Intended as a replacement for the slow selling Aviator, the MKX is a mid size luxury crossover SUV in the vein of the Lexus RX350. Because of its front drive unibody underpinnings, the MKX is able to deliver car-like handling that traditional body-on-frame SUVs can't hope to match, while it's raised suspension gives drivers the high seating position that is major selling point in traditional SUVs. The MKX shares essential features such as its drivetrain and Mazda 6-based chassis with the Ford Edge, but features a restyled exterior, more luxurious interior, and a wider range of options to add cachet and justify its price increase over the Edge.

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On the exterior, the MKX features tasteful chrome grille that stretches from headlight to headlight, a design touch that is shared with other Lincolns such as the popular Navigator. Restyled rear taillights and 18-inch machined aluminum wheels complete the visual differentiation the MKX receives from the Edge. Inside, the extra coin spent over the Edge is evident as the MKX features niceties such as a full leather interior, real wood and satin-nickel accents, heated and cooled front seats, and a six-disc in-dash CD changer, Options include all wheel drive (standard MKX's are front-wheel drive), an enormous sunroof dubbed the 'Vista Roof', a premium THX-certified sound system with 14-speakers and 600 watts of peak power, and a rear seat entertainment package with a second row DVD player and eight-inch screen. Bowing to the current consumer desire for oversized rims, 20-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels are an option.

The MKX's engine, a 3.5 liter V6 with variable-valve timing, produces the same 265 horsepower and 250 lb.-feet of torque that it does in the Edge; the only transmission option is a 6-speed automatic that shifts smoothly but lacks a manumatic feature. Safety features include dual front airbags, side-impact curtain airbags for the first and second rows, and seat mounted side impact airbags for the first row. An AdvanceTrac stability system with Roll Stability Control is standard, as is an electronic traction control system.