2015 Lincoln MKX

NEW FOR 2015:

- Minor changes to trim and equipment

The second-generation Lincoln MKX is in its twilight hours – this will be the final year of production before an all-new model arrives on dealer showrooms come fall 2015. Based on the Edge’s platform, the MKX majors on comfort, with a smooth ride, spacious and quiet cabin, and good interior materials. Like its key rival, the Lexus RX, the MKX waves its flag for Canada as it’s assembled in Ontario.

All Lincoln MKXs come equipped with a 3.7-litre V6 engine that makes 305 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, routed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Where most luxury crossovers in the midsize class tap out at 19-inch diameter wheels, the MKX offers factory-fitted 20 and 22-inch wheels – the latter of which are some of the largest fitted to any production vehicle.

As one would expect in a luxury vehicle, the MKX AWD (Package 100A) comes equipped with plenty of niceties: a semi-digital instrument cluster with two reconfigurable screens, heated and ventilated leather seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated reclining rear seats, intelligent key with push-button start, remote start, 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, reverse camera, power tailgate, adaptive HID lights, capless fuel-filler system, capacitive-touch HVAC and stereo controls, and Sync voice control.

Equipment Group 101A adds 20-inch chrome-plated wheels, a preposterously large panoramic vista roof with power sunshade, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, navigation, and a THX II certified sound system with 14 speakers.

For 2015, the MKX can also be had with a Limited Edition package that adds Soft Ceramic (white-ish) leather upholstered seats, dashboard panel, and steering wheel, with contrast black inserts and red stitching, 20-inch wheels, and headlamps with the Lincoln logo etched into them. It’s a neat infusion of luxury for only $1,500, and it previews the sort of materials and colour schemes that will be available on the all-new 2016 version.

Other standalone options include radar cruise control with auto-brake, a trailer-tow package which allows the MKX to tow up to 3,500 lbs, an engine block heater, roof rails, and 22-inch wheels. The wood trim package has been discontinued for 2015, as has the Sight and Sound package that bundled the sound system and panoramic roof.