2012 Lincoln MKX SUV

Lincoln's mid-size luxury crossover saw a thorough refresh just last year. The MKX's styling is unmistakably Lincoln, as its front end boasts the marque's signature split-wing grille and its body shape is similar to its larger SUV sibling, the MKT. Power comes from a 3.7-liter V-6 that produces 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque thanks to innovations like twin independent variable camshaft timing. The MKX records a respectable 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway on the EPA's test cycle with front-wheel drive. When equipped with all-wheel drive, those figures drop to 17 in the city and 23 on the highway. The MKX's interior features leather-trimmed seats and a choice of two types of wood accents. On top of what is an impressive standard-features list, the MKX offers adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot information system, programmable MyKey, and a capless fuel filler. The MyLincoln Touch driver-connect technology cranks Sync's functionality up to 11 -- at least when it functions properly. We've experienced some trouble getting the capacitive touch screen to work, and most testers agree that the system is more distracting than having physical buttons and knobs to control the various vehicle functions. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard; twenty-inch wheels are optional. Improved use of sound-deadening materials helps keep wind and road noise down compared to the outgoing model.