoost engine and numerous premium luxury touches such as the 22-way-adjustable front seats and Revel 19-speaker audio system.

If you want to experience the 2017 Lincoln MKX at its best, you’ll need to order it with the 335-horsepower turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine. With more than 100 lb-ft additional torque over the standard 3.7-liter V6, the EcoBoost engine turns the MKX into a truly spirited performer, a feat made all the more impressive considering the SUV’s 4,300-pound curb weight. Fuel economy for the two engines is nearly identical, and actually better on models equipped with EcoBoost and all-wheel drive. As much fun as the 2017 MKX is in the straights, it isn’t as carefree in the turns, delivering what we’d call a relaxed ride. Handling is competent, but not competitive, when compared to Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC or BMW X5. True to the brand’s image, the Lincoln MKX for 2017 is a long-distance cruiser best described as comfortable, quiet and packed with luxury.

Elegant color combinations and high-quality materials like supple leather on the seats and aluminum and wood accents highlight the Lincoln MKX for 2017. The huge Panoramic Vista Roof gives the interior a light, airy feel. The Lincoln MKX’s second row is pleasantly roomy, and with nearly 40 inches of rear-seat legroom (even more in front), it’s easy to stretch out. The hub of the center stack is the new Sync 3 system, which uses an 8-inch touch screen to control Bluetooth, audio, climate and navigation. Optional on Select and Reserve trims are two available Revel audio systems.

The overall shape of Lincoln’s 2017 MKX luxury SUV is similar to that of its kin the Ford Edge, but there are some styling cues that separate the two. The MKX uses Lincoln’s split grille, plus generous use of LED lighting. The MKX comes standard with 18-inch wheels, which can be upped to 20- or 21-inch wheels with Lincoln’s top-of-the-line Black Label. In addition to a choice of interior themes, it adds exclusive paint colors and badges to the MKX’s exterior.

ECOBOOST ENGINE
Lincoln’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 delivers more horsepower and torque than the standard 3.7-liter V6 with no penalty in fuel economy. The extra power is on tap at all times, helping this rather hefty SUV feel lighter than it actually is.

22-WAY POWER-ADJUSTABLE MASSAGING SEATS
Luxury is supposed to be about extravagance, so the fact that the 2017 Lincoln MKX offers a set of 22-way-power-adjustable seats just seems fitting. Need more? How about the ability to heat or cool their occupants, and even massage fatigued leg and back muscles.

Included in the base price of the Lincoln MKX (Premiere trim) are cool features like LED taillights and a reverse-sensing system, plus heated side mirrors. Also heated is the standard 10-way-power driver seat. A media hub is included, as are Sync 3, a 9-speaker audio system and a rearview camera. Other standard niceties include a particulate air-filtration system, remote start, torque-vectoring control and curve control.

Where the Lincoln MKX really shines is in the options. The torquey EcoBoost engine. Revel audio systems, with up to 19 speakers. The huge Panoramic Vista Roof. Front seats that aren’t just heated and cooled, but also are 22-way-adjustable and have seat massagers. Voice-activated navigation. Then there’s the Lincoln Black Label, a trim level that’s treated like an exclusive membership. You get a liaison that helps you throughout the purchase of an MKX, complimentary car washes anytime and a free annual detailing, vehicle pickup and drop-off for service and access to the Culinary Experience at restaurants with acclaimed chefs.

Lincoln offers two engine choices for the 2017 MKX luxury SUV. First is the tried-and-true 3.7-liter V6, which is the standard powerplant. Pony up an additional $2,000 and you can get a 2.7-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 offering 32 more horsepower than in the 3.7-liter V6, 102 more lb-ft of torque with no fuel-efficiency penalty. In fact, the EcoBoost engine meets or beats the 3.7-liter’s fuel economy, whether the MKX is front- or all-wheel drive (FWD, AWD). Both engines come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

3.7-liter V6
303 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
278 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg (FWD), 16/23 mpg (AWD)

2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6
335 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
380 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg (FWD), 17/24 mpg (AWD)

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.