2016 Lincoln MKX Review

The Lincoln MKX is fully redesigned for 2016. Highlights include new exterior sheet metal, a roomier interior, higher-quality materials, a new turbocharged engine option and adaptive suspension dampers for all-wheel-drive models. Later in the model year, Lincoln will replace the MKX's previous MyLincoln Touch infotainment interface with the improved Sync 3 system.

When the Lincoln MKX first debuted in 2007, we recommended that shoppers consider pretty much any of its competitors first. While competent overall, the original MKX was lacking in areas that others excelled in, like cabin materials quality and overall driving character. It was obvious that the MKX shared more with its plebeian Ford Edge sibling than Lincoln cared to admit. Despite some significant changes in the intervening years, that lackluster first impression remained relevant throughout the first MKX's long production run.

The fully redesigned 2016 Lincoln MKX does more than its predecessor to distance itself from its Ford Edge underpinnings.

But the 2016 Lincoln MKX is an all-new, second-generation model, and it's good enough to soften our stance. The MKX is still based on the Edge, of course, but Ford's midsize crossover got a thorough redesign of its own last year, so Lincoln's version benefits from the new platform's numerous enhancements. On top of that, the MKX comes very well-equipped with convenience and luxury items, and when you step up to the higher trim levels, you can get exclusives like 22-way front seats and a 19-speaker Revel Ultima sound system. Under the hood, a newly optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine boasts 335 horsepower and respectable fuel economy, while the available adaptive suspension delivers a smooth ride in its default mode and can be firmed up for more driver control.

There are still a few downsides to the redesigned MKX, however, such as the retention of the older MyLincoln Touch interface on some MKXs (the new and improved Sync 3 system debuts halfway through the model year) and some interior materials that don't feel as rich or premium as those found in competing vehicles. This class also happens to be stuffed full of talented rivals that work harder to earn your money. The 2016 Lexus RX 350, for example, is also redesigned this year with an aggressive new look and a high-quality interior. If a roomy interior is what you're after, the 2016 Acura MDX is a great choice, with abundant cargo room and a third row for the little ones. There's also the BMW X5 and new Mercedes GLE, which outdo the Lincoln in multiple categories, but typically cost more, too. Overall, the redesigned 2016 Lincoln MKX doesn't do much to raise the bar for midsize luxury crossover SUVs, but it certainly merits consideration alongside the segment's best, and that counts as real progress.

The 2016 Lincoln MKX is a five-passenger crossover SUV. There are four trim levels (Lincoln calls them Groups): Premiere, Select, Reserve and Black Label.

Standard equipment for the 2016 Lincoln MKX in base Premiere trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension dampers (AWD models only), automatic xenon headlights, LED taillights, keyless ignition and entry, remote engine start, rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass, heated side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, leatherette upholstery, active noise cancellation, heated eight-way power front seats (with power lumbar support), driver memory functions, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a reclining, 60/40-split second-row seat with power-folding seatbacks.

Standard technology features include voice controls (Sync), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, a configurable instrument cluster, a central 8-inch display with a touchscreen interface (either the MyLincoln Touch infotainment or the newer Sync 3 system, with availability depending on when the MKX was built) and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary input and two USB ports.

The Select Group adds LED daytime running lights, power-folding side mirrors (the driver-side mirror gets an auto-dimming feature), a hands-free power liftgate, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and wood trim. The optional Select Plus package adds a navigation system and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems.

The Reserve Group adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, ventilated front seats, mobile-app compatibility, a panoramic sunroof and the contents of the Select Plus package.

Finally, the Black Label variant builds upon the Reserve's features with unique 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, a simulated suede headliner, upgraded leather upholstery and a Revel Ultima 19-speaker surround-sound audio system with HD radio. Each Black Label MKC gets a choice of four different design themes (Indulgence, Modern Heritage, Muse and Thoroughbred), each of which alters the trim and the color of the upholstery, headliner and carpeting. It also grants access to Lincoln's Black Reserve program.

A variety of options packages are available for the 2016 Lincoln MKX. The Cargo Utility package can be ordered with any equipment group, and includes a scuff plate, cargo net and tie-downs, plastic storage bins, a 110-volt outlet and a cargo cover. The Climate package adds heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic windshield wipers and automatic high beams. The Reserve and Black Label versions get several unique packages, including Technology (front parking sensors, 360-degree camera system and automated parallel parking), Driver Assistance (adaptive cruise control plus additional features detailed in the Safety section, below) and Luxury (adaptive LED headlights and the Revel Ultima audio system).

Stand-alone options include 21-inch wheels, adaptive steering, 22-way-adjustable front seats, a trailer tow package, a 13-speaker Revel audio system (Select and Reserve), inflatable rear seatbelts and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual displays.

The base engine in the 2016 Lincoln MKX is a 3.7-liter V6 that generates 303 hp and 278 pound-feet of torque. A new turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 is also available; it produces a healthier 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting duties. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive offered as an option. Properly equipped, the MKX can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

In Edmunds performance testing, an MKX Black Label with the 2.7-liter engine and AWD accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, an average time for a midsize luxury crossover.

The powerful turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine is new for 2016.

EPA fuel economy ratings for the base engine are 20 mpg combined (17 city/26 highway) with front-wheel drive and 19 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway) with all-wheel drive. The 2.7-liter engine is rated at 21 mpg combined (17/26) with front-wheel drive and 19 mpg combined (17/24) with all-wheel drive.

Standard safety equipment for the MKX includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, integrated blind spot mirrors, a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. Also standard is the programmable MyKey system, which allows parents to define parameters such as vehicle speed and stereo volume for teen drivers.

A blind-spot monitoring system (with rear cross-traffic alert) is optional, as are rear parking sensors. The optional Driver Assistance package includes lane-departure warning, lane-departure intervention, forward collision warning, forward collision mitigation with automatic braking (with pedestrian detection) and a driver drowsiness monitor.

In Edmunds testing, an MKX Black label with AWD came to a stop from 60 mph in 118 feet, a stopping distance that is a couple feet shorter than average.

In government crash tests, the 2016 MKX received an overall rating of five stars out of a possible five. Within that rating, the MKX earned five stars for total frontal impact protection and total side impact protection. In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the MKX earned a top rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset impact test and side-impact test.

The 2016 Lincoln MKX's cabin is well appointed, with plentiful soft-touch surfaces, a leather-wrapped dashboard and a carpeted cargo area. A variety of trim pieces are available, including aluminum and high-gloss or open-pore wood (providing a more textured look and feel). Amid all this luxury, though, there are a couple items that look and feel relatively low-rent, such as the transmission shifter buttons and the plastics on the center stack.

Materials quality is good overall, but some touch points feel less substantial than in competing vehicles.

Unfortunately, early production models of the 2016 MKX carried on with the MyLincoln Touch interface rather than the new Sync 3 system. MyLincoln Touch remains a technological tour de force, comprising two driver-selectable information screens, one elegant central touchscreen and a comprehensive voice-control system. However, many drivers will find the learning curve frustratingly steep, and the system can occasionally be slow to respond to your inputs. A better choice is finding a midyear 2016 MKX that has the new Sync 3 interface. It is much easier to use than MyLincoln Touch, with quicker response times and a more user-friendly touchscreen.

Depending on when your MKX was built, it's going to have the tried-and-true MyLincoln Touch or the new Sync 3 system.

The Lincoln MKX has grown slightly longer and wider with the 2016 redesign, offering even more room than its already spacious predecessor. The backseat is notable for being able to seat three adults in reasonable comfort, thanks in part to the standard reclining rear seatbacks. The rear cargo area measures 37.2 cubic feet, and, with the rear seats flipped down, the maximum capacity expands to 68.8 cubic feet. These are respectable numbers that put the MKX in line with class standards.

The first thing you notice while driving the 2016 Lincoln MKX is nothing at all. We noted the supremely quiet ride in the last MKX, and with the new model's improved insulation and active noise-cancellation system, there's even more isolation from the outside world this time around. The MKX retains its signature comfort-oriented ride quality, although the available adaptive suspension dampers (AWD models only) stiffen it up just a touch for when the road gets squiggly. The base 3.7-liter V6 provides only adequate acceleration; we recommend opting for the smaller, turbocharged engine, as it's considerably more potent and refined as well as slightly more fuel-efficient.

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.