2007 Lincoln MKX Preview

Lincoln Tosses the Aviator for the MKX

Unlike the slow-selling Aviator, the all-new MKX seems a formidable rival to other midsize premium SUVs.

Lincoln's new MKX seems poised to outshine the slow-selling Aviator it replaces and to hold up better against considerable competition in the midsize SUV segment. The MKX will go on sale late this year as a 2007 model.

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Besides its looks, the key difference between the MKX and outgoing Aviator is that the new model is built on a car-like unibody, which performs best on pavement, while the Aviator is built on Ford Explorer's truck-like ladder frame, which holds advantages for off-road use but isn’t ideal for on-road driving.

The MKX shares its chassis and mechanicals with the recently introduced Mazda CX-7 and Ford Edge (Ford owns Mazda and Lincoln, among other brands). The MKX has a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter aluminum V6 and new six-speed automatic transmission. Power goes to the road through an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system that transfers torque to the wheels with the best traction.

With a fully independent suspension, the MKX should boast a smooth, controlled ride and responsive handling for an SUV. And Lincoln has added extra layers of sound deadening material in pursuit of a quiet interior with as little road and wind noise as possible.

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The MKX's interior appears upscale, with wood and satin nickel trim, high-grade leather seats and “cool white” lighting. Luxury options include heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a 14-speaker sound system. There’s also a Vista Roof option, which features two large glass panels that let light into most of the cabin.

The MKX showcases plenty of standard safety features, including “AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control,” a system that merges conventional stability control with technology that detects and preempts rollovers. There are six standard airbags on the MKX, including side-curtain bags.