Luxury Crossover Defies Odds: 1,000-Mile Desert Endurance Test Conquered!

The article describes a comparison test of premium two-row crossover utility vehicles (CUVs), a segment that remains popular despite the growth of seven-seat alternatives. Many automakers, including Audi, Infiniti, and Volvo, are investing in these "small, snappy CUVs" for discerning customers who value luxury, performance, and fun and are willing to spend upwards of $40,000.

MotorTrend conducted a rigorous 1,000-mile comparison test featuring four first-class CUVs: the all-new Acura RDX, Land Rover LR2, and Lincoln MKX, along with the familiar BMW X3. All these vehicles shared common luxury features such as leather-appointed interiors, navigation systems, Xenon headlamps, premium sound systems, all-wheel drive, and engines producing well over 200 horsepower. The extensive testing regimen covered diverse terrains, starting with off-road prowess and beach benevolence at the sandy Dumont Dunes near the Mojave National Preserve. Following this, the crossovers were evaluated for ride, comfort, and luxury on highways and byways around Devils Playground. The comparison concluded with rigorous handling loops in the San Gabriel Mountains to assess chassis dynamics.

Among the contenders, the Lincoln MKX, the sole American entry, unfortunately did not fare well in the overall evaluation, earning a fourth-place finish. Weighing in at a hefty 4618 pounds, which is 308 pounds more than the next heaviest vehicle (LR2) and nearly 700 pounds more than the lightest (RDX), the MKX was criticized for feeling "sloppy and overweight." Its dynamics were described as untidy, with languid responses, overwhelming understeer, and poor steering feel, which editor-at-large St. Antoine deemed an "oxymoron." The suspension was noted for being "all over the road," with premature and frequent intervention from the traction control, resulting in a lack of composure through curves, characterized by excessive rolling, squatting, and diving. The brakes also received criticism for a mushy pedal and fade-prone performance.

Despite its dynamic shortcomings, the Lincoln MKX presented some notable merits. Its robust 3.5-liter V-6 engine, producing 265 horsepower, enabled respectable acceleration numbers, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the quarter mile in 15.9 seconds at 86.4 mph, surpassing the LR2's performance. The soft suspension, a liability in spirited driving, proved to be a significant asset on the highway, delivering the "cushiest, most serene ride" among the group. Furthermore, the MKX demonstrated strong off-road capability in the dunes, performing reliably throughout the day. While its retro interior, featuring square gauges reminiscent of a 1971 oven to art director Voehringer, and sterile ambiance were not universally appreciated, the cabin offered practical advantages including the most accommodating back seat, the widest and largest cargo hold, and heated and cooled front seats. Voehringer summarized the MKX as "A biopsy of the quintessential American luxury vehicle-big, wide, and soft, with a few handy-dandy features as a bonus." However, the combination of its dire dynamics in the mountains, a stiff $44,000 price tag, and the inexplicable absence of a manual mode for its six-speed transmission ultimately contributed to its lower ranking in this demanding luxury crossover comparison.