Lincoln gets its first crossover SUV via the new MKX. The five-passenger, unibody vehicle with cross-member ladder frames is a sleek looking cruiser. And it’s a quick-gun – getting power from a 3.5-liter V6 (producing 265 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 240-250 peak torque at 4500 rpm). The engine mates to a debuting 6-speed automatic transmission, which provides a 7% percent up-tick in fuel economy when compared to a 4-speed automatic transmission. MKX’s fully independent suspension nicely compliments the power spectrum. The 111.2-inch wheelbase crossover vehicle – a sibling to the Ford Edge – provides 8 inches of ground clearance. When rear seats are folded, there’s more than 68 cubic feet of cargo space. Rear seat passengers, however, appreciate the up to 15 degrees of recline.

While there are plenty of standards on MKX (such as 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, fog lamps, electronic message center, speed sensitive wipers), there are also plenty of options (such as the $1,995 DVD navigation system, $295 heated rear seats, and a $1,295 rear seat entertainment system). Opting for the $1,995 Ultimate Package adds some nice features, like heated/cooled front seats, a reverse-gear activated sensing system, and adaptive headlamps that swivel with the steering wheel to illuminate an additional 36 feet of winding roadway. The MKX with AWD gets per gallon fuel economy estimates of 17 city/24 highway and carries a MSRP of $35,770.