2013 Lincoln MKX

Not much is new for the 2013 model year. New twenty-two-inch wheels; Kodiak brown metallic, ginger ale, ruby red metallic, and smoked quartz metallic exterior paint colors; and paddle shifters are the primary differences. The MKX gets minor Sync upgrades and the ability to turn the vehicle into a mobile Wi-Fi hot spot.

Newish styling for 2013 better separates the 2013 Lincoln MKX from the Ford Edge. Call it over-styled, mustached, or a grinning whale with large teeth, the 2013 Lincoln MKX now sports a smaller front-fascia that still doesn’t resemble any other luxury crossover. The chunky lines and bulky proportions have been slightly slimmed-down to create a more acceptably proportioned crossover. Large windows offer some of the best outward-visibility available. The MKX’s distinctive front grille flows into a clean roofline and finishes in a straight-forward rear design.

Both inside and outside, the Lincoln MKX excels at offering standard equipment that is usually optional in other vehicles. Standard 18-inch alloy-wheels deck the wheel wells, with 18-inch polished alloy, 20-inch polished alloy, and elephantine 22-inch wheels as available options. Though slow in operation, a power lift gate comes standard.

While only available in one trim, Lincoln includes three separate equipment-groups along with several packages for tailoring the 2013 MKX’s looks to satisfy various owner tastes. The Premium package polishes the 18-inch wheels, adds adaptive xenon headlights, and includes automatic wipers. The Elite package includes all Premium package goodies but swaps out the 18-inch polished alloys for 20-inch chrome wheels, and also adds a panoramic sunroof. A Limited Edition package features 20-inch polished alloy wheels.

The MKX stays competitive with other luxury crossovers through thoughtful features, standard luxury upgrades, and a spacious rear seat. Lincoln offers enough upgrades and styling nuances to give the MKX a modish presence and atmosphere. The 2013 Lincoln MKX flaunts a well-trimmed cabin which is adorned with quality materials, real aluminum accents, and handsomely stitched leather. Speaking of leather, unlike some competitors, the MKX includes standard leather upholstery along with heated and ventilated power front seats. Also standard are auto-dimming mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, and a power lift gate. All of these are options on many higher-end vehicles.

The standard MyLincoln Touch system is combined with Sync electronics to provide a broad range of modern technology features. MyLincoln Touch utilizes an LCD touch-screen interface. Touch-screen icons, voice recognition, and steering-wheel buttons allow for audio, phone, and navigation system interaction. The system can be difficult to operate and sometimes slow to respond. However, it enables the Lincoln to become a Wi-Fi hotspot for passengers, a feature not currently found in many vehicles of any class. A Premium package adds: Interior ambient lighting; a heated power-adjustable steering wheel; upgraded leather upholstery; and heated second-row seats. For the ultimate entertainment package that even 20-somethings will envy, opt for the Elite package. This package includes all Premium package additions and adds a 650-watt, 14-speaker THX II surround-sound audio system; it’s sure to shake the windows with a 13-channel amp and a subwoofer. The Elite package also includes a voice-activated navigation system with Sirius Travel Link (real-time traffic and weather information). Appealing to a more mature crowd, the Limited Edition package offers black-accented bronze leather-upholstery, exclusively textured metallic-trim, and monogrammed floor mats. Adaptive cruise control and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual-displays are also available.

The 2013 Lincoln MKX remains a benchmark in American practicality. Both front and rear seats offer plenty of space. The second-row seat uncharacteristically (for this segment) seats three people comfortably. Behind the rear seats is 32.3-cubic feet of available cargo space. Capacity expands to 69-cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.

Safety features include segment standard airbags and stability control. The 2013 Lincoln MKX also includes trailer-sway control and hill-start assist as standard safety features. Adaptive cruise-control and frontal-collision warning are available. While the MKX offers outstanding outward-visibility, a rear-view camera comes standard. A blind-spot monitor is also available.

The 2013 MKX remains a Top Safety Pick, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the 2013 MKX scored lower than in past year tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA now rates the 2013 MKX at four stars overall.

The 2013 Lincoln MKX is certainly not as sporty as many of its competitors. However, the vehicle is pleasant to drive when equipped with the 18-inch wheels. The MKX is a tall crossover, so hard-cornering should be conducted with caution. The MKX does excel at straight-line acceleration and midrange passing. The ride is quiet on behalf of acoustic dampening and thicker glass. The MKX handles competently and suitably accelerates thanks to an engine sourced from the 2013 Mustang. Adding the optional 20-inch or 22-inch wheels will add some firmness which just doesn’t fit the MKX’s ride and demeanor.

The 2013 Lincoln MKX is powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 that dishes out 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed, automatic transmission with manual shifting capability is standard. While an overall good transmission, sometimes drivers may need to press the throttle-pedal to the floor when attempting to downshift. EPA fuel economy ratings for front-wheel-drive trims are 19/26 mpg city/highway, and 17/23 mpg city/highway for all-wheel-drive models. The MKX is rated to tow up to 3500-pounds.

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