2017 Lincoln MKX Review

Standard equipment for the Premiere trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon high-intensity headlights, heated outside mirrors, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors, LED taillights, remote engine start, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, imitation-leather upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats (with power lumbar support), a reclining, 60/40-split second-row seat with power-folding seatbacks, driver-seat memory functions, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and active noise cancellation.

Standard convenience technology includes a driver-configurable instrument cluster, a rearview camera, the Sync 3 infotainment system with a central 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio input jack and two USB ports.

The Select model adds LED daytime running lights, power-folding side mirrors (with driver-side auto-dimming), adaptive suspension dampers (all-wheel-drive models only), a hands-free power liftgate, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, wood trim and a garage door opener. The optional Select Plus package adds a navigation system plus blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems.

The Reserve trim level adds 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive headlights, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, mobile-app compatibility and the contents of the Select Plus package.

Finally, the Black Label variant builds upon the Reserve's features with unique 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, upgraded leather upholstery, a simulated-suede headliner and a 19-speaker Revel Ultima surround-sound audio system with HD radio. Each Black Label MKX gets a choice of three different design themes (Indulgence, Modern Heritage and Thoroughbred), each of which alters the trim and the color of the upholstery, headliner and carpeting. It also grants access to the benefits of Lincoln's Black Label program.

A variety of options packages are available for the Lincoln MKX. The Cargo Utility package can be ordered on any trim level, and it includes a scuff plate, cargo net and tie-downs, plastic storage bins, a household-style 110-volt power outlet and a cargo cover. The Climate package adds heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic windshield wipers and automatic high beams.

The Reserve and Black Label versions offer several unique packages, including Technology (front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system and automated parallel parking), Driver Assistance (adaptive cruise control and new adaptive steering plus additional features detailed in the Safety section, below) and Luxury (adaptive LED headlights and the Revel Ultima audio system).

Stand-alone options include 21-inch wheels, 22-way-adjustable front seats, a trailer tow package, a 13-speaker Revel audio system (Select and Reserve), inflatable rear seat belts and a rear-seat video entertainment system with dual displays.

Under the hood, the 2017 Lincoln MKX gets a standard 3.7-liter V6 that produces 303 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 puts out a more robust 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, with all-wheel drive offered as an option. Properly equipped, the MKX can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

In Edmunds performance testing, an MKX Black Label with the 2.7-liter engine and all-wheel drive accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, an average time for a midsize luxury crossover.

EPA fuel economy ratings for the standard 3.7-liter V6 are 20 mpg combined (17 city/25 highway) with front-wheel drive and 19 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway) with all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 2.7-liter engine is rated at 20 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway) with front-wheel drive and 19 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway) with all-wheel drive.