2016 Lincoln MKX Review

Borrowing the underpinnings of the impressive Ford Edge and the athletic chops of the fun-to-drive Fusion sedan, the 2016 Lincoln MKX has nothing to apologize for anymore.

Lincoln has struggled mightily, despite valiant efforts, to re-establish itself as a credible luxury brand. But its offerings have come across as premium-grade poseurs.

The new Lincoln MKX crossover, however, is ready for prime time-with a regal street presence, superior handling and braking, effortless acceleration, a plush interior, and a suite of advanced technology.

How good is the Lincoln MKX? With a road-test score of 87, the 2016 Lincoln MKX outguns all other luxury midsized SUVs, including the popular Lexus RX 350 and BMW X5.

Despite the Lincoln MKX's strong road-test score, Lincolns have traditionally lagged in our reliability survey, which sets back its Overall Score.

The redesigned Lincoln MKX comes with either a 3.7-liter V6 or a smaller, 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged 335-hp V6. It doesn't take more than a quarter mile to realize this isn't your grandmother's Lincoln. The 2.7-liter pulls strongly. Powerful and refined, it supplies spirited forward thrust.

Unfortunately, that engine is more about boost than eco. It delivers the oomph, but at a cost. Overall fuel economy came in at 18 mpg; most of the competition in the segment easily gets 20 mpg or better. And the six-speed automatic transmission seems quaint among the segment's swath of eight-speed offerings.

When it comes to carving up corners, the 2016 Lincoln MKX proved lively and composed, with a taut and connected feel that is enjoyable and inspires confidence. This Lincoln has no problems keeping up with lusty German competitors on a mountain road. Even when driven with extra gusto, the Lincoln MKX is so reassuring that our testers wanted to push it harder around our track.

Ride comfort has an underlying firmness and feels composed, planted, and steady. Even with the 20-inch wheels, bumps and ruts are nicely muted and the cabin stays quiet and tranquil.

Lincoln has been spiffing up its interiors, and our Lincoln MKX has a swanky, high-society, hunt-club atmosphere with brown leather seats and rich wood and chrome trim pieces. A large sunroof brightens up the interior. However, the well-padded front seats are narrow and are located too far inward from the door; the driver's left footwell is cramped.

Large doors provide easy access, and there's a spacious rear seat and plenty of room for your stuff. A power liftgate and power-folding rear seats help with loading cargo.