The redesigned 2011 Lincoln MKX two-row premium utility has earned an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” designation when built after February 2011, adding to its distinctive design, intuitive technology and best blend of power and fuel economy among V6 luxury premium utility competitors.
The latest 2011 MKX joins MKS flagship sedan, MKT three-row premium utility and MKZ luxury sedan in the IIHS winner’s circle. All Lincoln models feature a number of safety technologies such as advanced radar warning systems.
To earn the “Top Safety Pick” ranking from the IIHS, a vehicle must offer electronic stability control. Other core requirements include a rating of “good” in offset frontal-, side- and rear-impact crash tests and roof strength evaluations.
“New Lincoln models feature some of the most innovative safety technologies, and we are delighted that all are now rated ’Top Safety Picks’ by the IIHS,” said Scott Tobin, director, Lincoln Product Development. “Prestige and safety go hand in hand, and this is proof that Lincoln offers safety as another compelling reason to buy.”
In addition to standard electronic stability control, the Lincoln MKX premium utility features a solid unibody construction, which provides an energy-absorbing structure to help protect occupants. Bumper-to-bumper flow-through side rails, structural design and A-pillars are designed to better manage crash energy.
Nearly half of the stiff shell is composed of high-strength steels, such as boron, for both increased strength and reduced weight. When a crash becomes unavoidable, MKX relies on an array of airbags and other technologies to help protect occupants. Two front second-generation airbags and two side airbags are joined by a Safety Canopy consisting of side-curtain airbags for two rows of passengers.
The first row safety belts feature pretensioners and an energy management system with adjustable D-ring height in the first row. Owners were asked about their experience in the past 12 months with their 3-year-old vehicles. (For the 2011 study, 2008 model-year cars and trucks were surveyed).
Survey respondents were asked to indicate any problems they experienced with their vehicle in the previous 12 months, choosing from a list of more than 200 issues in eight diverse categories. The study also shows a strong link between reliability and purchase consideration.
Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of new-vehicle buyers say reliability/durability is one of the most important factors in choosing a new vehicle. Additionally, the study found that fuel economy is among the top 10 purchase considerations. Key competitors to the redesigned 2011 Lincoln MKX are the Audi Q5, Lexus RX and the Cadillac SRX.
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