2008 Lincoln MKX Trims and Specs

Lincoln's first-ever luxury crossover enters its second year with new driver's-seat memory settings, heated and cooled front seats, and the Lincoln Sync hands-free communication system. The MKX front-wheel drive crossover seats five, with leather front captain's chairs and a rear bench seat that reclines. The rear seat also split-folds 60/40, expanding the 31-cubic-foot cargo area to 69 cubic feet. The cargo area comes standard with tie-downs and a rear window that opens separately from the manual liftgate (a power liftgate is available). Power comes from a 3.5-liter, 265-hp DOHC V6 and 6-speed automatic that deliver 250 ft-lbs of torque. In terms of safety, the 2008 MKX Base comes with 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, traction and stability control with rollover protection, 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, a tire monitor, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows. Seat-mounted side impact bags for the backseat are optional, along with adaptive headlights. An auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear parking sensors, foglights, and dusk-sensing headlamps are also standard.

Leather seats are heated in front, with 10-way power settings. Full power features include remote entry and heated mirrors. Entertainment is provided by satellite radio and a 6-CD changer with MP3 playback. Wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, intermittent front wipers and a rear wiper, dual-zone climate control, and temperature and compass displays add extra convenience. High-end appearance is provided by wood, leather, and alloy trim on the dash, wheel, and shifter. An optional Vista Sunroof consists of a large sunroof and rear skylight. Other options include a voice-based navigation system, DVD player, power sunshades, and a remote-controlled power fold for the back seat. Appearance packages add chrome wheels and monochrome moldings and grille surrounds. A THX surround system bumps up the audio quality inside the cabin.

A limited-slip center differential accompanies the automatic AWD system in the 2008 Lincoln MKX AWD. This system distributes torque among the four wheels as needed, based on road and weather conditions. Although the 3.5-liter, 265-hp DOHC V6 and 6-speed auto transmission get slightly less mileage (15/22mpg) in the AWD than the front-wheel-drive version, this luxury crossover provides the extra security and handling that come with all-wheel drive. Other safety features include 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, 4-wheel ABS brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, a tire monitor, foglights, backup sensors, and both traction and stability control with rollover protection.

New this year is the Lincoln Sync hands-free communication and entertainment system, so drivers can supposedly pay more attention to the road. Crash ratings are not yet out for the 2008 MKX AWD. Optional 20-inch chrome wheels can be added, along with seat-mounted side impact airbags for the backseat and adaptive headlights that help around curves.

Crossovers are not meant for true off-roading, and the 2008 MKX AWD lacks low-range gearing. Crossovers are meant for family comfort, and the MKX provides this with leather seats, 10-way power front captain's chairs with new driver's memory settings, heated front seats and mirrors, a full power setup, remote entry, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, satellite radio, a 6-CD changer with MP3 compatibility, and intermittent front wipers and a rear wiper. Rear seats recline and split-fold 60/40. The cargo area comes with tie-downs and expands from 31 to 69 cubic feet. A manual liftgate can be replaced with a power option. Trailer wiring comes standard, and a separate tow package can be added.

Inside, leather, wood, and alloy decorate the dash, wheel, and shifter. Other nice features include dual-zone climate control, a temperature and compass display, and privacy glass. Design-wise, a chrome grille and rear spoiler dress up the exterior, and an option package adds body-colored moldings. Also available are a navigation system, DVD player, nearly full-length Vista sunroof, and a THX sound system.