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2008 Lincoln MKX
2008 Lincoln MKX
X Marks the Spot
The Lincoln MKX is aimed squarely at the growing market for smaller luxury-minded SUVs that are meant to stay on paved roads.
The MKX essentially replaces the truck-based Lincoln Aviator, which was derived from the former Ford Explorer. The MKX shares its platform, powertrain, and most components with the Ford Edge, though the MKX carries additional standard equipment and dressier trim.
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The MKX distinguishes itself from boxier-looking SUVs with a more stylish exterior that’s highlighted by a sleek roofline that sweeps gracefully rearward. The Lincoln MKX has a tall beltline, short front and rear overhangs, wide wheel wells, and black lower-body rocker panels. Large projector-beam headlamps flank a wide cross-hatch grille up front, while a bar of LED taillights runs across the tailgate.
Power comes from a V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
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The MKX’s car-like underpinnings, combined with a sport-tuned suspension, afford a smooth ride with more nimble handling than most truck-based SUVs. Front-wheel drive comes standard. The optional “intelligent” all-wheel drive is designed for both nimble cornering and secure foul-weather traction; it can transfer power front to rear and side to side as needed. The all-wheel-drive system lacks low-range gearing, so it’s not capable of heavy-duty off-roading.
As befits a family-oriented vehicle, safety systems are plentiful. The MKX includes dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted front side airbags and Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags for both rows of seats. The AdvanceTrak stability control system with Roll Stability Control is likewise standard; it uses brake and accelerator intervention to help keep all four wheels firmly planted.
Inside, the MKX is spacious. The five-passenger cabin is trimmed in leather with wood and satin accents. A 60/40 split rear seat can fold flat to maximize cargo room or recline for added comfort. Lincoln claims best-in-class head and legroom. A reconfigurable center console is large enough to hold a laptop computer and includes a 12-volt power outlet; an input jack for connecting portable audio players to the sound system is optional.
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Other options include a dual-panel panoramic Vista Roof, a remote fold-flat release for the second row of seats, a reverse-sensing system to make parallel parking easier, adaptive headlamps to illuminate the road through the curves at night, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a premium audio array, navigation, and rear-seat DVD player.
You want a stylish and comfortable SUV that isn't parked in every driveway in your neighborhood.
You need a larger, more powerful, and/or off-road-ready SUV.
Four passengers fit comfortably in the MKX’s spacious interior, with a fifth rider able to squeeze in the back when necessary.
Acura RDX, BMW X3, Land Rover LR2, Lexus RX 350
While the concept-car version of the MKX was originally branded as the Aviator, the vehicle was given its current designation to follow Lincoln’s new European-flavored, all-letter naming system. Beginning with 2007 models, most Lincolns, with the notable exception of the Town Car and Navigator, now have model names beginning with the prefix “MK.” (The former Zephyr sedan is thus recast as the MKZ.) Originally this was said to represent the word “Mark,” in deference to a classic line of Lincolns that date back to the post-war era, being consistent with Lincoln’s Mark LT full-size luxury pickup. Thus, the vehicle’s name was to be pronounced “Mark X.” However, Lincoln’s dealers found this pronunciation tended to confuse customers and recently convinced company executives to simply refer to it as it’s spelled. (To confuse matters, the Mark LT will not be renamed the MKLT.) Lincoln also used the name “Mark X” for a concept car that was first shown in 2004; it was a two-seat convertible that featured a power-folding retractable glass roof.
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