2016 Lincoln MKX 3.7L Cyclone V6 6AT FWD (303 HP)

Vehicle Overview

More than eight years after the nameplate’s introduction in Lincoln’s inventory, the American luxury automaker unveiled the second generation of the MKX at the 2015 North American International Auto Show.

Lincoln made the MKX based on the Ford CD3 platform shared with the Ford Edge in 2006, and the mid-size luxury crossover was praised by its customers. Sales were strong despite the grueling economic situation during the world financial crisis. Then, the automaker significantly improved the vehicle for the 2011 model year, which boosted sales. However, after eight years on the market, the model needed more than another update; it needed a new generation. As a result, in 2015, the automaker launched the 2016 Lincoln MKX in Detroit. The new vehicle was built on the updated Ford CD4 platform, and unlike its predecessor, it was powered by six-cylinder engines instead of four. But that was just a part of the good news for Lincoln’s customers.

The 2016 Lincoln MKX sported the twin-wing signature design element at the front fascia, featuring five chromed slats on each side. Between them, on a body-colored element, the automaker placed the narrow and tall badge. To further enhance the vehicle’s fresh aspect, the automaker offered full-LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights on their lower areas. Lincoln added a broad lower air intake flanked by LED fog lamps to match the bold and sporty styling of the mid-size luxury crossover.

Even though it shared its underpinnings with the Ford Edge, the 2016 Lincoln MKX didn’t inherit any body panel from its blue-oval-badged brother. Its creased and curved lines over the front and rear fenders smoothly emerged onto the upper sides of the doors. However, Lincoln tried to emphasize the crossover’s ability to tackle some unpaved roads and put black lower rocker panels, which created the illusion of a higher ground clearance. At the back, the raked-forward tailgate had a roof spoiler on its top, emphasizing the car’s sporty character. Furthermore, the automaker offered standard 18-inch alloy wheels with options for 20- or 21-inch sets.

Inside, Lincoln focused on comfort and serenity for its customers. At the front, the automaker offered 22-way multicontour power seats, which included power head restraints and thigh extenders. Fronting the driver was a mixed instrument panel where the speedometer and tachometer flanked an LCD between them. In addition, a TFT display was shown inside the rev counter dial. Like in the previous generation, the car had buttons for the automatic transmission mounted on the driver’s side, on the center stack. The new infotainment unit featured the second generation of the MyLincoln Touch system. In the back, the automaker installed a split-folding bench seat that could host three adults.

Under the hood, the 2016 Lincoln MKX was available with a choice of two V6 engines. The formerly-used inline-four was no longer available. The automaker employed a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated powerhouse for the base version with an available 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged unit. They were paired with six-speed automatic transmissions and sent their power to the front or in all corners, depending on the options.