2006 Lincoln MKX 3.5L 6AT AWD (265 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Lincoln breached into the new segment of mid-size crossovers with the MKX lineup in 2007, offering customers an upscale version of the Ford Edge, which the blue-oval brand launched in January 2006.

Creating upscale models after Ford products was already usual for Lincoln. After the Explorer-based Navigator and the Fusion-based MKZ, Lincoln introduced the MKX lineup in December 2006, almost a year after the launch of the Ford Edge. The new mid-size crossover, produced north of the U.S. border in Canada at the Oakville Assembly Plant, was made on a modified CD3 platform used by Mazda 6. However, its higher ground clearance and the available all-wheel drive quickly put the MKX on the buyers’ shortlist thanks to its features and amenities. In addition, the car manufacturer focused on things that mattered to the younger generation, trying to get more customers from that segment.

With a front fascia that resembled the 1961 Lincoln Continental, the MKX offered a strong presence on the road. It looked luxurious and classic at the same time while still providing some modern aesthetic touches. The rectangular headlights that flanked it featured projector beams and integrated turn signal lamps in their inner upper area. On the lower bumper, Lincoln added a black unpainted area that gave customers confidence that it wouldn’t cost them a fortune to repair it if they scratched it. However, the round fog lamps from the apron could ease their ambitions to tackle some mud-covered trails.

From its profile, the car still resembled the shape of a Ford Edge, featuring a raked panoramic windshield. The chromed trim on the lower side of the window line resembled the one from the Lincoln Zephyr (later the MKZ). At the back, unlike other crossovers, the 2007 Lincoln MKX featured a raked-forward rear windshield for the tailgate. The automaker added a broad red area that visually connected the corner-mounted taillights. On the lower side of the bumper, the automaker also placed a black unpainted area that echoed the one from the front, with side exhausts adorned by chromed tips.

However, Lincoln tried to attract buyers with the upscale look of the cabin. Its genuine wood trims on the dashboard and door cards perfectly matched the leather-clad interior. Fronting the driver was a squarish-looking instrument cluster where the automaker installed rectangular dials for the speedometer and tachometer. The center stack housed the THX-certified sound system, with up to 14 speakers. In addition, the automaker offered a DVD-based navigation unit. At the front, the 2007 Lincoln MKX featured comfortable bucket seats with average-sized bolstered areas, while in the back, a split-folding (60/40) bench seat could accommodate three adults with plenty of headroom and legroom. However, the transmission tunnel that crossed the car front to back limited movements for the middle-seated passenger.

Under the hood, Ford installed its brand-new four-cam, 24-valve, 3.5-liter Duratec V6 engine that sent 265 hp (269 PS) to the front wheels or in all corners, depending on the option. The all-wheel independent suspension with McPherson struts up front and a multi-link system in the back ensured a comfortable ride. In addition, the all-wheel-drive 2007 Lincoln MKX was fitted with a viscous center differential that could lock up to 100% for maximum traction.