What Changed for 2009:

• Carryover model
• Standard AdvanceTrac stability control system with Roll Stability Control

Overview
The 2009 Lincoln MKX crossover utility vehicle is a carryover model from 2008. According to Lincoln, the MKX offers car-like ride and handling characteristics because it’s based on Ford’s CD3 platform, which is shared with the Ford Edge and the current trio of Lincoln MKZ/Mercury Milan/Ford Fusion sedans.

Model Lineup
For 2009, the Lincoln MKX 4-door, 5-passenger luxury crossover utility vehicle is available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Standard features on both models include heated and cooled front seats; 10-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats; leather seats; 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS); power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; privacy glass; heated power mirrors with memory; 18-inch aluminum wheels; air conditioning; auxiliary audio input jack; floor mats; tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood accents, cruise control and redundant audio controls; leather-wrapped shift knob; and a tire-pressure-monitoring system.

Options for the MKX include voice-activated navigation; dual-headrest entertainment system; 14-speaker premium sound system; 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels (included in the Ultimate package); 20-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels; remote start; adaptive headlights; rear heated seats; black roof rack side rails; and a panoramic Vista Roof. Available equipment packages include: Ultimate, Elite, Ebony Interior, Cargo Accessory, Limited Edition (with specific trim, 20-inch wheels, and upgraded leather interior), and Monochrome Limited Edition.

Powertrain
A single engine choice is available for the 2009 Lincoln MKX: a 3.5-liter dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) V-6 that produces 265 hp at 6250 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the MKX are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway in the FWD model, and 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway for the AWD version. The engine is mated to a standard 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The AWD on the MKX is an intelligent system that delivers torque to all four wheels. The system proactively senses wheel slippage and in conjunction with traction control distributes torque to the wheels with the most grip, both side-to-side and front and rear to provide optimum traction, the company explains.

Safety
Safety features on the 2009 Lincoln MKX include six air bags—including side curtain air bags—4-wheel ABS, and standard AdvanceTrac stability control system with Roll Stability Control, designed to help the vehicle stay on the driver’s intended path and prevent it from rolling over during sudden maneuvers. A tire-pressure-monitoring system is also standard.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Lincoln MKX receives a 5-star (the highest possible rating) frontal-impact rating for the driver and 4 stars for the front-seat passenger. In side-impact testing, both front and rear rows received 5 stars. In the agency’s rollover crash tests, the MKX received a 4-star rating (both 2WD and AWD models). Although 2009 test results are not yet available, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2008 model year MKX a “Good” rating (the Institute’s highest) for its offset crash test.

Technology
One available high-tech feature on the 2009 Lincoln MKX is optional adaptive lighting, which helps improve visibility while cornering at night as the headlights swivel around curves based on steering-wheel input, the automaker explains. Other technology features include standard heated and cooled front seats and a front-row center console with removable dividers to accommodate laptop computers, purses, CDs and other items. Another available feature on the MKX is the panoramic Vista Roof—a large, forward sunroof with a fixed, rear moonroof that includes dual power sunshades to block out glare. Ford’s Sync voice-activated control for cell phones and MP3 players and 6 months of Sirius satellite radio are also standard. Voice-activated navigation, a dual-headrest entertainment system and THX-II Certified 14-speaker sound system are optional.