Space and power versus stylish and smooth
We put Lincoln up against Lexus in a battle between their two luxury SUVs
The Lincoln MKX is proof that the American luxury automaker has been taking notes from its competitors, but to see if it’s up to par with its rivals, we put it head-to-head with the best in the business.
The Lexus RX has been recently updated. Luxury crossover buyers have consistently turned to the Japanese automaker, and it’s easy to see why: the RX is affordable, promises good reliability and quality while boasting an effortless driving experience. It’s a luxury SUV through and through. The RX problem But the RX didn’t innovate in some areas, while radically changing in others. For starters, the 3.5-litre V6 found under the hood is practically the same as it was in the past generation, packing less than 300 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque.
There were some technical updates to the engine in the form of an all- new cylinder head design, variable valve timing and the ability to switch the engine into a more Atkinsoncycle mode from the traditional ottocycle, but nothing radical.
The engine is paired to a smoothshifting, eight-speed automatic transmission.
This is all well and good, and the changes definitely make the vehicle more efficient, but it’s hardly sexy or game changing.
On the road, the Lexus’s powertrain has one hardly noticeable advantage: it’s smooth. Although a smooth engine isn’t a trait that elicits hoots and hollers, it is something that luxury car buyers are looking for, and the Lexus delivers exactly that. Exterior On the other hand, the new look for the RX is a polarizing change.
With more crazy angles than a Michael Bay movie, the Lexus transformed from a snoozefest into a sci-fi movie’s most impossible spacecraft. And while we usually stray from discussing exterior design since it’s always subjective, there’s something we can all agree on: the Lexus RX can never be called boring-looking again.
For those looking for a more conservative design, the Lincoln is a better choice. Lincoln is still experimenting with new design language, so the MKX sports the old split-wing grille up front and a long light bar at the back.
Unlike the Lexus, the Lincoln doesn’t hide its traditional shape or design with any mind-altering angles.
The only design cues that pop out with the Lincoln are the big wheels and the LED elements on the front bumper that blend nicely with the chrome trim. Interior The two vehicles carry their respective themes into the cabin, where the Lincoln is again conservatively styled, and the Lexus is more otherworldly. I think the RX 350’s red leather interior looks good, which is rare for me.
Somehow, the colour doesn’t look ostentatious, possibly because it suits the bizarre layout of the Lexus. Like the exterior, there are angles everywhere, and a number of different accents and trim materials.
The Lincoln isn’t bad in comparison, but it just doesn’t wow you in the same way. Notably, there are a few plastic panels that seem out of place in a luxury car. Flimsy and cheap feeling, it contrasts the Lexus in an obvious way.
At least the Lincoln is easy to use. While the MKX uses the last-generation Mylincoln Touch infotainment
system, it is still easier to use than Lexus’s Remote Touch system, which feels like it requires too much attention to do things accurately on the screen while you’re driving.
Using a mouse-like joystick while the Lincoln uses a touchscreen, it feels like the Lexus is never on the same page as me. The Lincoln also features a solid Revel audio system, which is at the same level as Lexus’s Mark Levinson setup.
Seats and safety
The seats are another highlight in the Lincoln. Upholstered in a soft, smooth cowhide from the Bridge of Weir Leather company, the buckets are power adjustable 22 ways.
They also feature a massage func- tion. Lincoln says this feature was designed in part with orthopedic surgeons, and uses a continuous motion in the seat to mitigate back pain. Speaking from experience, this feature is extremely beneficial on long trips and while stuck in traffic.
Both cars come with a number of safety systems and driver aids. Notably, they come with features such as adaptive cruise control, but the other available systems, such as lane keep assist, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring and the rearview camera, are extremely helpful while piloting vehicles of this size.
The Lincoln gets bonus points for its 360-degree camera and parking technology, while the Lexus is available with a colour head-up display.
Turbo engine
Under the hood, Lincoln makes a bigger splash than its Japanese rival. A twin-turbo V6 engine puts out 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. It’s far more impressive than what’s in the Lexus in terms of performance, and makes the Lincoln feel faster and more confident on the road.
There’s a tiny bit of turbo lag and the engine peaks a bit before red line. If you want a sportier drive, the Lincoln MKX will do the trick.
Road manners
As expected, the pairing of this forcefed engine and its six-speed automatic are no match for the fuel economy-focused Lexus. The Lincoln nets about 12.1 l/100 km combined in all-wheel drive guise, while the Lexus is good to get about 10.6 l/100 km combined.
It’s important to note that Lexus’s eight-speed transmission, like the engine, is smooth in every way possible. Each shift is smooth and well timed, while the MKX can shift a bit harshly.
Once on the road, all those vast differences between the engines and styling are moot. The Lexus drives like a luxury car, while the Lincoln just doesn’t meet those standards yet.
Where the RX always feels like it’s floating over everything, the MKX plonks and thuds on the road. Adjusting the Lincoln’s damping system helps make the car bounce a bit over imperfections and hills in the road, turning the car into a bit of a boat, rocking forwards and backwards. The suspension setup in the Lexus is more composed, refined and settled, giving a luxurious ride without making it feel overly disconnected or causing sea sickness.
One is spacious, the other looks like a spacecraft
The Lincoln is extremely quiet inside, but equipped with the moonroof, it features less headroom in the front and rear of the vehicle than the Lexus. There’s more rear-seat leg room in the MKX and, overall, much more cargo room. The Lincoln features 1.05 cubic metres compared to 0.5 cubic metres in the Lexus, and when you fold the rear seats, the MKX has 1.94 cubes of storage, compared to 1.59 in the RX 350.
Pricing
The Lincoln will also be the more affordable option at the base level. The American crossover starts at $43,962 and comes with standard all-wheel drive with the 3.7-litre V6.
The Lexus starts at $54,350 for a base RX 350. But then the Lincoln jumps to $61,964 when equipped with the EcoBoost 2.7L V6 and the other options we had on our tester, including the 22-way adjustable seats, safety and driver aids along with the upgraded sound system.
The Lexus topped out at $68,400 as-tested with the AWD F-Sport package along with all the bells and whistles.
The verdict
On paper, the two cars seem to be miles apart on a number of subjects.
The Lincoln is more powerful and spacious, the Lexus more stylish and smooth. On the road, the Lexus exudes confidence, and it not only feels like a true luxury car, but like one at the top of its segment.
The Lincoln isn’t yet at that level, but offers a number of redeeming features, including more power. Solid technology and a number of available features also give the Lincoln solid value.
But if you’re looking for the best luxury crossover, get the Lexus. It’s eye-catching, comfortable, more fuel efficient and a breeze to drive.