In keeping with tradition, Lincoln’s 2009 MKX is long on luxury and long on price. Basically a dressed up Ford Edge with a bit more chrome, a distinctive grille, and a few more standard luxury features, the ’09 MKX is a carryover from 2008. The latest MKX is still delivered in two trims, FWD and AWD, with both trims offering the same impressive list of standard features. Both MKX trims are equipped with a 3.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve Duratec V6 with a six-speed automatic overdrive transmission. This venerable powerplant puts out 265 hp at 6,250 RPM and 250 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM and is carried nicely on a four-wheel independent suspension. One 2009 MKX owner considers the engine a tad underpowered. EPA gas mileage estimates for the FWD trim are 16/24 mpg, with 15/22 for the AWD, which Lincoln claims as “Best In Class” for midsize luxury CUVs (crossover utility vehicles) in 2008. Standard features for the 2009 MKX include 18-inch aluminum wheels, chrome beltline molding, a leather-wrapped telescoping steering wheel, illuminating front and rear vanity mirrors, power doors, windows, and mirrors, a 6-CD/MP3 player with six speakers and Sirius satellite radio, dual-zone air-conditioning, heated and cooled front seats with driver’s seat memory (a real hit with most owners in ’08), and the SYNC voice-activated, Bluetooth-capable communications system. The MKX also comes with a sizeable 68.6 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seat folded down. Believe it or not, the 2009 MKX even has a few hefty options packages, like the Elite Package, with a THX-certified audio system with 14 speakers, DVD entertainment, the Panoramic Vista Roof, and a hard-disk-based and voice-activated nav system. In addition, both MKX trims can be ordered with upgraded leather upholstery, 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, and a rear power liftgate, three options that especially impressed owners in 2008. Other options available include a trailer tow package (each trim will tow up to 3,500 pounds), heated rear seats, and ebony wood-grain appliqués. A few things drivers of the ’08 Lincoln MKX felt could be improved upon include "soft" brakes, a lack of directional blinkers on the exterior mirrors, and more comfortable front seats. Some owners mention that the instrument cluster was a bit difficult to read, and several note the lack of an available rear back-up camera system. Safety features on both the FWD and AWD MKX for ’09 include four-wheel ABS, dual stage front airbags, first and second row side curtain airbags, traction control, an antiskid system, the SOS post-crash alert system, an electronic passive anti-theft system (EPATS), dual-stage front airbags with an occupant sensing system, and the Personal Safety System with seatbelt pre-tensioners, a crash severity sensor, and load-limiting retractors. The MKX received the best rating of “good” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for frontal offset and side impact protection. Shoppers should keep in mind that the 2009 AWD MKX may be good in snow, but isn’t designed for off-road use.