2011 Lincoln MKX Car Review

Ford introduced a thoroughly refreshed version of the Lincoln MKX at the Detroit auto show earlier this year. With extensive changes, including a new powertrain, a touched-up exterior, all-new instrument panel, greatly upgraded materials, new seats, upgraded insulation from noise and vibration, and standout new interior tech features, the 2011 MKX promises to be quite different than the 2010 MKX. As soon as the editors of TheCarConnection.com can drive the new MKX, we will update this Bottom Line with ratings and comparisons.

From the front alone, the 2011 Lincoln MKX now looks like a completely different vehicle, as it gets the more distinctive, “split wing” grille plus a completely new front fascia, effectively carrying the more swept-back look of the newer Lincoln MKS. Newly available HID headlamps and LED taillamps give it crisper details, and otherwise in back new four-inch-oval exhaust tips help give it a more aggressive look. New 18- and 20-inch wheel designs give the whole vehicle a little more ‘pop,’ even though the distinctive profile and roofline, along with the doorlines, of the MKX remain unchanged in the 2011 version. Inside, most of what matters has been refreshed, with everything else has been refreshed, with new contours for the instrument panels and all-new materials, trims, gauges, and displays. The interior is finished off in ‘signature’ Lincoln white lighting. New climate-controlled leather seats have been redone with new contouring and stitching, and the steering wheel is wrapped and stitched with soft surfaces almost everywhere, including the center-console rails and console lids.

A significant powertrain enhancement is also part of the rehab; the 2011 Lincoln MKX gets Ford’s new 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter Duramax V-6, which has also been announced as the base engine in the 2011 Ford Mustang. It’s hooked up to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, which allows a full driver-selectable mode for sporty driving. Brakes have been upgraded, too. The V-6 includes Ford’s new Ti-VCT variable valve timing technology along with fuel-saving strategies including aggressive fuel shut-off and smart charging, which engages the alternator during optimal times. Ford promises 25 mpg on the highway—a significant improvement, despite the additional power—and the MKX will remain offered with either front- or all-wheel drive.

With newly contoured seats and trim changes, it’s likely the front seats in the MKX have improved. As it stands, the backseat of the MKX is roomy and very comfortable for two adults. Optional trim packages on the 2011 MKX add tuxedo stripes, black piping, or Shantung aluminum appliqués, while Olive Ash and Walnut Swirl are also offered. With acoustic glass and a sound-deadening headliner, plus more sound insulation, the interior also promises to be quieter.

The centerpiece of the interior is a new touch-sensitive instrument panel. More precisely, several of the center-stack controls have been replaces with touch-sensitive ones. For instance, fingertip touch sliders—incorporating ten small cells in a band—allow you to simply drag from left to right to raise or lower volume or adjust climate control. Three full swipes bring the volume from low to high. Pairing with this glitzy new interface is the new MyLincoln Touch that we reported on last week, bringing both an 8-inch in-dash display plus two 4.2-inch color LCD screens on either side of the speedometer in the gauge cluster. The very iPhone-inspired design incorporates touch-screen controls with an improved version of Ford’s Sync Bluetooth- and USB-based hands-free calling and multi-media interface, allowing traffic, directions, and information, along with turn-by-turn directions. Steering-wheel controls provide shortcut access, while the audio controls now include a media hub with two USB 2.0 ports plus video inputs and an SD card reader.

Previous models years of the Lincoln MKX have had impressive crash-test ratings. Among the safety features offered in the new MKX are Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist, in addition to electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes. Hydraulic Brake Assist helps with panic stops. Also available are adaptive cruise control and a Collision Warning with Brake Support system.

The 2011 Lincoln MKX will have an HD Radio-capable tuner, along with the first implementation of iTunes Tagging in any factory HD Radio sound system—allowing you to save song information for later purchase. The available premium sound system in the MKX is THX II Certified, with 14 speakers. Standard conveniences include MyKey and Ford’s Intelligent Access system, while top options include adaptive cruise control, Collision Warning with Brake Support, and a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert. Other standout Lincoln MKX features include a seven-color ambient lighting package, adaptive HID headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel, and a new power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel.