Lincoln MKX

The Lincoln MKX FWD is based on a shared platform with the Ford Edge crossover SUV (which itself is based on a modified Mazda 6 platform), and bar a few cosmetic tweaks (such as the much talked about "egg-crate" grille), the Lincoln MKX FWD and the Ford Edge crossover SUV are the same vehicle under the skin. This is the main problem for the MKX, as the Ford Edge is considerably cheaper. Customers that choose the MKX over the Ford will essentially be paying $5000 extra for the Lincoln badge. According to Lincoln, the benchmark for this vehicle was the Lexus RX350, the best selling vehicle in the class. In some ways it beats the RX with more passenger space for instance (the MKX is longer and wider than the RX), however, the penalty for this extra space is 500lbs of extra weight. In terms of refinement, Lincoln boasts that the MKX is even quieter than the Lexus and road tests seem to confirm this. The MKX is a very refined cruiser, which, like the Lexus is designed to offer a smooth and comfortable ride. One area where the MKX cannot match the Lexus is in terms of perceived quality, the cabin could never be described as down market or cheap, however it simply is not in the same league as the Lexus. In summary the MKX is larger (and slower) than the Lexus, with similar economy and refinement, with a less inviting interior and lower perceived build quality. The MKX currently undercuts the Lexus by just $3000, for many this will not be enough to entice them away from the class leader with 10 years of superb reliability and customer satisfaction ratings.