That said, while many buyers will indeed cross-shop the Lincoln MKX against its luxury rivals, some of its fiercest competition may come from within the family fold: While the MKX starts at $46,250 and the Ford Edge starts at $31,349 (both before destination fees), there’s a significant price crossover between the two, with a top-spec Edge offering luxury and performance that’s nearly equivalent to an upper-trim MKX, at a lower-trim MKX price. My EcoBoost-powered MKX tester, which includes the Reserve trim 102A Equipment Package and the Climate Package, priced out at $56,300 before options and $64,990 as tested (before destination fees). If you can live without things like the Revel Ultima audio, massaging seats and carpeted cargo area, a Ford Edge Sport with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine starts at $46,399, and can be had similarly equipped to the Reserve trim Lincoln for $52,899 by the time you add on the various equivalent options such as the panoramic sunroof and the 401A Package (which includes Driver Assistance technologies, enhanced active park assist, 180 degree front camera, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, HID headlights and such) – about a $12,000 difference.

For those who place a premium on luxury, however, the redesigned MKX makes a far bolder statement than even a well-equipped Ford Edge, while remaining price competitive with its Japanese midsize luxury SUV competitors and costing significantly less than its German rivals. Whether it can lure more buyers from these luxury competitors than it loses to its Ford cousin remains to be seen, but for those in the market it certainly deserves a look, and the early sales numbers seem to indicate that a lot of luxury SUV buyers like what they see.

Warranty:
4 years/80,000 km; 6 years/110,000 km powertrain; 5 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 6 years/110,000 km roadside assistance

Competitors:
Acura MDX
BMW X5
Cadillac SRX / XT5
Ford Edge
Lexus RX 350
Mercedes-Benz GLE

Pricing: 2016 Lincoln MKX AWD
Base price: $45,890
Options: $19,100 (Reserve Equipment Group 102A with Climate Package and panoramic roof $5,100; 2.7L Ecoboost Package with 21-inch alloy wheels $2,950; Cargo Utility Package $350; Technology Package $1,100; Driver Assist Package $1,950; Luxury Package $5,500; All-weather floor mats $150; Class II Trailer Tow Package $500; Aluminum trim applique $250; 22-way power seats $1,175; Enhanced security $75)
Freight: $1,800
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $66,890

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