MPG-o-Matic 2011 Lincoln MKX AWD Review Summary: The luxurious 2011 Lincoln MKX is packed with safety features and technology, including the innovative MyLincoln Touch flat-screen display that dispenses with the need for a clutter of conventional buttons and knobs. The steering wheel’s dual five-way buttons and voice control allow the driver to take charge of the system without lifting a hand.
The 2011 Lincoln MKX available in both front-wheel- (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD). The MKX is equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine – producing 305 horsepower (HP) and 280 foot pounds of torque – fitted to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The official fuel economy estimates for the 2011 MKX are 19 city / 26 highway miles per gallon (MPG) with FWD and 17 city / 23 highway with AWD.
We traveled approximately 500 miles in our Bordeaux Red Reserve AWD review unit and met the official mileage estimates, with an average of 23.7 MPG on the Interstate highway and 19.6 MPG combined in winter temperatures and conditions. Temperatures ranged from the low-teens through the high-thirties, with Interstate highway testing temperatures in the twenties. The test vehicle was delivered with approximately 6100 miles on the odometer.
The 2011 MKX is equipped with premium painted 18-inch alloy wheels clad with P245/60R18 tires as standard equipment. Our test unit was equipped with the optional 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels wrapped with P245/50R-20 tires.
Interstate Mileage Testing:
- Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off/heat on, windows up: 22.8 MPG
- Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off/heat on, windows up: 24.4 MPG
The 305 HP V6 had no problem motivating the 4,429 pound (curb weight) AWD MKX from naught to sixty in approximately 6.5 seconds. The FWD MKX tips the scales at 4,251 pounds.
Highway driving range is acceptable when driven conservatively. The AWD MKX is fitted with a 20 gallon fuel tank, while the FWD MKX gets by with a slightly smaller 19 gallon tank. All MKX’s are designed to run 87 octane regular unleaded fuel.
The MKX is equipped with four wheel anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control.
The MKX’s innovative color digital LCD dashboard provides a simultaneous display of average and real-time fuel economy, allowing light-footed drivers to make the most out of every gallon.
The Selectshift six-speed automatic provides a manual mode to take charge over gear changes, when necessary.
We tested the MKX under winter conditions and found its intelligent AWD system to be surefooted and reliable. Mom will feel safe and secure driving over those snow-covered roads … and even more snug when the MKX is outfitted with the optional heated steering wheel.
Our test unit was equipped with the optional rear view camera and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert for safety in the parking lot and out on the highway.
The MKX’s luxurious cabin won rave reviews from all our passengers. This driver was quite content, as well. The sumptuous leather front bucket seats provide heating and cooling, ten-way power adjustment with two-way power lumbar and driver memory settings. Rear seat heating is optional.
The MyLincoln Touch flat-screen display and Microsoft SYNC deliver an unparalleled experience, although they can take some time to get used to. Dual five-way buttons and voice controls keep the driver’s hands on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Hands-free Bluetooth is standard.
There are 12-volt power outlets in the passenger footwell, in the center console, at the rear of the center console, and in the cargo area. A/V inputs, dual USB inputs, and a digital media slot can be found at the base of the dash.
Our tester was equipped with the optional 14-speaker THX-certified audio system. Hear a song on the HD Radio that you’d like to buy? iTunes tagging that allows tagged songs to be purchased from the iTunes store via iPod.
Other options included Adaptive HID headlights, panoramic vista roof, and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.
The relining second row will win plenty of fans, with 39.3 inches of rear seat head room and 39.6 inches of rear seat leg room.
The MKX was designed to haul home the goods in style, with rear seats that drop with the press of a button. The cargo area provides 32.3 cubic feet of storage with the 60/40 rear seat up and a generous 68.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.
All-in-all, the 2011 Lincoln MKX sets a high bar for luxury, safety, and technology features. This luxurious spaceship is sure to please the senses. But there’s plenty of room for improvement when it comes to MPGs, despite the MKX’s claim to best-in-class fuel economy. We hope to see an even more efficient EcoBoost engine in future models.
– by Daniel Gray